Seize Emerging AMR Market Opportunities with Advantech's SBC MIO-5373

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) have been utilized in various applications for a long time. Demands for AGV and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) have rapidly increased due to a number of factors — these include increased use in manufacturing automation and e-commerce warehouses, as well as applications addressing human resource shortages. Research indicates that this market will grow from USD one billion in 2017 to seven billion in 2022[1]. To meet this trend, Advantech is releasing the MIO-5373 for customers seeking early AMR market opportunities.

[1] Ash Sharma, The Mobile Robot Market in 2022 – Our Predictions, https://www.interactanalysis.com/mobile-robot-infographic/

What is the biggest difference between AGV and AMR?

The difference between AGV and AMR is not immediately apparent. AMR uses new technology and is faster, smarter, and more efficient than AGVs. Similarly, AMR utilizes sensors and powerful on-board computers to understand their operating environments.[2] These features make AMR more agile and adaptable to a myriad of applications. In order to navigate the complicated routes found in facility interiors,  AMR devices need powerful embedded single board computers with multiple I/O interfaces. These I/O need to connect with cameras, sensors, control broads, displays, and other end devices.

[2] Fetch Robotics, The Cloud Robotics Platform for On-Demand Automation, https://fetchrobotics.com/fetch-robotics-blog/amrs-vs-agvs-whats-the-difference/

What are the implementation challenges presented by AMRs?

• AMRs require powerful computers
• Numerous I/O interfaces are needed to connect with camera & sensors
• These devices require excellent heat dissipation capabilities
• Mobile robots need to process data in real time
• 24/7 operation capacity, indoor and outdoor environment

What benefits can Advantech deliver?

Unlike AGV applications, real-time data collection and predictive/reactive capabilities are crucial in AMR applications. Correspondingly, AMR requires high performance edge AI computers to quickly process and execute sequential movements. The system leverages CPU, GPU, and additional VPUs to navigate obstacles and adjust routes. Advantech combines MIO-5373 with a VEGA-320 AI module card, iManager 3.0, and WISE-DeviceOn. This combination is excellent for system monitoring, real-time error alerts, and remote control. Additionally, it helps customers reduce cost and time expenditures associated with inventory management.

Product Features

• 8th Gen. Intel® Core™ Processor with Quad/Dual Cores increase performance by 40%
• Fanless Low power consumption design (15W)
• Dual Channel DDR4-2400 up to 32GB, onboard eMMC up to 64GB and 1x M.2 M-Key 2280 supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD
• Expansion for up to 6x high-definition input cameras: 2x GbE and 4x USB 3.2 Gen.2 (10 GT/s)
• Onboard CAN Bus interface supports real-time I/O control
• Support commercial 0~60°C and industrial -40~85°C operating temperature
• Small industrial form-factor 3.5” (146 x 102mm), easy for adoption
• Easy adoption via iManager 3.0 for real-time response, self-management, and software APIs under various OS
• WISE-PaaS/DeviceOn for remote control and system monitoring