From
ROS to PLC: Launching a new AGV line for industrial-grade applications
Robotnik goes industrial with SIMOVE
From
ROS to PLC: Launching a new AGV line for industrial-grade applications
Automotive
Robotnik
Robotnik is a medium-sized robotics company based in Valencia, Spain, specializing in mobile platforms and autonomous navigation. They manufacture AGVs and AMRs using ROS technology, serving logistics, research, and industrial applications.
Customer Objectives:
Develop a new generation of AGVs based on Siemens PLC and industrial components.
Expand beyond ROS-based systems to address the needs of highly regulated, industrial environments.
Establish a dual business model: maintaining innovation with ROS-based AGVs while entering new markets with SIMOVE-based industrial AGVs.
Leverage Siemens technology and support to deliver reliable, scalable, and standardized AGV solutions for industry.
Project
Type: Integration of Siemens SIMOVE
platform into Robotnik’s AGV portfolio. Scope:
Robotnik, a leader in ROS-based
mobile robotics, is implementing SIMOVE to develop a second line of AGVs —
fully industrial and PLC-based — allowing them to address new customer demands
in sectors requiring industrial-grade control, safety, and scalability.
For this the following Siemens solutions were used:
SIMOVE Carrier Control: Provides industrial-grade motion and safety control for AGVs, replacing custom ROS-based logic with standardized, certified automation.
SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC: High-performance PLC enabling deterministic control, modular architecture, and compliance with industrial safety norms.
SCALANCE Network Components: Robust industrial communication infrastructure ensuring secure and real-time connectivity across AGVs and plant systems.
Siemens Support & Training: Accompaniment through knowledge transfer and co-engineering to accelerate adoption of the new control architecture.
SINAMICS Micro-Drives: Compact 0.05–7.5 kW drives with integrated safety (STO, SS1) and PROFINET/PROFIsafe connectivity for precise, energy-efficient control of AGV axes.
Access to industrial markets: With SIMOVE and Siemens PLCs, Robotnik can now offer AGVs to clients in automotive, pharma, and manufacturing sectors that demand certified and robust control systems.
Diversified business model: The new SIMOVE-based product line allows Robotnik to retain innovation with ROS, while creating a second, scalable and standardized industrial offering.
Faster integration into factories: Standard interfaces, safety protocols, and Siemens ecosystem compatibility allow easier deployment and integration into customer environments.
Improved credibility and compliance: Using Siemens industrial components enhances trust with clients and aligns Robotnik with international safety and automation standards.
Long-term scalability: The SIMOVE architecture allows Robotnik to expand functionalities, implement fleet management, and scale the solution with less custom development.
