ERA-AMR project: Optimized drive systems for AMRs

Ilmenau,

23. January 2025

The Institute of Microelectronic and Mechatronic Systems (IMMS) and MetraLabs launched the ERA-AMR project on January 14, 2025. The aim of the project, which will run for one year, is to develop innovative drive systems for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Joint project between IMMS and MetraLabs to set new standards

Erik Wolf, Senior Developer at MetraLabs, explains: “There are already a number of autonomous robots on the market that can move forwards, backwards, around bends and turn on the spot using simple drives.” AMRs are already increasing efficiency in industry and relieving employees of repetitive and simple tasks, such as transporting materials or stocktaking.

"However, AMRs with simple “drives quickly reach their limits, for example with high loads or certain movements, such as sideways.”

Erik Wolf

Solving these problems is both “more demanding in terms of development” and “significantly more expensive”, Wolf continues. Depending on the type of application, there are different goals and conditions that need to be taken into account during development.

Setting new standards

Innovative drive concepts alone are not enough: “For these technological improvements, we will primarily be working on a software-based modeling tool,” says Dr. Ludwig Herzog, Head of Mechatronics at IMMS. It is intended to help with the design of drive systems by calculating key figures on the basis of defined requirements. The specifications are also incorporated into the development of the AMR control system so that these can be optimally implemented according to targets such as energy efficiency or speed.

Erik Wolf: “We are looking forward to being able to use the new IMMS modeling tool to create an optimal drive concept from all the defined requirements in the project and thus also a prototype for a new autonomous robot”. (…) “Our approach promises a significant increase in performance compared to conventional drives and will set new standards in mobile robotics and automation”.

The joint project “ERA-AMR – Development and implementation of optimized drive systems for autonomous mobile robots” is funded by the Free State of Thuringia’s funding programme for research, technology and innovation (FTI) as a research and development project Thüringen Verbund Dynamik under the project number 2024 VDY 0045 and co-financed by the European Union.

About MetraLabs

MetraLabs GmbH is based in Ilmenau, Thuringia. Founded in 2001, the company specializes in the development and production of mobile service robots for use in retail, industry, culture and research. MetraLabs launched the world’s first interactive shopping robot in 2007. The focus is currently on robotic solutions for inventory and transportation tasks as well as advertising and interaction.