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Mobile Automation Group (MAG) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automatic guided vehicle systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Mission: To promote the market awareness, growth, and effective use of driverless industrial vehicle systems (e.g. AGVS, AMRs, and AGCs) Vision: To be the trusted, independent authority on driverless industrial vehicle systems The MAG group is a collaboration of trusted industry leaders that provide: Market Intelligence Market Awareness and Clarity Leadership Safety Advocacy Market Access By Coordinating Statistical Programs Delivering Promotional Marketing Providing Education Influencing Industry Standards Overcoming Barriers to Adoption Both Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are computer-controlled wheel-based load carriers (normally battery powered) that run on a plant or warehouse floor (or, if outdoors, on a paved surface). The main difference between AGVs and AMRs is how the path they follow is determined. Most AGVs follow predefined paths, although there may be areas of the plant or warehouse where they have more freedom. AMRs can determine their own path, although they will attempt to follow suggested paths if they exist. This difference leads to differing methodologies for ensuring safe operation for the two types of vehicle. AGVs follow the ANSI B56.5 Safety Guidelines There is a standard under development for AMRs MAG member companies meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and safe operation of automatic guided vehicle systems. MAG members are committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. MAG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national standards; The confidential exchange of market statistics and publication of industry data to the public; The communication of the benefits of AGVS solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.
The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. Traditionally, industrial robots in material handling applications have been limited to palletizing/depalletizing, conveyor picking, or other highly-repetitive tasks. Technology advancements are creating opportunities for robots and automated machinery in a wider variety of applications, including warehousing and distribution center activities. TRG conducts education and outreach with the goal of fostering technology adoption in this rapidly changing industry sector. Mission Our team of technology leaders inspires user confidence and fosters the adoption of robotic solutions to drive efficiency in supply chain applications. TRG member companies meet regularly to identify methods of promoting adoption of robotic and automated solutions in material handling applications. We identify barriers to adoption and understand the voice of the customer while creating opportunities to encourage the transition of automated technologies to promote supply chain efficiency. TRG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national and international standards; The communication of the benefits of robotic and automated solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.
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TRADE SHOWS
Malvern, PA – March 14, 2025 – ifm efector, inc. (ifm), a leading provider of sensors, controls, and software for industrial automation, will demonstrate the latest ifm software solutions at Promat 2025. The event will be held March 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.“I’m really excited about the developments in ifm software solutions will enable robotics companies to spend more of their time solving complex challenges across industries like material handling and logistics. At ifm, we aim to reduce barriers that will ultimately help increase demand for mobile robots, and both the Obstacle Detection System and Pick & Drop System help achieve that goal,” says Garrett Place, Business Development Manager for the Mobile Robotics industry at ifm.ifm efector will showcase the following interactive solutions in booth N8139:Obstacle Detection System (ODS) The Obstacle Detection System software solution provides off-the-shelf obstacle detection for any autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Developed using the ifm O3R robotic perception platform, the ODS algorithm solves for common challenges such as false positives and floor segmentation, while improving processing speed and flexibility for integrating a multimodal perception stack. The latest updates to the ODS solution increase speed to market by reducing development and integration time. The O3R leverages the NVIDIA Jetson platform to reduce processing time and increase throughput of robot fleets.Pick & Drop System (PDS)The Pick & Drop System from ifm provides a simple solution for automated detection and picking of all two-pocket pallets. The next generation PDS solution reduces pallet picks from over 2 seconds per pick down to 20 milliseconds, significantly increasing throughput of autonomous and semi-autonomous forklift vehicles. With millions of real-world pallet picks, the algorithm reliably detects all two-pocket pallets on the market regardless of condition, lighting, or other variables. There are also options to add custom pallet types during setup. Attendees can stop by the Kollmorgen booth #N7549 at the show to learn more about their mobile robots using the PDS solution.moneo Track & TraceThe new Track & trace software module within the ifm moneo IIoT software platform demonstrates a full solution with modular RFID systems to automate shipping and receiving at the dock door. The new moneo TT software has capabilities to track raw materials from receipt at the dock door through production and inspection before entering warehouse storage.Developing software solutions expands the ifm product portfolio beyond hardware as part of the company’s greater mission to reduce friction during development and deployment of emerging technologies. Whether manufacturers need to solve complex mobile robotic applications or optimize supply chain traceability programs, ifm offers both hardware and software solutions to help reduce barriers.Those attending the Promat 2025 show at McCormick Place in Chicago can stop by the ifm Booth #N8139 to see live demonstrations of the software solutions on mobile robots and a fully automated dock door. There will be a meeting area for those that would like to discuss future solutions, such as localization, onboard the ifm robotic perception platform and next generation 3D cameras. If you would like to schedule an appointment in advance, please contact Tim McCarver. For more information about the solutions showcased in the booth at Promat, please visit the official ifm website.About ifm efector, inc.Established in 1985, ifm efector is an ISO 9001:2015 certified subsidiary of the global company, ifm electronic gmbh, Germany. ifm develops, manufactures, and markets sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Based in Malvern, PA, ifm has experienced tremendous growth with more than 200 employees from the surrounding area, the expansion of ten branches throughout the US, the opening of a manufacturing and technology center, ifm prover, in Malvern, PA (2012), and the building of a new 55,000 square-foot stocking and distribution facility in Downingtown, PA. To learn more about ifm efector visit: www.ifm.com/us/en.ContactTim McCarver414-588-2679tim.mccarver@ifm.comGarrett Place484-343-5676garrett.place@ifm.com