From Press to Pallet: Smart AMR Boosts Print Productivity

Automation is reshaping the print industry, and MoviĜo Robotics’ new Ŝharko5HH autonomous mobile robot brings that evolution to the shop floor. Designed to integrate seamlessly with HP Indigo printing presses, the single-fork AMR moves carts, trolleys, and roll containers without extra adapters or programming. By automating material transport and handling consumables, the Ŝharko5HH helps print operations cut labor costs, improve efficiency, and keep presses running with fewer interruptions.

The Ŝharko5HH from MoviĜo. Image used courtesy of MoviĜo Robotics

Printing In The 21st Century

Today's printing industry is characterized by automation, enabling increased production and quality while maintaining efficiency. High-speed printing presses are used alongside robotic technology to produce a high-quality product in a fraction of the time it would take without automation. The latest advancement in this process is feeding these machines with raw ingredients. Recently, MoviĜo robotics, a robotic manufacturer from the Netherlands, has expanded its existing line of AMR, the MoviĜo, to include a version specifically designed to integrate with the HP Indigo printing press.

The Ŝharko5HH is lifting a cart instead of a specially designed pallet. Image used courtesy of MoviĜo Robotics

Ŝharko5HH Autonomous Mobile Robot

Based on the Ŝharko5HP model, the Ŝharko5 Hammerhead is a pallet AMR designed specifically for the print industry. The difference is that the Hammerhead is a single fork AMR that can interface with trolleys, carts, and roll containers. Another added feature is that the single fork can be customized to fit the end user's needs. Not only was the Hammerhead designed for print shops, but HP has partnered with MoviĜo to build an AMR that integrates seamlessly with HP’s Indigo printing press. Print shops that use the Indigo press will be able to take advantage of the Ŝharko5HH to automate the logistics of their printing process.

Like any manufacturing process, the production machines must consume raw materials to make a product. The printing industry is the same, and AMRs can be used similarly to deliver raw materials or move finished products around the factory. With the Ŝharko5HH being capable of communicating with the Indigo press, integration will not require additional programming or communication devices; the press will simply be able to call the AMR when needed.

Consumable products are often received in many different containers besides pallets. If your incoming material needs to be transferred onto AMR-specific containers or pallets, you add unnecessary steps to your production process. The Ŝharko5HH is capable of transferring entire cars, trolleys, or roll containers. Thanks to the customization of the single fork, end users can define a wider variety of containers that the Ŝharko5HH will use to transfer products around the factory floor.

The Ŝharko5HH is being used in an active printing shop, video courtesy of MoviĜo Robotics

Logistics In The Print Shop

Print media is not the most popular form of media right now, so print shops worldwide are trying to reduce production costs wherever possible. Moving materials and products around the shop floor is a requirement, but a costly requirement when you have to pay wages and fuel costs. By using an AMR capable of moving carts or trolleys and integrating into popular printing presses, a print shop can reduce its logistics costs considerably, resulting in more profit and faster production schedules.