shutterstock
Mobile Robots in Production: Mesh-Up 2025
At automatica 2025, various mobile robots connected to one master control system via VDA 5050 will show the automation potential in production and logistics.
Automating production supply is becoming a focus for more and more companies. However, integrating mobile robots for transport tasks into existing infrastructure is no easy task – especially when different devices with different load carriers are to be used on the same routes. The associated IT integration is highly complex.
One approach to simplifying integration is offered by the open communication interface VDA 5050. The specifications defined in VDA 5050 allow mobile robots from different manufacturers to be integrated into one master control system. This is precisely what a total of nine companies are demonstrating in the Mobile Robots in Production: Mesh-Up 2025 showcase. MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH is providing the master control system. Bosch Rexroth AG, dpm Daum + Partner Maschinenbau GmbH, ek robotics GmbH, Fraunhofer IML, KUKA AG, Omron Electronics GmbH and SAFELOG GmbH are providing the mixed fleet of mobile robots. For the first time, an independent system service provider is also on board for the automatica Mesh-Up, introducing trade fair visitors to project handling with different partners for an automation project. ProLog Automation GmbH & Co. KG is actively involved in the project preparation and implementation for the Mesh-Up and supports the participating companies with its expertise.
The showcase
At booth 330 in hall B4, visitors will see a stylised representation of a production line with various workstations that are supplied by different mobile robots. The main aim is to demonstrate the possible automated process chain. The trade fair audience will see how full and empty carriers are transported and transferred by different devices along a production process. Both under-running and fork lift trucks are used for pallet transport, as are mobile robots that transport small load carriers.
Software
The fact that the flexibility in the choice of supplier when using VDA 5050 applies not only to the robots themselves but also to the software is not demonstrated live at automatica by the Mesh-Up. However, users can already choose from a variety of different master control software for their individual requirements. In addition to the live demonstration with the MHP control system, FLEXUS AG is represented in the Mesh-Up community area, another VDMA member company that can implement fleet control with VDA 5050.
Participants of Mesh-Up 2025
The automatica showcase "Mobile Robots in Production: Mesh-Up" is all about the automation of production logistics with mobile robots. The team from the M2X research project will be presenting the first interim results of its interface development.
Different mobile robots, connected to one master control system via VDA 5050, show the automation potential in production and logistics. Your chance to be part of the Mesh-Up at automatica 2025!
End of March in an exhibition hall in Dortmund: six automated guided vehicles from different manufacturers set off on a test area. The highlight: they operate together in one control system and have completed the first live test of the VDA 5050.
Events
Here you will find a detailed description of the VDA 5050 communication interface with a detailed example of communication between a master controller and a mobile robot.
Anyone thinking about an automation project with mobile robots may also be concerned with the VDA 5050 communication interface. All relevant questions for users and operators are answered here.
As a communication interface, VDA 5050 enables the integration of mobile robots from different manufacturers under one control system in a heterogeneous fleet.
