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Organization: Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics
Country: Germany
Website: https://www.iml.fraunhofer.de/en/fields_of_activity/material-flow-systems/iot-and-embedded-systems/evobot.html
Year Founded: 1981
Number of Employees: 500+
Innovation Class: Technology, Product & Services

evoBOT is the kind of robot that stands out the moment you look at it. Its unique and seemingly simple design doesn’t resemble any other autonomous mobile robot (AMR) on the market today. Designed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), the robot consists of two wheels and gripper arms. If you’re looking at it head-on while it’s zooming around without any cargo, the robot simply looks like an arch with wheels attached at the bottom.

The robot uses these arms to grip boxes by applying pressure from each side, and it maintains balance as it zips across airports. It keeps its balance using a dynamically stable system based on the principle of an inverted pendulum, which means it doesn’t have an external counterweight. Its ability to balance enables it to move on different and uneven surfaces.

evoBOT can reach a maximum speed of up to 60 kph (37.2 mph) and can transport a load of up to 100 kg (220.4 lb.). It can handle hazardous goods, transport parcels for longer recurring distances, and relieve employees during lifting and overhead work. The mobile manipulator can also procure materials and provide support during the loading and unloading of an aircraft.

Last year, evoBOT completed its first test run at the Munich Airport. There, it performed a practical test in the cargo terminal and on the apron of the airport.

These tests further proved the versatility of Fraunhofer IML’s system, setting it up for potential deployments in numerous industries. evoBOT’s innovative design sets it apart from its AMR counterparts, and it has the capabilities to back that up.

Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024.

RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024