Precise mobility for smart production processes

RK Rose+Krieger GmbH develops modular systems for automation – from linear and connection technology to customised robot platforms. Together with Mitsubishi Electric, it has created an innovative mobile cobot solution based on the MELFA Assista collaborative robot, which makes production processes more efficient and flexible. Blickle supplies the ergonomic ErgoMove 500 drive system for maximum user-friendliness and reliable positioning in mobile applications.

In many production environments, collaborative robots (cobots) are taking on more and more tasks. However, in order to justify the high investment costs, they must be utilised to their full capacity. That is why RK Rose+Krieger relies on mobile platforms: the cobots are not permanently installed, but can be used flexibly at different stations.

This places high demands on the technology: the transport trolleys carry loads of up to 300 kilograms and the cobots must be positioned with millimetre precision. Previous solutions have relied on mechanical fixings or camera-based positioning. RK Rose+Krieger is taking a different approach: patented sensor technology detects the exact position of the trolley and automatically adjusts the robot's movements – with an accuracy in the hundredth of a millimetre range.

The additional challenge: the platforms must be able to be moved ergonomically and safely even with frequent starting and braking and over longer distances – even on slight inclines.

RK Rose+Krieger uses Blickle's ErgoMove 500 electric drive system to ensure the ergonomic movement of the mobile cobots. The system actively supports the operator when pushing, steering and braking. Thanks to the sensor handle with integrated force sensor technology, the platform can be operated intuitively. ErgoMove was tested on a prototype during the development phase. The results were convincing: the system shows its strengths particularly when starting and braking over short distances or on slight inclines – the physical strain on the operator is noticeably reduced. The compact design of the drive system allows for space-saving integration into the trolley. The powerful drive wheels ensure safe traction and can be controlled with great sensitivity – this is essential for precise manoeuvring in sensitive production environments.

With Blickle ErgoMove, RK Rose+Krieger was able to implement an ergonomic and technically superior solution for mobile robot use. The system not only increases comfort for the operator, but also contributes to process reliability and the overall ergonomics of the cobot application. The solution is scalable – higher loads and other applications, such as mobile tool changing systems, can be easily implemented with ErgoMove. Thanks to its flexible modularity, the solution can be adapted to different platform sizes and production environments.