Unlocking the Benefits of Mobile Manipulators for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

The mobile manipulator is a relatively recent development in the robotics domain. It is a type of robot system that extends the manipulation capabilities of a robotic arm by the mobility capabilities of a mobile platform. As a result, mobile manipulators promise to provide a wider usage of manipulators (for example, by extending their reach) and to enable automation of use cases that are still manually performed. They can, for instance, automate repetitive tasks, freeing human workers to focus on more valuable tasks. They can also be deployed to perform dangerous or difficult tasks, reducing the risk of workplace injuries. Additionally, using mobile manipulators can help meet the growing demand for fast and flexible production processes, enabling them to better compete in a rapidly changing market. However, integrating these systems bears complexity, high acquisition costs, and unsolved safety and security challenges. Therefore, this new approach is only beginning to be adopted in the manufacturing industry. Especially small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) suffer from these challenges, as they usually have fewer resources. However, mobile manipulators are a valuable tool to enhance their competitiveness and profitability in various industries. In order to unleash these benefits, this paper provides a comprehensive review of application cases of mobile manipulators within smart factory setups. It focuses on specific requirements and advantages for SMEs.