Mobility, Flexibility, Productivity—Mobile Robots in Production

Mobile robots are revolutionizing both logistics applications and production. However, the step towards (partial) automation poses a major challenge for many companies in terms of IT architecture—especially if robots from different manufacturers are to be used in a shared fleet and on the same transport routes. A practical solution: VDA 5050. Experience the open communication interface live at Mesh-Up 2025.

Experience mesh-up—and implement it for yourself

How does the open communication interface between the master controller and various mobile robots work in practice? Which use cases is VDA 5050 suitable for and what needs to be considered when initiating and implementing a project? In addition to the large live demo, Mesh-Up 2025 offers direct contact with experts on site to discuss specific application options and gain a practical insight into the topic of feasibility and implementation.

Showcase details

Processes in production logistics:

• Centralized control station by MHP for the mixed fleet of robots
• Storage and retrieval of pallets using a fully automated transport robot with lifting capability by ek robotics
• Load transfer to a vehicle by KUKA that drives under the load and onward transfer to a similar vehicle by SAFELOG
• Load transport to a manual workstation: removal and simulated workpiece processing
• Workpiece onward transport to goods dispatch with a mobile robot by dpm
• Transfer of the filled small load carrier to a provisioning station by WAITKUS
• Transfer of the empty small load carrier to a mobile robot by SAFELOG using an OMRON manipulator following goods removal
• Automated transport of empties (pallet and small load carrier) to a robot cell by INOS, performed by mobile robots from KUKA and Bosch Rexroth
• Onward transport of the loaded pallet by a SAFELOG vehicle driving under the load
• Integration of a Kärcher cleaning robot into the fleet via VDA 5050

Also: Integration of the M2X research project investigating additional interface requirements for automated mobile robot deployments. It showcases direct communication between a robot by Fraunhofer IML and an active station (machine or system).

The hosted live demonstration in the event area is broadcast on large screens. Timeframe: Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Thursday morning, and Friday afternoon.

How about a little preview? Watch our Making of Mesh-Up.

VDA 5050—the most important background information

Coordination between mobile robots is becoming increasingly important in warehouses and production. This is because the number of material transports is growing, but not the available space. The number of manufacturers and systems is also increasing, which makes it difficult to design a uniformly operating fleet. These framework conditions led to a special cooperation in 2017: between the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association.

The partners put together a project team consisting of manufacturers of mobile robots, providers of master control software and users from industry to develop an interface. The aim and result: vehicles and control systems should be able to communicate with each other regardless of the manufacturer. The first version of VDA 5050 was published in 2019 and has been continuously adapted to current market requirements ever since. The current version 2.1.0 is accessible via a public GitHub repository and can be commented on.