ABB launches autonomous mobile robots under new brand name

ASTI Mobile Robotics' solutions will be integrated into ABB's portfolio under the new brand name Flexley, with the name intended to refer to the operational flexibility offered by the AMRs. The first to be launched will be the Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover models, which will be capable of pulling trolleys up to 2,000 kg and lifting and transporting racks, containers and pallets up to 1,500 kg. "At a time when companies are looking for robotic solutions to become more efficient, flexible and resilient, we are the only company that supports them with an integrated offering of AMRs, robots and machine automation technologies," said Marc Segura, head of ABB's Robotics Division.

In addition to ASTI's laser scanner-based 2D SLAM navigation, future ABB autonomous mobile robots will also benefit from Swiss start-up and ABB partner Sevensense Robotics' innovative VSLAM technology, which enables mobile robots to navigate complex and dynamic environments and offers new possibilities for flexible manufacturing. The AI-based technology lets ABB's AMRs act as autonomously as the arms of ABB robots, while helping to make work more productive and safer for humans. "The market for autonomous mobile robots is expected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate of about 24% between 2021 and 2028*," said Verónica Pascual Boé, head of the AMR business unit at ABB Robotics. "By integrating ASTI's AMR product range and establishing our global manufacturing and support network, we are well equipped to meet this growth. We are also providing our customers with new capabilities to address their supply chain-related challenges and meet the demands for greater flexibility and speed as Internet commerce increases."