InOrbit, a provider of cloud-based robot operations software, has launched a developer edition and expanded the InOrbit Connect program to a growing set of robots.
NOVEMBER 21, 2022 BY MARK ALLINSON
This allows companies deploying robots – whether they are robot developers, systems integrators, or end users – to build advanced solutions on top of InOrbit’s comprehensive platform.
The newly announced support for interoperability standards and collaboration with leading robot developers expands the InOrbit Connect program, allowing end users in logistics and other industries to easily integrate robots from multiple vendors into their operations.
Building on the existing InOrbit Developer Portal, the generous Free Edition and industry-leading InOrbit Connect, the newly launched InOrbit Developer Edition empowers developers throughout the value chain to cost-effectively leverage the full scope of InOrbit’s developer platform to build tailored solutions for their unique needs and customers.
InOrbit Connect is the first industry-wide certification program for integrating smart robots into end users’ operations. The number of robot models certified by InOrbit Connect has grown over three hundred percent, making InOrbit the best choice for end users looking for a single pane of glass that can flawlessly orchestrate heterogeneous fleets.
Industry leaders in logistics, retail, hospitality and manufacturing face a growing need for multi-robot, multi-site, multi-task, and multi-vendor robot operations.
InOrbit Connect integrates the broadest set of robots, whether they connect via the native InOrbit Agent, the Robot SDK, via some of the most popular commercial fleet management software, or through emerging interoperability standards like VDA 5050 and MassRobotics AMR Interoperability Standard. End users can find the latest and greatest InOrbit Connect-certified robots on the Robot Directory.
Florian Pestoni, InOrbit CEO and co-founder, says: “We like to say InOrbit supports the three Cs of robot orchestration: co-existence (allowing robots to share the same space, helping improve safety and avoid traffic jams), coordination (using space optimally for maximum efficiency), and collaboration (enabling robots and people to work in efficient harmony).
“When robot developers participate in InOrbit Connect through one of our interoperability options, they can focus on delivering their unique value. End users can then pick the best robots for their operations.”
InOrbit has long been part of the open source movement pushing the automation industry forward, such as last year’s release of a MassRobotics connector.
Clearpath Robotics and InOrbit, with participation by Ekumen, have jointly contributed a new open source package on Github that allows any ROS2 robot to become VDA 5050-compliant.
This initiative is a testament to Clearpath Robotics and InOrbit’s desire to accelerate the industry’s adoption of robotics. OTTO Motors, a division of Clearpath, is already using this software to integrate its commercial AMRs for material handling with VDA master controllers like InOrbit.
Ryan Gariepy, co-founder and CTO at Clearpath and Otto Motors, says: “Connecting VDA 5050 to ROS2 is a major step forward for the industry because now autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can realize greater value for the largest customers who are unwilling or unable to standardize on a single AGV or AMR platform.
“The connector enables VDA 5050 compliant master controllers to manage potentially any ROS2 based AMR in addition to the AGVs they already support. This gives facility owners a single pane of glass for material handling management and reduces the risk of vendor lock in.”
InOrbit is also expanding its ecosystem of partners in Europe by collaborating with Mobile Industrial Robots, a Teradyne company based in Denmark.
As a MiR Go partner, InOrbit joins other industry leaders in supporting one of the largest producers of AMRs. MiR robots can be found at sites worldwide, which can now be seamlessly managed through InOrbit Connect.