Yaskawa Launches Motoman NEXT Platform: Revolutionizing Adaptive Robotic Automation!

Yaskawa has introduced the Motoman NEXT platform to the North American market, marking a significant advancement in robotic automation by integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) into its systems. This innovative platform features a range of dedicated manipulators, with payload capacities varying from 4 kg to 35 kg, offering seven robot models, including five industrial robots (NEX4, NEX7, NEX10, NEX20, and NEX35) and two collaborative robots (NHC12 and NHC30), all powered by the compact YNX1000 controller.

Developed through collaboration between Yaskawa Electric Corporation and various industry partners, Motoman NEXT is the first industrial robot platform designed for autonomous adaptivity, allowing robots to perform complex tasks in unstructured environments. This platform extends Yaskawa’s i3-Mechatronics solution concept, promoting an integrated and innovative approach to industrial automation. Chris Caldwell, Product Manager at Yaskawa America Inc., stated that the new hardware architecture enhances robotic deployment in areas that were previously unautomated by enabling robots to perceive their surroundings and make human-like decisions.

The Motoman NEXT robots utilize NVIDIA Isaac accelerated libraries and AI models, running on NVIDIA Jetson Orin autonomous control units equipped with Wind River Linux. This powerful combination ensures integrated AI processing and enhances decision-making capabilities, allowing for increased autonomy and efficiency in robotic operations. The platform was showcased at the IMTS event and will also be featured at Pack Expo 2024, where it will demonstrate real-world applications for order fulfillment in warehouses, showcasing its potential to revolutionize logistics and manufacturing processes.