Mobile Industrial Robots A/S (MiR), one of most advanced manufacturers of autonomous mobile robots, announces Sonic Automation Limited as the latest MiR partner in Thailand. MiR will tap on Sonic Automation's extensive distribution network and deep domestic experience to implement MiR robots in Thailand, in response to the growing need for automation in manufacturing.
Next-lap Automation for Thailand's manufacturing industry
Thailand has emerged as one of top choices in Southeast Asia for manufacturers such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, food, and textiles. However, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) in Thailand recently issued a warning about a decline in the country's workforce by 3 million people. According to data from the end of 2023, Thailand currently has a working-age population of only 40.7 million people, against a demand for 44.71 million workers by 2037 based on current trends. To address the shortage of workers, NESDC suggests that businesses should consider embracing automation to enhance productivity.
To serve this growing domestic market, MiR sealed a partnership with Sonic Automation, one of Thailand's leading distributors for industrial automation products and solutions. MiR and Sonic Automation jointly held their first workshop "Navigating the future - transforming logistics with AMR" on 24 May 2024, where relevant MiR AMRs were showcased, including the AI-powered MiR1200 Pallet Jack autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and the compact MiR 250.
AI-powered MiR1200 Pallet Jack
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the unassailable trend worldwide, with governments and industries pushing for adoption and upskilling of the workforce. This AI trend has now extended to the world of AMRs. The latest AMR announced by MiR is the AI-powered MiR1200 Pallet Jack that learns and updates as data changes, enabling rapid and precise recognition of pallets, while optimising the flow of materials within a facility through collected data. Missed picks are minimised and pick and place times are reduced. With an impressive payload of 1,200 kg and speed of 1.5 meters per second, this agile and efficient AI-powered Pallet Jack is a direct replacement for antiquated bulky manual forklifts in huge warehouse operations and large-scale enterprise complexes.
The power of the MiR1200 is complemented with equally impressive safety specifications, with compliance to international safety standards including ISO3691-4. This groundbreaking pallet jack uses 3D vision to ensure accurate 360 degree coverage from all angles when identifying, picking up, and delivering pallets. With advanced safety and obstacle detection, its unprecedented precision ensures optimum safety for humans and facilities.
"With AMRs taking over intra-logistics tasks in the industrial sector, productivity increases tremendously while risks and unnecessary costs in the work environment are greatly reduced. These AMRs also free workers from repetitive tasks such as making hundreds of round trips every day to fetch and deliver supplies, and enable workers to embark on more meaningful, higher-value tasks," Mr Tang Poi Toong, Vice President of Sales Asia Pacific, Mobile Industrial Robots A/S (MiR).
Compact and Agile MiR250
Besides the new MiR1200, MiR also showcased the small and powerful MiR250, one of the most agile AMRs on the market. Despite measuring just 580 x 800 mm and standing at just 30 cm tall, the MiR250 AMR has the impressive capability to effortlessly handle weights of up to 250 kg, at a brisk pace of up to 2 meters per second. The MiR250 is built for durability, easy maintenance, and continuous operation while adhering to the latest safety standards, making it one of safest AMRs on the market.
"Through recent conversations with industrial prospects and clients, we are seeing a strong interest in autonomous mobile robots, and we foresee an acceleration in the adoption of these AMRs in Thailand. This is an especially opportune time for Sonic Automation to partner with MiR, and together we can help build and empower our local industries for the next industrial leap," said Mr Surote Panasahatham, Country Managing Director, Sonic Automation.
"Thailand is a very important market for MiR as it is one of the industrial manufacturing hubs in ASEAN. We are very delighted to make this momentous step forward with Sonic Automation in Thailand, and we look forward to growing and expanding MiR AMR adoption here," Mr Tang Poi Toong, Vice President of Sales Asia Pacific, Mobile Industrial Robots A/S (MiR).