Yaskawa Electric Corporation has unveiled the Motoman NEXT platform, a groundbreaking next-generation robot platform designed to revolutionize robotic automation in North American markets. This innovative platform integrates advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the capabilities of industrial robots, enabling them to perform complex tasks autonomously in unstructured environments.
Key Features of Motoman NEXT
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Autonomous Adaptivity:
The Motoman NEXT series is distinguished by its autonomous adaptivity, allowing the robots to understand and adapt to their environment. This capability is achieved through a new architecture that includes an autonomous control unit, which works in conjunction with the robot’s control function to make judgments and execute tasks based on real-time data from sensors. -
Open Development Environment:
The platform offers an open development environment, facilitating collaboration with customers and partners. This openness allows for the integration of unique know-how and technologies, enabling the creation of customized solutions tailored to specific industry needs. -
Advanced AI and Machine Learning:
The Motoman NEXT robots are powered by NVIDIA Isaac accelerated libraries and AI models, running on NVIDIA Jetson Orin autonomous control units (ACUs) with Wind River Linux. This combination provides integrated AI processing and human-like decision-making, enabling the robots to handle tasks with many variables and uncertain elements. -
Payload Capacity and Models:
The Motoman NEXT series includes a range of models with varying payload capacities, from 4 kg to 35 kg. The lineup consists of five industrial robots (NEX4, NEX7, NEX10, NEX20, and NEX35) and two collaborative robots (NHC12 and NHC30), each utilizing the compact YNX1000 controller.
Technological Advancements
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NVIDIA Jetson Orin and Wind River Linux:
The use of NVIDIA Jetson Orin and Wind River Linux enables the robots to achieve advanced AI edge applications. NVIDIA Jetson Orin provides scalable software, a modern AI stack, and production-ready ROS packages, while Wind River Linux ensures high stability and security for mission-critical applications. -
AI-Driven Capabilities:
The integration of AI and machine learning allows the Motoman NEXT robots to navigate optimal paths, avoid obstacles, and perform tasks such as sorting and boxing items of varying color and shape. These capabilities expand robotic deployment into previously unautomated areas, requiring human-level perception and judgment.
Industry Impact and Applications
The Motoman NEXT platform is poised to transform various industries, including logistics, food, medical, and automotive sectors, by automating tasks that were previously challenging due to their complexity and variability.
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Logistics and Supply Chain:
In logistics, these robots can handle tasks such as order picking, tote picking, depalletizing, and mix-case palletizing. They can also manage parcel induction and sortation, container loading/unloading, and other critical operations. -
Addressing Labor Shortages:
The autonomous adaptivity and advanced AI capabilities of the Motoman NEXT platform help address labor shortages in various industries. By automating complex tasks, these robots enable workers to focus on higher-value tasks, improving overall operational efficiency and productivity.
Conclusion
Yaskawa’s Motoman NEXT platform represents a significant leap forward in robotic automation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create more intelligent and adaptable robotic systems. With its autonomous adaptivity, open development environment, and advanced AI capabilities, this platform is set to revolutionize the way industries approach automation, driving innovation and efficiency in a wide range of applications.
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