ABB Robotics, the pioneering force behind some of the world's most advanced robotic systems, has unveiled its latest innovation – the Flexley Tug T702, the company's first autonomous mobile robot (AMR) equipped with cutting-edge AI-based Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology and a revolutionary new software suite called AMR Studio.

This groundbreaking development follows on the heels of ABB's strategic acquisition of Sevensense, a spin-off from the prestigious ETH Zurich, earlier this year. The company's interest in Sevensense stemmed from a desire to imbue its AMRs with enhanced autonomy and cognitive intelligence, paving the way for the Flexley Tug T702's industry-leading capabilities.

"Following our acquisition of Sevensense in January, I'm pleased to offer our first AMR with AI-based Visual SLAM technology and AMR Studio software," stated Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics. "This combination of mobile robotics and leading AI-powered navigation technology brings unmatched intralogistics flexibility and scalability for ABB's customers, in an environment that is shifting from linear production to dynamic manufacturing networks."

Unlocking the Power of Visual SLAM At the core of the Flexley Tug T702's prowess lies Visual SLAM technology, a cutting-edge fusion of artificial intelligence and 3D vision that empowers robots to make intelligent decisions and differentiate between fixed and mobile objects in ever-changing environments. By harnessing Visual SLAM, ABB's AMRs can create detailed maps of their surroundings, enabling them to operate autonomously, reduce commissioning time from weeks to days, and navigate even the most complex, dynamic settings alongside human workers.

Moreover, ABB's robots are continuously updating these environmental maps and sharing the latest data across the entire fleet, ensuring seamless scalability and unparalleled flexibility compared to traditional navigation technologies. This breakthrough is a direct result of ABB's strategic investment in Sevensense in 2021 and the subsequent acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics for $190 million the same year, a move that allowed the company to integrate Sevensense's VSLAM technology into its AMR offerings.

Introducing AMR Studio: Simplifying Configuration and Fleet Management Complementing the power of Visual SLAM is ABB's newly launched AMR Studio software, a revolutionary platform designed to streamline the configuration and management of AMR fleets. With AMR Studio, even first-time robot users can effortlessly program and operate entire fleets without the need for extensive programming knowledge.

The software guides users through every step of the process, from environment mapping and mission generation to system configuration, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience. Once the fleet is operational, AMR Studio's Fleet Manager puts users in complete control of their shop floor operations, offering real-time visualization, data monitoring, and intelligent order assignment algorithms for optimal efficiency.

Moreover, AMR Studio's flexible, user-friendly interface empowers customers to easily scale their AMR fleets by adding new routes and modifying existing systems with minimal effort, providing unparalleled agility in adapting to evolving business needs.

A Future of Autonomous Intralogistics With the Flexley Tug T702 and the introduction of AMR Studio, ABB has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in the realm of autonomous intralogistics. The company's commitment to cutting-edge AI and robotics technologies has yielded a solution that promises to revolutionize material handling and logistics operations across a wide range of industries, from automotive and consumer goods to large-scale warehousing and fulfillment centers.

"The AMR T702 is a perfect match for a wide range of industries, especially in large, busy warehouses and fulfillment centers where the environment is constantly changing," Segura affirmed, underscoring the robot's versatility and adaptability.

As the demand for agile, scalable, and intelligent logistics solutions continues to rise, ABB's visionary integration of Visual SLAM and AMR Studio positions the company at the forefront of this rapidly evolving landscape. With plans to expand its AMR portfolio with these groundbreaking technologies, ABB is poised to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous material handling, ushering in a new era of efficiency, flexibility, and operational excellence.