Addverb and Infineon Advance Warehouse Robot Safety with BLE

Addverb Technologies, a prominent player in industrial automation, has joined forces with Infineon Technologies to introduce Bluetooth Low Energy -based safety systems for warehouse robots, marking a significant step forward in industrial automation safety and reliability. The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety in increasingly automated warehouse environments by leveraging Infineon’s expertise in semiconductor technology and Addverb’s robotics solutions.

Warehouse automation has surged worldwide as e-commerce and supply chain demands intensify. Robots navigating complex warehouse layouts must adhere to stringent safety protocols while maintaining seamless communication with control systems. Addressing this, Addverb and Infineon have developed a BLE-enabled safety system designed to deliver real-time monitoring and remote power management for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots .

This collaboration integrates Infineon’s advanced semiconductor solutions, including microcontrollers and sensor technologies, with Addverb’s proprietary robotics platforms. The BLE technology facilitates low-latency, reliable wireless communication critical to safety compliance. It allows continuous exchange of safety signals between robots and central control units, ensuring immediate response to any irregularities or hazards within warehouse operations.

The system is designed to remotely control power supply to the robots, enabling emergency shutdowns or power cycling without physical intervention. This capability not only reduces downtime but also enhances worker safety by allowing rapid isolation of malfunctioning units from the fleet. Moreover, the BLE safety infrastructure supports real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, allowing operators to preempt potential failures before they escalate.

Addverb has been pushing the boundaries of warehouse robotics with a portfolio ranging from material handling robots to complex automation systems tailored for sectors such as e-commerce, retail, and manufacturing. Integrating BLE safety measures elevates the reliability of these systems by ensuring that automated machines operate within strict safety parameters while maintaining agility in operations.

Infineon’s role in this venture capitalises on its leadership in power management and sensor technology. The company’s robust BLE chipsets and microcontrollers form the backbone of the wireless communication system, optimised for low power consumption and high security, crucial in sensitive industrial environments. Their solutions are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference and physical wear and tear common in industrial settings.

The strategic alliance arrives amid growing regulatory and industry focus on enhancing safety standards in automated environments. Warehouse robots often operate alongside human workers, making fail-safe communication protocols a top priority. The BLE-based system introduced by Addverb and Infineon addresses this need by ensuring that safety signals are transmitted reliably and instantaneously, thereby preventing accidents and equipment damage.

Experts highlight that BLE technology offers a unique combination of low power consumption and sufficient range to cover extensive warehouse floors, making it well suited for large-scale automation systems. The technology’s inherent security features also mitigate risks associated with wireless communication, such as hacking or data breaches, thereby safeguarding operational integrity.

The deployment of BLE safety systems is expected to improve automation scalability in warehouses. Facilities can add or reconfigure robots without extensive rewiring or additional hardware installation, reducing costs and increasing flexibility. The wireless nature of the system also facilitates rapid integration with existing warehouse management systems and industrial Internet of Things platforms.

Addverb and Infineon’s partnership exemplifies the growing trend of collaboration between robotics firms and semiconductor companies to address the evolving challenges of industrial automation. By combining domain expertise, the companies are pioneering solutions that not only boost productivity but also uphold the highest safety standards in demanding environments.

Industry analysts view the integration of BLE-based safety systems as a critical advancement that will likely set a new benchmark for warehouse automation safety protocols globally. The move aligns with broader trends towards digitisation and smarter factories, where connectivity, automation, and safety coalesce to drive operational excellence.

The focus on remote power control also reflects an industry-wide shift towards more intelligent energy management in automation. Robots consume significant amounts of energy, and their efficient power regulation reduces operational costs and environmental impact. By enabling precise remote power management, the Addverb-Infineon system contributes to sustainable automation practices.