Mobile robots
Mobile robotics can be a real game changer in many projects. Mobile robots are powerful tools, which autonomy can take over from humans strenuous or dangerous tasks.
What is an autonomous mobile robot?
An autonomous mobile robot is a robot that can move around in an open or closed space. It does not remain stationary in one position. The autonomous mobile robot can map its environment and navigate on its own, without being controlled by an operator.
Autonomous mobile robots do not need any external relays to operate (such as beacons). Instead, they use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) technology, which enables them to build a map of their environment in real time, and do some self-localization. If needed, autonomous mobile robots can also be remotely operated.
Usually, an autonomous mobile robot is made up of:
- A chassis (with motors and controller)
- An embedded computer
- A battery
- Sensors (at least a LiDAR)
- Actuators
The sensors and actuators will change depending on the tasks the robot has to perform.
Types of sensors:
- Thermal sensor
- Panoramic camera
- Gas sensor
- Motion sensor
- Microphone
- Etc
Type of actuators:
- Robotic arm
- Screen
- Speakers
- Drone
- Etc
Mobile robots: missions and applications
In which situations can mobile robotics be a real advantage? We won't list the many tasks a robot can take over from humans, there are too many. We will list the one we are familiar with at Génération Robots.
Missions where a robot can be essential, or mandatory:
- Nuclear dismantling
- Space exploration (rovers, sample collection, etc)
- Heavy equipment transport (construction sites, rescue missions, scientific missions, etc.)
- Transport of mail, medication, light equipment, within a single building, a complex or a district
- Robotised cowshed cleaning
- Surveillance and preventive maintenance of sensitive sites (SEVESO sites, airports, oil & gas)
- Etc
How to choose the right mobile robot for your project?
The environment and the terrain are both major considerations, as they cannot be easily changed.
Depending on the environment and the terrain on which the robot will drive, as well as its missions, the locomotion will be different:
- Mecanum wheels ➡ allows lateral movements, suitable for warehouses and indoor navigation (Clearpath Robotics' Dingo robot type)
- All-terrain wheels ➡ for outdoor navigation, suitable for exploration missions, agriculture, etc (RR100 robot type from Generation Robots)
- Tracked ➡ outdoor navigation, on uneven terrain (potholes, small ditches, rocks, steps, etc) (Bunker Pro robot type)
- 4 legs ➡ allows robots to move on stairs or rocks (Spot robot type)
You will also need to consider the following features:
- The payload (does the robot need to carry heavy equipment?)
- Autonomy (an important factor in surveillance and security missions)
- Agility (speed and turning radius)
- The budget allocated to the project
Other factors, such as the possibility to quickly add extra addons, can also be important. Agilex mobile robots are equipped with rails that allow for quick customization.
Finally, ROS/ROS 2 compatibility is often a major factor in the choice of a mobile base, especially for research and R&D centers. All our mobile robots are ROS compatible.
This battery is compatible with TurtleBot3 and Robotis OP robots and incorporates a protection system.
The RS-LiDAR-16 for Unitree robots is a miniature 16-beam 3D LiDAR with a range of 150 metres and accuracy of 2 cm.
The A01 ball caster is fully compatible with the plate of your Turtlebot3 Waffle Pi robot.
Need an extra battery for your Spot robot? This charging case is an accessory you should always have to hand to make the very most of your quadruped robot!
Simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM), exploration, security inspection, reconnaissance... the AgileX research and development kit is an excellent choice if you have a Jetson Nano, and for anyone wanting to try it out!
The pro version of the AgileX R&D kit allows you to take your development of robotic autonomous navigation and SLAM applications even further. It has an even more powerful processor and sensors!
The AgileX Autopilot Kit offers a complete system for the autonomous GPS navigation of a high-performance robotics chassis. It’s a Linux-programmable, fully ROS-compatible platform you can use for working on a wide variety of applications.
The AgileX ROS 2 EDU Kit is the world’s first ROS 2 mobile robot open-source navigation education kit. Mounted on a mobile platform (sold separately), it is capable of avoiding obstacles, following a set itinerary and exploring unknown territory.
Aliengo is a real-time exploration, navigation and mapping robot designed by Unitree Robotics. While ideal for professional and industrial environments, it’s also an excellent tool for research and teaching.
The Aliengo robot dog battery provides up to 4.5 hours of autonomy for all the routine operations carried out by your four-legged mobile platform.
Equipped with wheels, the B-W robot can move quickly on flat surfaces (up to 7 m/s).
The B1 robot dog designed by Unitree Robotics is dust and waterproof and stands out for its agility, speed and ability to carry heavy loads of 40 kg.
This B1 robot dog battery offers approximately 2 hours of continuous operation.
While it’s true that there are already lots of ways to charge your Spot mobile robot, this charging station could well revolutionise the way you use your Boston Dynamics platform – and push the boundaries of your research and development work!
Both robust and compact, the Boxer Mobile Robot is an indoor platform designed for developing robotic solutions and technologies. 100% ROS, it offers a wide range of possibilities for researchers and designers.
The AgileX Bunker Mini 2.0 tracked mobile robot is a small UGV that performs well on all terrains.
The Bunker Pro mobile robot is a tracked UGV robot with a heavy-duty design. It can handle the toughest terrain, both indoors and out, while putting up a solid defence against dust and water.
The Diablo robot is equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and voice recognition, making it a powerful tool for Learning and Research.
This Dingo robotic platform was designed by Clearpath for indoor education and research applications. It comes in two versions: differential drive or omnidirectional drive.
Make sure you have an extra Leo Rover battery in case you need a back-up power supply for your mobile robot!
Go1 Air is the standard model in the Unitree Go1 series, it will follow its owner with ease, avoid obstacles and carry small loads.
Go1 Pro is the mid-range model in the Go1 series. It has 3 processors, 5 Super Sensory Systems and an ultra-efficient side-follow system.
Extend the life of your Unitree Robotics Go 1 Quadruped Robot by adding an extra battery!