Vietnam’s robotics industry reaches global standards

At the Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2024 on August 8, themed “Sustainovation: The Path to Manufacturing Efficiency”, Le Anh Son, deputy general director of technology at Phenikaa Group, highlighted the company’s robot pallet mover, which was specifically ordered by South Korean tech giant Samsung.

Le Anh Son, deputy general director of technology at Phenikaa Group

Son shared, “Samsung is a major corporation with specific requirements for the robots used in its factories. They required a robot that fully integrated with their warehouse system, creating a fully automated system where the robot can communicate with other devices and automatically perform tasks without human intervention. For instance, when the warehouse system signals a shortage, the robot automatically understands and retrieves the goods as needed.”

According to Son, this collaboration is an opportunity for Phenikaa X to showcase its capabilities. The company is not just a manufacturer but also engages in the development of robot software systems from the ground up, allowing Phenikaa X to easily adjust its products to meet the unique needs of clients, particularly in terms of integration and communication with other devices.

“Samsung expects our robot not only to move from point A to point B but also to have the capability to detect the location of pallets in the warehouse, regardless of where they are placed. This is a very high standard, and only developers with core robotics technology can meet it,” he added.

Designed specifically for factories, electronics manufacturers, garment production, and automotive parts manufacturing, the AMR Pallet Mover robot from Phenikaa-X is capable of handling heavy loads up to 1,000kg, sensing dynamic loads, and adjusting speed and acceleration based on the weight of the load. Compliant with the API VDA5050 standard, the AMR Pallet Mover seamlessly integrates with warehouse management systems and existing automation equipment.

Additionally, the product is equipped with the PNKX MMG management software, tailored specifically for the factory environment in Vietnam, enabling efficient coordination between humans and robots within the operational ecosystem, thereby optimising workflows. Currently, this management software is being used at Samsung Electronics’ factory in Thai Nguyen.

Notably, the AMR Pallet Mover is designed to ISO 3691-4 safety standards, featuring three layers of protection including an AI camera for detecting people and objects, a PL-d level LiDAR safety sensor, and a collision sensor. This represents the highest safety standard for mobile robots, specifying design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance requirements to ensure the safety of people and property.

"Phenikaa X's products have reached high standards in autonomy and safety, on par with those of major global corporations. We are confident that our products represent a reliable solution with strong potential for future growth," Son asserted.

With its strength in customisation, Son hopes this will become a defining characteristic of the company.

“Foreign manufacturers are often reluctant to modify their mass-produced, commercialised products to meet the specific needs of individual customers. Even if the current trial at Samsung’s factory is successful and moves into mass production, we will continue to invest in research and development to meet the demands of different customers,” Son continued.

Son noted that the cost of a Phenikaa X robot is estimated to range from $32,000 to $48,000, making it suitable for foreign-invested enterprises with high integration and customisation needs. Phenikaa X’s geographical advantage also allows the company to provide technical support to customers in Vietnam, saving costs compared to bringing in foreign experts.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the global robotics market is expected to reach approximately $42.59 billion by 2024 and $79.87 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.4 per cent from 2024 to 2029. The fastest-growing market is the Asia-Pacific region.

In Vietnam, the industrial robotics market is expected to reach $309.8 million by 2024, according to Statista, as manufacturing companies intensify their adoption of technology in general and AI-powered robots to enhance productivity and comply with sustainable development standards.

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