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FlexTools research project – Toolbox for flexible mobile robotics

Home
Research projects of SimPlan Group
FlexTools research project – Toolbox for flexible mobile robotics

FlexTools research project – Toolbox for flexible mobile robotics

Home
Research projects of SimPlan Group
FlexTools research project – Toolbox for flexible mobile robotics
Logo of Research project FlexTools

FlexTools research project – the modular toolbox for flexible robotics for small and medium-sized automotive suppliers

Motivation and challenges

While autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are already demonstrating their flexibility and efficiency advantages in new projects by large OEMs, such as the Mercedes Factory 56 or the Tesla Gigafactory, they are still rarely found among their suppliers. The introduction of AMR technologies in existing environments (brownfield) poses considerable difficulties, especially for small and medium-sized suppliers. These include unfavourable physical infrastructures, ongoing processes, outdated IT systems, a lack of specialist knowledge and high demands on simulations and implementation efforts. These factors require considerable investment and significantly extend project durations.

Project goal

FlexTools aims to effectively overcome the hurdles of introducing mobile robotics in brownfield environments. The FlexTools kit is designed to provide a cost-effective solution, including customisation and ongoing operation. The project focuses on three key areas: Robotics Technology, IT Systems and Algorithms, and Management & Implementation. This includes a variety of robotics concepts, from innovative prototypes to established AMRs, different architectures, components and algorithms for planning and control as well as the design and implementation of AMR technologies through to ongoing operation.

Realisation

The project focusses on three main areas: Robot technology, IT systems and algorithms, and management & implementation. By working on two specific problems and application scenarios at the medium-sized companies HEO Coating and TE Connectivity, generally applicable tools are developed and evaluated in a practical manner. This includes different robotics concepts, ranging from innovative prototypes to established AMRs, various IT architectures, algorithms for planning and control as well as implementation concepts for AMR technologies from introduction to operation.

SimPlan develops simulator-independent control layer

The central focus of SimPlan is the VDA5050 connection of various simulation tools, including Plant Simulation and Emulate3D. The idea is to develop a standardised control layer for AMR/FTF that works independently of the respective tool. The module libraries for AMR fleets are also being improved.

Project partners

Flextools_Partnergrafik
eu-emblem-gefoerdert
bundesministerieum für wirtschaft und klimaschutz

The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

The funding started in September 2023 and will last 3 years.

Trainings

12.05. AnyLogic Short

14.05. Plant Simulation Short

19. – 20.05 Plant Simulation Coaching

Dates

  • SimAssist User Meeting – 13th May 2025, Regensburg
  • Transport Logistic – 2nd – 5th June 2025, Munich
  • Plant User Meeting – 30.06. – 02.07.2025, Amsterdam
  • ASIM 2025 – 24th – 26th September 2025, Dresden
  • Leanbase: Data, Power, Production – 20-21 May 2025, Mannheim

Downloads

In our download area you will find software information, application areas and case studies.

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