This section provides an overview for transport robots as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 51 transport robot manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked transport robot companies as of November, 2024: 1.Tekmos, 2.TERADYNE, 3.GKS Lifting & Moving Solutions, LLC.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Transport Robots
A transport robot is an industrial robot that is installed between assembly and processing machines to switch between processes automatically.
There are various types of transfer robots, from those that use sensors to set the position to be moved to those that use image recognition to automatically determine the transfer destination. Specifically, there are sliders suitable for simple applications, SCARA robots that are effective in EMS applications, and autonomous robots that can move freely within a factory.
Sliders are characterized by their ability to move in only two directions (one axis). Servo motors or stepping motors are used as motors.
The simplicity of the mechanism makes it possible to use sliders at low cost. They are also used for transporting heavy objects and loading/unloading trucks.
SCARA robots are articulated robots that specialize in horizontal movement. It plays the role of grabbing a workpiece that has been conveyed from a conveyor and moving it to a conveyor next to it, or placing it in a container.
The advantage of these robots is that they can be operated in a small space, and in addition to transport robots, they are also used for assembling workpieces and tightening screws.
Autonomous robots specialize in moving workpieces to remote locations within a factory. They are also called "AMR," an abbreviation for "autonomous mobile robot."
The unique feature of this system is that humans and robots can work together to perform transport tasks. An example of an application would be in a warehouse, where a person takes items from a rack and an autonomous robot transports the items.
The advantages of introducing autonomous robots include reductions in worker travel distance and manpower.
When a transport robot recognizes a workpiece and moves it, the XYZ coordinates can be set in advance to allow the robot to operate. Another method that has recently become mainstream is coordinate recognition using image recognition.
The system takes pictures from the top and determines the space. The system then automatically determines where the cargo should be loaded and loads it. The advantage is that the coordinates do not need to be set in advance, but the disadvantage is that the cost is somewhat high.
A typical robot consists of six axes. The reason for this is that when the position and posture of an object is expressed in a Cartesian coordinate system in three-dimensional space, there are six degrees of freedom: one degree of freedom in each of the XYZ axes and one degree of freedom in each of the directions around the XYZ axes. The fact that the robot has 6 degrees of freedom enables it to work in three dimensions while controlling its position and posture.
An industrial robot consists of a manipulator that performs operations, a controller that moves and controls the manipulator, and a programming pendant that teaches the manipulator how to operate. Basically, these are the three elements.
The six axes of the manipulator are generally controlled by AC servo motors. Each of the six is divided into the following six categories: body turning, lower arm to move the body back and forth, upper arm to move the arm up and down, wrist turning to rotate the arm, and wrist rotation to rotate the wrist.
There are several types of Transport Robots. The following are typical examples of Transport Robots.
AGVs are small, unmanned vehicles that operate automatically. They use sensors and control systems to detect their surroundings and move autonomously to their destination. They come in a variety of forms and are used to transport loads or pallets.
AGVs do not have operators. They are designed to transport goods, such as luggage, and are not supposed to be used on roads as defined by the Road Transport Law.
Meanwhile, AI and data analysis technologies have advanced in recent years. Increasingly, there are types of AGVs that can determine their own travel routes and travel autonomously without magnetic tape attached to the floor.
AMR is a robot that moves autonomously and is aware of its surroundings; it is equipped with sensors and cameras and uses SLAM technology and artificial intelligence to estimate and map its own location. It is used in warehouses and factories for picking, transporting, and inventorying goods.
AMR is autonomous and flexible, making it ideal for complex environments and tasks. They may travel the shortest route other than the predefined route. AGVs, on the other hand, follow a predefined route and are suitable for simpler hauling tasks.
An unmanned aerial vehicle that flies through the air to transport packages and goods. Currently, they are widely used for surveys of high places. In recent years, its use in the delivery industry has been attracting attention.
The market size of transport robots is on the rise. Currently, the main applications are for use in hospitals, catering in restaurants, and warehouse goods transportation. Companies are beginning to use transport robots after weighing the cost of introducing robots against the cost of labor.
Although transport robots are expected to solve labor shortages, there are some challenges. The biggest issue is the cost of introducing them. Currently, transport robots are used only in fields where they are large or where high sales can be expected.
Many companies have not adopted them because of the high costs involved in their introduction. Operational stability is also an issue. If there are unplanned obstacles in the route or unexpected events, the system will not work. The current situation makes it difficult to introduce the system at critical sites where transport is a must.
However, in recent years, transport robots that can automatically avoid obstacles or automatically respond to irregularities by introducing AI have been introduced.
Transport robots are also expected to be used in hospitals. Since the medical field is chronically understaffed, there is a need to reduce manpower by introducing robots. Transport robots can take the place of staff in transporting medicines and specimens.
In addition, sensors can be installed on transport robots to determine the optimal route for their patrol. Currently, technologies such as automatic boarding and disembarking of elevators have also been realized.
It also has a display for presenting information to the patient and can communicate with the patient.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Tekmos Inc. is a manufacturer of drop in replacements of microcontrollers, ASICs, standard parts, and FPGAs that is headquartered in Austin, Texas and was founded in 1997. The company is a fabless semiconductor that provides stacked die systems in a Package and high temperature chips and flash memory. The company offers microprocessors with different versions to replace discontinued devices. The company caters to end-user consumers, aerospace, military, oil and gas, and the industrial markets
Teradyne, founded in 1960, is an American automatic test equipment designer and manufacturer based in North Reading, Massachusetts. The company provides wireless test solutions for the development and manufacturing of wireless devices such as notebooks, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. These enable efficient and accurate testing processes during the production of these devices. Their products are used in computing, communications, consumer, identification, and internet applications, and are certified by ISO 9001:2015 industry standards.
Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.
GKS Lifting and Moving Solutions, LLC, is a manufacturer in the field of machine moving solutions, headquartered in Springfield, Ohio, and founded in 1967. As an accredited company conforming to the DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 standard, GKS Lifting and Moving Solutions maintains cutting-edge manufacturing processes and produces hydraulic toe jacks, multi-directional dollies, materials handling, robotic transport systems, transport dollies, and machine skates tailored for commercial and industrial applications. The company distributes its products worldwide and has a presence in America (Springfield, Ohio) as well as Germany (Georg Kramp Stuttgart), which is also the place of origin.
Locus Robotics, founded in 2014 by Bruce Welty and located in Ballardvale St, Wilmington, MA, is a manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots for warehouse operations and e-commerce fields. The company produces robots for directed picking, PSP transport, Mezzanine Management, deployment, and putaway delivery. The robots are applied in 3PL automation, retail, healthcare, industrial, and manufacturing industries. The company offers detailed rapid assessment and design services with Return on Investment (ROI) analysis and deployment plans.
Kawasaki Robotics, Inc., a subsiduary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and founded in 1878 with locations worldwide, is a manufacturer of industrial manufacturing robots and robotics components. The company's products include industrial robots with payloads ranging from 3 to 1,500 kg, robot controllers, simulation and vision systems, and more. Kawasaki Robotics, Inc.'s products are used in various industries, including the electronics assembly, material handling, industrial painting, semiconductor, and arc welding markets. The company also provides custom robot assemblies and multi-robot systems to meet its clients manufacturing requirements.
Gibson Engineering Co., Inc., established in 1945 and headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, is a distributor of industrial automation equipment. Its product line includes machine control, motion control, and machine vision systems, all vital components for manufacturing automation solutions. Beyond products, the company delivers a range of services, including operations review, technical support, and account management. Moreover, the company also offers guidance through classes, seminars, and technical training sessions to support its clients' automation needs.
Allied Automation was founded in 1981 in Indianapolis as a supplier of technology-based solutions. The company designs solutions for specific applications, such as providing cobots to help with pick and place, injection molding, packaging and palletizing, and more. Resolving packaging and converting problems with motor control, pneumatics, sensors, and PLCs and implementing valves and sensors and network construction for Process and Assembly Automation sectors. Overall they help industries such as food and agriculture, furniture and equipment, electronics and technology, metal and machining, and lots more.
Guidance Automation Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Leicester, United Kingdom, is an engineering company and a designer and manufacturer of custom automation solutions for SMEs. The company's main products include a range of autonomous mobile robot tops and attachments to suit custom applications, pick-to-light and put-to-light light-directed material handling and material sorting solutions, and Beacon, the company's accurate laser navigation system for autonomous robots. The company's solutions are used in automotive production, manufacturing, and warehousing.
Gridbots Technologies Private Limited was launched in 2007 in Gujarat, India, and is a designer and manufacturer of automated systems. It offers industrial automation, defense, and machine vision products that help companies sort and grade applications, measure dimensions, and detect defects. Its clients list includes Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Ministry of Home Affairs, Godrej Manufacturing, Future Group, and Disney India. The company has also received the Red Herring Top 100 Asia Companies, NASSCOM Top 10 Indian Emerging Companies, and First in 1EC Business Plan Competition awards.
Nidec Corporation was founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1973 and is a conglomerate with over 200 subsidiaries. Primary products are hard-disk drive motors and automotive parts, and specializes motors ranging from miniature to gigantic. Nidec’s products are used in robotics, automotive, home appliances, agriculturel equipments well as molding, cutting, and machining equipment and sensors.
TAZMO CO., LTD., founded in 1972 and based in Okayama, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of advanced manufacturing equipment and systems. Its products cover a diverse spectrum, including semiconductor manufacturing tools, nanoimprint solutions, FPD manufacturing equipment, clean transfer systems, and precision molding dies. These offerings cater to various industries, enhancing semiconductor manufacturing efficiency. The company's products meets rigorous industry standards and regulations, underscoring its adherence to quality and precision.
DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED was established in 1976 in Aichi, Japan provides industrial solutions through its manufacturing technology by developing and producing automatic identification equipment, industrial robots, controllers, and system solutions. The company is known for creating QR codes and cloud services, which are registered trademarks of DENSO WAVE Inc. These codes and services are used for anti-forgery measures and in business cards or catalogs. Their AUTO-ID products include terminals, scanners, RFIDs, and software that enables various operations. These products are supported by customized system solutions such as QR code solutions and IoT solutions (Internet of Things).
Ulvac Inc., established in 1952 and headquartered in Kanagawa, Japan, is a manufacturer of vacuum equipment, components, peripheral devices, and materials for the solar cell and semiconductor industries, among others. The company operates businesses in six areas, including materials, components, electronic devices, semiconductors, and flat panel display production equipment. Some of its products include roll coaters, semiconductor production equipment, LED production equipment, leak detectors, and vacuum brazing furnaces. It is ISO9001 certified, and its net sales in the 2022 fiscal year were 227.5 billion Japanese Yen, with 34% of this amount coming from semiconductor and electronic device production equipment.
NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP. is a Japanese manufacturer of industrial machinery and tools, such as bearings, hydraulic equipment, robots, and cutting tools. They also provide services such as machine maintenance and repair. The company's products are used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics. One of NACHI-FUJIKOSHI's renowned products is their robotic arm, the "MZR series," which is designed for precision assembly and inspection tasks in industries. They received several awards for their technological advancements and contributions to the industry, including the 2021 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal for new hydraulic equipment technology and the 2020 Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Grand Technology Award.
DAIHEN Corporation, established in 1919 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of Power Products, Industrial Robots, and RF/MW Generators & Automatic Matching Units for plasma applications. The company provides an extensive array of products, including Oil-immersed Transformer, Cast Resin Transformer suitable for high buildings, public facilities, and hospitals, Power Distribution Equipment such as closed type power distribution boards and remote monitoring systems, as well as Sensors for Robot Welding and Positioners & Sliders. The company also offers various welding & cutting machines, including TIG Welding Machines, Plasma Cutting Machines, as well as Peripheral Devices for Welding.
Stäubli began in Horgen, Switzerland in 1892. Stäubli designs, produces, distributes, and provides support for products for numerous industries including aerospace, alternative fuels, medical devices, packaging, photovoltaics, and semiconductors. Stäubli has 4 primary product lines including electrical connectors, fluid connectors, robotics, and textile. Electrical connector products include cable couplers, modular connectors, and test and measurement connectors. Fluid connectors include mold clamping systems, quick and dry disconnect couplings, and safety breakaway couplings. Robotics include industrial robots, collaborative robots, and mobile robots. Textile includes weaving preparation and frame weaving.
SAFELOG GmbH is a developer and manufacturer of software-based logistics systems founded in 1996 and headquartered in Bayern, Germany. The company specializes in hardware and software solutions for patented pick-by-light order picking systems and AGVs. It has operations in Germany, the USA, and Hungary, with customers in the automotive, food and beverage, e-commerce, and pharmaceutical industries. The company offers various models of mobile transport robots, including the SAFELOG AGV S3, AGV M4, AGV M4-C, AGV X1 and AGV L2. It also provides picking systems, such as the SAFELOG IntelliCart smart picking cart and the IntelliPick control software.
ek robotics GmbH, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Rosengarten, Germany, is a developer, manufacturer, and system integrator of transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics worldwide. The company specializes in the design, production, integration, turnkey delivery, and support across the full life cycle of Automated Guided Vehicles and various transport solutions, including block storage, assembly lines, tugger AGVs, heavy loads, and narrow aisle storage. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 37301 certifications. It serves the needs of the automotive, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, printing, and packaging industries.
Linde Material Handling GmbH, established in 2006 and headquartered in Bayern, Germany, is a manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment. The company is a part of the KION Group, and offers solutions for intralogistics, including electric and diesel forklift trucks, fleet management software, and automation solutions. It manufactures vehicles and fleets customized to meet specific transport, storage, and stacking application needs. The company provides various services, including truck servicing, technical support, and financing. It has won numerous accolades, including first place in the "industrial trucks" category in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Gerhard Schubert GmbH, established in 1966 and headquartered in Crailsheim, Germany, is a manufacturer of modular carton packaging machines for commercial and industrial applications. The company specializes in ready-to-deploy packaging solutions, including its Cobot family of robotic assembly devices that integrate online product feeding into automated packaging processes. Additionally, it offers solutions for automating the feeding of carton blanks into packaging machines and preconfigured machine modules that facilitate faster planning and assembly of complete packaging plants. The company provides services such as the planning and production of bespoke packaging plants, ongoing maintenance, and the supply of spare parts.
Oriental Motor USA Corp., established in 1978 and based in Torrance, California, is a manufacturer of motors and control systems and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. The company stocks over 50,000 products that it sells worldwide, including actuators, motors, and controller products used in several industries like the medical, semiconductor, and factory automation industries. In 1983, the company developed brushless DC fans, and it later developed watertight, dust-resistant motors in 1990. In 1991, it came up with motorized linear slides and motorized cylinders.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Hyster-Yale Group, Inc. is a manufacturer of lift trucks and aftermarket parts founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ohio, USA. Under the brand names HYSTER and YALE, the company produces and services a comprehensive line of lifting trucks and aftermarket parts for operational optimization. Its products include container handlers, attachments such as forks, and hydrogen fuel cell stacks. The company also offers rental and integration services to its clients in the port, mining, and warehousing sectors.
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is based in San Jose, California, and is an American manufacturer of collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that was originally founded in 2014 before being acquired by Zebra Technologies in 2021. The company produces automated robotic solutions for industrial applications such as raw material delivery, case/box or pallet picking, receiving, and end-of-the-line handling operations. These are designed to maximize facility efficiency and productivity, as well as minimize safety risks and counter worker shortage issues. The company's products are primarily used in warehouses and manufacturing plants, but also have applications in the OEM and product distribution industries.
Hirata Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial robotic and logistics equipment based in Kumamoto, Japan. Established in 1951, the company first dabbled in manufacturing and marketing industrial vehicles. In 1958, they turned to manufacturing agricultural-related products. By 1959, they started their first conveyor belt line, and in May 1964, their television assembly line was launched. In 1977, they developed their first robot-controlled machine, and from there, they shifted towards robotic logistical equipment. The company is present in eight countries, namely Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Mexico, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Mobile Industrial Robots, established in May 2013 in Denmark is a manufacturer engaged in mobile robots used in industries such as health care, transportation, fast moving consumer products, and life science. Having more than 200 distributors in 60 countries, the company offers solutions to automate internal transportation and logistics of heavy loads and pallets with their autonomous robots.The company also manufactures mobile robots for hospitals used in linen transportation, disinfection application, and sterile supplies transportation that are with UV emitter that kills viruses and bacteria.
Robotnik, a company established in 2002, based in Valencia, Spain, is a manufacturer and supplier of autonomous mobile robots and mobile manipulators. The company provides advanced product solutions for various industrial applications such as logistics, inspection, security, agriculture, and research. It has a range of products such as RB-KAIROS+, RB-ROBOUT, RB-1 BASE, and RB-VULCANO. These products are designed to operate in indoor and outdoor environments, with quality, reliability, and safety. It also offers technical support, catalog request, and customized services. It is currently a reference company in mobile robotics globally.
Knapp Logistics & Automation, established in 1952 and based in Hart bei Graz, Austria, is a manufacturer and supplier of intelligent automation solutions. The company's product range includes warehouse automation, automated storage and retrieval systems, picking systems, container handling technology, shuttle technology (OSR Shuttle), and automatic guided vehicles. Serving diverse sectors such as healthcare, fashion/apparel, general retail, food retail, industry, and service, these products optimize and streamline intralogistics operations. The company's services include the complete lifecycle of solutions, from design and installation to maintenance and support.
Acieta is an American contract manufacturer specializing in robotic automation solutions that was originally founded in 1983 as Automated Concepts Incorporated before its rebrand in 2014. Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the company primarily offers design, development, and engineering services including concept development, layout planning and simulation. They also provide project management as well as onsite installation and training. Acieta manufactures robotic automation products such as Fuji automatic numerical control (FANUC) robots, electrical cabinets, and FastARC weld cells for their clients in the industrial sector. The company is a subsidiary of North American machine tool distributor Ellison Technologies.
Körber AG is a strategic management holding company founded in 1946 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. The company provides software solutions, material handling equipment, system integration & automation, robotics solutions, and palletizing solutions. The company also offers SAP consulting & implementation, parcel logistics solutions, and voice & mobility solutions. The company serves pharmaceutical & life science, third-party logistics, food & beverage, fast-moving consumer goods, and internet e-commerce. The company has subsidiaries such as Werum Software & Systems, Dividella Ag, and Medical GmbH to form the Körber Business Area Technologies.
The Knotts Company, Inc. was founded in 1952 and is based in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, and is a manufacturer of industrial, automation, and robotics products. The company's product line includes pneumatics systems, machine guarding and framing devices, electric actuators, conveyors, and compressors that are needed in the electrical, electronics, artificial intelligence, and, software industries. The company also offers mobile industrial robots and universal robots on-site demonstrations as well as provides services such as total cost and acquisition analysis, control panel assembly, software programming support, and, customer-specific inventory plans.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Tekmos |
9.9%
|
2 | TERADYNE |
6.6%
|
3 | GKS Lifting & Moving Solutions, LLC |
5.4%
|
4 | Locus Robotics |
4.5%
|
5 | ST Engineering Aethon, Inc. |
4.1%
|
6 | Kawasaki Robotics, Inc. |
4.1%
|
7 | Genmark Automation, Inc. |
3.7%
|
8 | Omron Microscan |
3.7%
|
9 | Fetch Robotics, Inc. |
3.3%
|
10 | Gridbots Technologies Private Limited |
2.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the transport robot page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 12 | 34.3% |
United States of America | 11 | 31.4% |
Germany | 5 | 14.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 2.9% |
India | 1 | 2.9% |
Switzerland | 1 | 2.9% |
Denmark | 1 | 2.9% |
Spain | 1 | 2.9% |
Canada | 1 | 2.9% |
Austria | 1 | 2.9% |
32 products are listed.
Security Design Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
The next -generation automatic automatic transport robot that inherited the DNA of the Japan's first bogie "DANDY" series. ■ Magnetic tape unneces...
Security Design Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Transport robot (FMR) Hikrobot is focusing on robot technology and provides cutting -edge robot products and solutions to customers around the wo...
Star Seiki Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
■ Hand 1 side ・ No idol stage required ・ Adopted double -speed mechanism ・ High Speed, 1 Hand Press Roda ■ Space -saving and compact design The...
Security Design Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Transport robot (AMR) Hikrobot is focusing on robot technology and provides cutting -edge robot products and solutions to customers around the wo...
Shinano Kenshi
30+ people viewing
ASPINAAMR is a collaborative robot (AMR) for in -factory transport, which is easy to introduce and is expanded and works with workers on site. ■ A...
Security Design Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Transport robot (HMR) Hikrobot is focusing on robot technology and provides cutting -edge robot products and solutions to customers around the wo...
Shinano Kenshi
30+ people viewing
ASPINAAMR is a collaborative robot (AMR) for in -factory transport, which is easy to introduce and is expanded and works with workers on site. ■ A...
Security Design Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
■ Transport robot (CTU) Hikrobot is focusing on robot technology and provides cutting -edge robot products and solutions to customers around the wo...
Security Design Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Handling solutions that support both "autonomous transportation" operations by unmanned driving ■ Collaboration transport ・ No difficult training...
Security Design Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Transport robot (CMR) Hikrobot is focusing on robot technology and provides cutting -edge robot products and solutions to customers around the wo...
Sigmatron
30+ people viewing
A required item of the next generation smart factory. Easy to change factory layout changes overview Currently, small -volume multi -product prod...