»Automobil Industrie« China

A Journey of Technological Evolution

Since the introduction of its first generation AMR in 2015, Hikrobot has embarked on a relentless pursuit of technological advancements, expanding its AMR portfolio to over 1,450 unique models. The company's comprehensive range of AMRs encompasses a variety of types, including Latent Mobile Robots (LMR), Forklift Mobile Robots (FMR), Carton Transfer Units (CTU), Conveyor Mobile Robots (CMR), Heavy Mobile Robots (HMR), etc, tailored to address the specific needs of a wide spectrum of applications, such as manufacturing, logistics, automotive, lithium battery, photovoltaic, 3C, retail, and medicine.

Over the years, Hikrobot has undergone four major iterations of its core software architecture, continuously refining its AMRs' intelligence and autonomy. This unwavering commitment to innovation has resulted in the development of cutting-edge technologies that empower AMRs to navigate complex environments, collaborate seamlessly with human workers, and optimize material handling processes.

2015-2017 V1.0:

Launched a robot control system based on warehouse scheduling scenarios, introduced an intelligent warehouse management system for the consumer electronics/e-commerce industry

2017-2019 V2.0:

Introduced a robot control system with a task template concept to better adapt to workshop delivery scenarios

2019-2021 V3.0:

Launched a mixed scheduling robot control system that can support multiple robot types

2022 V4.0:

Introduced a process engine to provide low-code secondary development capabilities, enabling greater user involvement

Unwavering Commitment to R&D

Beyond product diversification, Hikrobot has made significant strides in core technology development, establishing its own R&D capabilities for AMR electrical control, electrical drive, and power control systems. The company's electrical control portfolio encompasses core controllers, expansion controllers, and communication modules, ensuring complete control and optimization of AMR performance.

In 2020, Hikrobot achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing the world's first SIL3 functional safety certification for its AMR safety controller. This accreditation underscores the company's dedication to ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability in its AMR solutions.

Further demonstrating its commitment to innovation, Hikrobot unveiled its next-generation architecture platform, the "Intelligent Base," in 2021. This groundbreaking platform empowers AMRs with enhanced intelligence and autonomy, enabling them to adapt to dynamic environments and collaborate effectively with human workers.

Expanding Horizons: From Manufacturing to Logistics

Driven by its expanding business, Hikrobot has continuously broadened its industry reach, developing comprehensive solutions that cater to a diverse range of sectors.

The company's automotive solutions encompass the entire production process, from stamping, welding, and painting to final assembly, and extend to the battery, electric drive, and electronic control (three electrics) segments of new energy vehicles.

In the photovoltaic industry, Hikrobot's solutions span silicon materials, crystal pulling, wafer slicing, cell production, and module assembly. Its lithium-ion battery solutions cover cell and pack manufacturing processes.

Hikrobot's 3C solutions provide a comprehensive suite of automation capabilities for the 3C (electronics, computers, and communications) industry, encompassing the entire supply chain from raw material warehousing to product line feeding and finished product management. The distribution solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, fresh food, supermarkets, apparel, and e-commerce.

As of the end of 2023, the company has delivered over 80,000 mobile robots, serving more than 2,000 customers worldwide.

AI-Powered Harmony: Enabling Human-Robot Collaboration

Hikrobot has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate its AMRs' capabilities, enabling them to operate seamlessly alongside human workers.

For individual decision-making, AI-powered path planning algorithms enable AMRs to generate optimal routes in milliseconds, ensuring efficient and collision-free navigation.

AI also plays a crucial role in group decision-making, enabling AMRs to collaborate effectively in complex environments. By leveraging machine learning techniques, AMRs can anticipate and respond to dynamic changes in their surroundings, optimizing task allocation and resource utilization.

As AMRs become more intelligent, they gain flexibility and can operate smoothly in human-interactive environments. 

Since 2018, mobile robots are increasingly used in production workshops, working alongside humans. This presents challenges for harmonious coexistence, requiring higher sensing, control, and decision-making capabilities. Hikrobot employs deep learning algorithms to enhance single-robot intelligence, effectively recognizing personnel, racks, pallets, and machines, ensuring safe human-robot collaboration.

Notably, Hikrobot has also implemented advanced "robots manufacturing robots" production lines in some smart factories.

Continuous Innovation: Paving the Way for the Future

The rollout of the 100,000th mobile robot represents not just a numerical milestone but a testament to Hikrobot's unwavering commitment to innovation and industry leadership. For three consecutive years, the company has held the top position in global AMR shipments according to Interact Analysis, a leading market research firm.

Looking ahead, Hikrobot remains steadfast in its pursuit of AMR technology advancement and innovation, driven by the vision of transforming global manufacturing and logistics industries through intelligent automation. The company is committed to expanding the application of AMRs across diverse domains, showcasing the transformative power of this technology in shaping the future of industrial operations.