Whether in the manufacturing industry for the automation of intralogistics processes or in healthcare facilities to support nursing staff in the transportation of medical goods - the French company Meanwhile develops autonomous, mobile robotics for this purpose. For the new XuP-Stacker model, linear axes and linear guideways from HIWIN GmbH are used for the vertical and horizontal movements.

 The new robot from autonomous mobile robotics specialist Meanwhile can transport several containers of different sizes in just one trip. The start-up company, which was only founded in 2017, optimizes intralogistics processes in companies in a wide range of sectors. “The XuP-Stacker is a mobile robot that we developed based on a market problem rather than a specific customer problem,” says Noémie Kuiesine, Marketing Manager at Meanwhile. “We identified and prioritized needs in the range of intralogistics processes and developed a robot that can be used in several industries at the same time.” The integrated modular gripper makes it possible to pick up and set down any type of container, tray or carton. The new XuP stacker is therefore able to optimize intralogistics processes. Like all Meanwhile robotics, the XuP stacker also has an intelligent positioning and navigation system based on lidar technology. This allows the robot to locate itself at any time, dynamically avoid unmapped obstacles and constantly readjust its route. For the type of vertical movement of the gripper, Meanwhile was looking for a linear drive system with a high degree of synchronization and precision. “Full integration of the drive system into the robot and a minimalist design and aesthetic were also important to us,” emphasizes Noémie Kuiesine, Marketing Manager at Meanwhile. The choice therefore fell on linear axes with spindle drive (HM-S) from HIWIN GmbH. The motion technology specialist from Offenburg has already received the reddot Design Award for the design of its axes.

The compact linear axes with spindle drive position the gripper at the correct height at which the containers are to be picked up and set down in the loading area. The HM-S axis is based on an aluminum base profile in which the integrated linear guideways safely transfer the forces and torques from the slide to the axis profile. The integrated HIWIN ballscrews ensure precise positioning thanks to their high rigidity and pitch accuracy. The steel cover strip, which is held securely in position by integrated magnetic strips, prevents dirt and dust from entering the inside of the axis. The axes from HIWIN can be individually adapted to application-specific requirements thanks to the sophisticated modular principle. The sizing tools and configurators available online provide users with optimum support in selecting the right product. “With the configurator, we were able to configure the axis according to our ideas. This was very helpful during the design phase,” says Noémie Kuiesine, Marketing Manager at Meanwhile.

 In addition to the linear axes installed, Meanwhile also relies on linear guideways from HIWIN. The guideways extend the working area of the scraper in a horizontal direction. The miniature guideways from the MGN series are used. “Thanks to their compact and lightweight design, the small linear guideways are a perfect fit for the XuP stacker and its space restrictions,” explains Noémie Kuiesine, Marketing Manager at Meanwhile. Despite their small dimensions, the tread pattern guarantees even load absorption from all directions.

“We are very satisfied with HIWIN's products. We also really appreciate the fast delivery times and the expert advice from the entire team,” reports Noémie Kuiesine, Marketing Manager at Meanwhile. “We certainly won't hesitate to contact HIWIN again for our next projects.”

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