{"id":50801,"date":"2026-01-14T10:20:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T09:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gt-engineering.it\/?post_type=approfondimento&p=50801"},"modified":"2026-01-14T10:21:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T09:21:51","slug":"industrial-mobile-robots","status":"publish","type":"approfondimento","link":"https:\/\/www.gt-engineering.it\/en\/insights\/machinery-directive\/industrial-mobile-robots\/","title":{"rendered":"Industrial Mobile Robots"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n \n \n \n
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\n IMR: What Is It All About <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/picture>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\n \n
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An IMR (Industrial Mobile Robot)<\/strong> is a self-navigating robotic system designed to move and operate within industrial environments, such as factories or warehouses, without being fixed in place. Unlike traditional industrial robots, IMRs:<\/p>\n

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  • Move freely through shared spaces with humans;<\/li>\n
  • Use sensors and software (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, SLAM) to navigate autonomously;<\/li>\n
  • Can carry loads, tools, or even robotic arms;<\/li>\n
  • Adapt their path in real time instead of following fixed tracks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Industrial mobile robots (IMRs) are like Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) but with, normally, a Robot on top<\/strong>; they can navigate within a factory, for example, reach specified locations. This navigation may be achieved through onboard autonomous systems or by following a predefined guide path.<\/p>\n

    IMRs are classified into three categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C, based on their system configuration.<\/p>\n

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    • Type A IMRs<\/strong> are mobile robots without any attached equipment.<\/li>\n
    • Type B IMRs<\/strong> are mobile robots equipped with attachments that are not manipulators.<\/li>\n
    • Type C IMRs<\/strong> include autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) equipped with one or more manipulators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Manipulators that are fixed in place or mounted on manually driven mobile equipment are classified as industrial robots and fall under the scope of ISO 10218-1<\/strong>, which defines their safety requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n \n \n

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      \n IMR Type A <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/picture>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\n \n
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      The basic descriptions and reclassification conditions for Industrial Mobile Robots (IMRs) are defined as follows.:<\/p>\n

      An IMR Type A<\/strong> is the simplest configuration. It consists only of the mobile platform itself, without any additional equipment mounted on it. Its main function is to move autonomously through the environment. These platforms are often used as a base onto which other components can later be added. If any attachment is installed on the platform, the robot is no longer considered Type A.<\/p>\n

      IMRs Type A can be provided for the purpose of having additional attachments added to enhance their functionality. The IMR Type A is a machine with the ability to navigate in its environment without following a predefined path. Any functionality beyond that, even a simple static shelf or tow hook, will categorize the IMR as a Type B or C.<\/p>\n

      The IMR Type A by itself possesses only limited ability to perform its task; it is intended to be integrated into a larger system, which will enable it to perform its task.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n \n \n

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      \n IMR Type B <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/picture>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\n \n
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      When a mobile robot is equipped with attachments that are not robotic arms, it becomes an IMR Type B<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      These attachments may be passive or active and can include elements such as conveyors, roller tables, or lifting devices. The robot can still move autonomously while performing material handling tasks. Adding or removing such attachments does not change the classification, as long as no manipulator is involved.<\/p>\n

      Even if the robot temporarily carries a manipulator only to transport it to another location, it is still considered Type B.<\/p>\n

      However, if all attachments are removed, the system reverts to Type A.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n \n \n

      <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n
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      \n IMR Type C <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/picture>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n <\/div>\n \n
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      An IMR Type C<\/strong> is a mobile robot equipped with a manipulator that is intended to operate while the robot is in motion or positioned within a work area. This configuration enables the robot to directly interact with its environment, for example by performing tasks such as picking, placing, or assembling components. The addition of further tools or additional manipulators does not alter the Type C classification. However, if the manipulator is not intended to operate and is merely being transported, the system is classified as an IMR Type B<\/strong> rather than a Type C.<\/p>\n

      When an IMR Type C uses an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) as its mobile platform, it is expected to remain on its defined guidepath during normal operation. Temporary deviations from the guidepath are permitted only for obstacle avoidance or to accommodate manipulator reach during task execution. Once the obstacle has been cleared or the task completed, the IMR shall return to and continue along the guidepath. If the IMR is unable to reestablish its position on the guidepath, or if an unintended loss of the guidepath occurs, the system shall initiate a Category 0 or Category 1 stop<\/strong>, in accordance with EN 60204-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      At international level, there is one ANSI standard that specifies the safety requirements for industrial mobile robots: ANSI\/RIA R15.08-1-2020.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      An ISO standard is also under development: ISO 26058-1<\/strong>: Safety requirements for industrial mobile robots – Part 1: Industrial mobile robots<\/em>, that should see the light in 2028.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n \n \n

      <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      An IMR (Industrial Mobile Robot) is a self-navigating robotic system designed to move and operate within industrial environments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":50786,"parent":0,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tipologia_approfondimento":[46],"class_list":["post-50801","approfondimento","type-approfondimento","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tipologia_approfondimento-machinery-directive"],"acf":{"sottotitolo":"","allegati":null},"yoast_head":"\nIndustrial Mobile Robots - Gt-Engineering<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The article examines the main characteristics of Industrial Mobile Robots (IMRs), describing their features and functionality.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gt-engineering.it\/en\/insights\/machinery-directive\/industrial-mobile-robots\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Industrial Mobile Robots - 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