Rockwell Automation has appointed Applied Robotics as its first South Pacific partner for OTTO Motors Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), a move the company says strengthens its manufacturing-focused automation offerings in the region.
The partnership builds on Rockwell’s acquisition of Clearpath Robotics in 2023, which brought OTTO Motors into its portfolio, Rockwell said in a news release.
OTTO Motors specialises in AMRs designed for manufacturing and production logistics, moving work in progress across facilities to improve efficiency.
Applied Robotics, a Gold OEM partner in Rockwell’s PartnerNetwork, has collaborated with Rockwell for more than three decades on automation and manufacturing projects, including a $3 million advanced manufacturing lab at TAFE Queensland.
“Applied Robotics builds production solutions for manufacturers moving raw materials, through workflows, adding value to create finished goods for sale,” said Kevin Cole, market access manager, South Pacific at Rockwell Automation.
“AMRs fit neatly into the production logistics framework as they move ‘work in progress’ around the manufacturing environment.”
Cole said the partnership reflects Applied Robotics’ ability to meet rigorous requirements, including training, hands-on experience, and successful OTTO Motors deployments.
Applied Robotics chief operating officer, Isaac Roach, said the collaboration adds depth to their manufacturing solutions.
“This initiative builds on a long and productive relationship with Rockwell. OTTO Motors AMRs add further value to our production line offering,” Roach said.
“AMRs are at the forefront of automation, and we’ve already deployed OTTO AMRs at the Queensland TAFE advanced manufacturing lab, so we’re excited to build on this with further AMR projects.”
Rockwell Automation said the OTTO Motors AMRs complement its existing automation technologies, which include the Plex smart manufacturing platform for managing workflows, alongside automation systems that enable production tasks and gather floor data.
“OTTO AMRs physically move work in process within the manufacturing environment, providing an end-to-end solution,” Cole said.
“For manufacturers, this means that a comprehensive production logistics solution is available under one roof and backed by global experience with local delivery capability.”
According to Rockewel, the OTTO Motors AMRs are designed for manufacturing environments and feature safety systems with LiDAR, 3D cameras, and safety switches, as well as opportunistic charging technology, high throughput, and industrial-grade durability.
