Factories, laboratories, warehouses, and logistics centers are undergoing rapid transformation thanks to the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). These robots must navigate safely through dynamic environments, locate precisely indoors, manage energy efficiently, and possess advanced perception and artificial intelligence capabilities, all while meeting demanding reliability and time-to-market requirements. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators in the robotics industry face challenges in assembling, validating, and industrializing these complex subsystems independently.

To address this challenge, Arrow and eInfochips have collaborated with ST to deliver a fully functional AMR kit based on a comprehensive ST bill of materials, tightly integrated with an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano- based computing platform and the NVIDIA ROS 2 software stack . Arrow and eInfochips contribute their proven Rover mechanical platform and systems integration expertise, while ST provides a comprehensive portfolio of industrial-grade components and reference designs.

The new AMR Reference Kit combines the following features:
● Robust power and battery management for 24V operation, with a pre-validated path to a 48V architecture
● STM32-based real-time controller board, acting as a powerful interface between the NVIDIA platform and the robot's sensors and actuators
● Advanced motion control, including dual BLDC motor controllers based on STSPIN32 and STDRIVE devices for precise and smooth navigation
● Wide range of sensors for perception and safety, utilizing ST MEMS IMUs, magnetometers, and environmental sensors, complemented by LiDAR and vision inputs for SLAM-based mapping and navigation
● Integration of ROS 2 industrial software, enabling mapping, localization, and autonomous navigation with standard tools such as Cartographer, NAV2, and RViz.

The new platform offers a robust and pre-tested system-level design that significantly reduces development risk, integration effort, and time to market. Robot manufacturers and systems integrators can start with a functional, realistic AMR that includes chassis, electronics, and software. They can then leverage Arrow and eInfochips' engineering services to customize the mechanics, functions, and cost-optimized designs, while ST provides a comprehensive bill of materials solution with long-term technical support.

This collaboration enables the AMR ecosystem to move more quickly from prototype to production, helping customers deliver safer, smarter, and more efficient mobile robots for industrial and commercial environments worldwide.

"This solution brings together the performance, flexibility, and pre-validated robotic integration that customers need to move faster from development to deployment, while providing a scalable foundation capable of addressing a wide range of industrial and commercial robotic applications ," said Shelby Schnurrenberger, vice president of global semiconductor supplier management at Arrow Electronics.

“ST’s broad industrial portfolio is a perfect fit for autonomous mobile robot applications, where reliability, performance, and scalability are essential. By combining our technologies with Arrow’s engineering services, we help customers turn innovative robotic concepts into industry-ready solutions. Together, we can accelerate the development of the next generation of AMRs for the market ,” commented Allan Lagasca, Applications Director for the Robotics Segment Strategic Program (SSP) and Smart Industry Segment Leader at STMicroelectronics.

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