Innovation Takes Flight: Munich Airport Pilots Autonomous EvoBOT Robot
The dynamically stable transport robot is notably for its two gripper arms that make adaptive load pickup possible.
Munich Airport trials autonomous ‘evoBOT’ robot
The dynamically stable transport robot is notably for its two gripper arms that make adaptive load pickup possible.
A new autonomous vehicle, called evoBOT, has completed its first practical trials in the cargo terminal and on the apron at Munich Airport.
The robot, developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (Fraunhofer IML), features two wheels and gripper arms and can keep itself perfectly balanced, as it is designed based on the principle of an inverse compound pendulum.
Exciting test at Munich Airport: The »evoBOT«, an autonomous robot with gripper arms and a sense of balance, has successfully completed its first test in the cargo terminal and on the apron. Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, the versatile »evoBOT« impressed with its performance. It can handle hazardous goods, transport packages and thus relieve employees.
This makes it possible for the evoBOT to move on different and uneven surfaces, even with slopes.
“The development and expansion of the cargo and logistics sector are essential components of our corporate strategy. “We welcome every initiative to optimize and digitalize handling processes,” said Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.
“The evoBOT will facilitate the day-to-day work of our employees in the cargo area and make the workplace more attractive.”
Exciting test at Munich Airport: The »evoBOT«, an autonomous robot with gripper arms and a sense of balance, has successfully completed its first test in the cargo terminal and on the apron.
The key difference of the dynamically stable evoBOT when compared to other robot designs is its two arms that make ‘and the “adaptive load pickup” possible. This means that the arms allow the robot to adapt to different shapes and sizes of objects and pick them up.
A step on the path to autonomous robots
It can take on a wide range of tasks, such as handling hazardous goods, transporting parcels for longer recurring distances, relieving employees during lifting and overhead work, procuring materials, or even providing support during the loading and unloading of aircraft.
Despite its load capacity of 100kg, the evoBOT is “exceptionally agile” according to on its two wheels, according to Fraunhofer IML, capable of reaching a maximum speed of up to 60 km/h.
Due to its good maneuverability, the evoBOT can be operated both indoors and outdoors. Its low carbon footprint also contributes to a diverse range of uses.
“Our evoBOT is the beginning of a new population of autonomous vehicles and robots. With its arms and the fact that it moves on two wheels, it represents a step on the path to the humanoid future of robotics,” said Professor Michael ten Hompel, managing director of Fraunhofer IML.
“The practical test carried out at Munich Airport impressively underpins the potential of this development. The evoBOT can work as a fellow colleague in a wide range of applications.”
“The development and expansion of the cargo and logistics sector are essential components of our corporate strategy. “We welcome every initiative to optimize and digitalize handling processes,” said Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.
“The evoBOT will facilitate the day-to-day work of our employees in the cargo area and make the workplace more attractive.”
“Our evoBOT is the beginning of a new population of autonomous vehicles and robots. With its arms and the fact that it moves on two wheels, it represents a step on the path to the humanoid future of robotics,” said Professor Michael ten Hompel, managing director of Fraunhofer IML.
“The practical test carried out at Munich Airport impressively underpins the potential of this development. The evoBOT can work as a fellow colleague in a wide range of applications.”
“Against the backdrop of rising air freight figures and the challenges of recruiting employees, we are very pleased to be able to take a look into the future with Fraunhofer IML. Into the very near future at that,” said Claudia Weidenbusch, managing director of Cargogate Munich Airport.
“Our evoBOT is the beginning of a new population of autonomous vehicles and robots. With its arms and the fact that it moves on two wheels, it represents a step on the path to the humanoid future of robotics. The practical test carried out at Munich Airport impressively underpins the potential of this development. The evoBOT can work as a colleague in a wide range of applications”, said Professor Michael ten Hompel, managing director of Fraunhofer IML.
