MC600 mobile manipulator extends reach to heavy objects

Practical mobile manipulation has long been a goal of robotics developers, and Teradyne Inc. has combined the products of two of its companies. The MC600 combines a MiR600 autonomous mobile robot (AMR) from Mobile Industrial Robots A/S with a UR30 collaborative robot from Universal Robots A/S.

“By integrating the ‘legs’ of a mobile robot with the ‘arms’ of a cobot, the MC600 addresses multiple automation workflow challenges such as palletizing and machine tending with one system,” stated Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR).

“While some companies have explored robots or one-off custom mobile cobot solutions for such tasks, they remain far from widespread industrial use,” he said. “The MC600 is ready today to safely handle these complex automation challenges.”

Teradyne Robotics worked with MiR Go partner Enabled Robotics, which developed the middle module to connect the UR cobot to MiR’s AMR. Enabled Robotics’ unified software platform coordinates the parts, simplifies integration into existing workflows, and ensures smooth operation.

The MiR MC600 builds on the success of the smaller MC250 and can automate tasks such as palletizing and box handling that were previously inaccessible to smaller cobots. It can handle payloads up to 600 kg (1,322 lb.).

The MC600 can improve productivity by operating with little downtime, serving multiple machines, and performing continuous material-handling tasks, according to MiR. This enables businesses to redeploy human workers to higher-value assignments.

In addition, by taking over the movement of heavy goods, the MC600 can improve ergonomics, reducing physical strain on workers and enhancing workplace safety.

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