THIRA Robotics Co. this week said it has signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, with systems integrator DISHER. They plan to jointly bring a second-generation autonomous mobile robot, or AMR, to the U.S. market.
THIRA Robotics said its new AMR can operate in facilities with complex conditions that were previously considered unfit for automation. It is designed to navigate imperfect floors, indoor/outdoor areas, chaotic spaces, and slopes.
“DISHER will implement our customized AMR solutions in U.S. factories, warehouses, and hospitals that did not have a viable AMR option until now,” said Peter Kim, CEO of THIRA, in a release.
THIRA and DISHER both innovate
South Korea-based THIRA Robotics described itself as “an award-winning innovator of AMRs for unmet needs.” The subsidiary of THiRA-UTECH added that its second-generation AMRs can operate on damaged floors, in narrow areas, and over spills, as well as take elevators in high-traffic environments.
THIRA's deal with DISHER is part of its ongoing U.S. ecosystem expansion. The company has also partnered with global leaders including Doosan, Hyundai TRANSYS, and Mando.
“Continuing our long history of innovation, DISHER is committed to training our engineers and expanding advanced automation skills that are in very short supply in the U.S.,” stated Shawn O'Farrel, area lead for manufacturing technical services and automation at DISHER.
“Our collaboration with THIRA will help us adopt and implement advanced Korean automation technologies in the U.S., positioning DISHER ahead of the learning curve,” O'Farrel added.
Zeeland, Mich.-based DISHER said it develops complex products. It also offers cross-functional staffing and consulting services for companies in the U.S. and globally.
DISHER noted that it has a focus on engineering, advanced product development, electronics, manufacturing technology, automation, and talent solutions. The company said its team of innovative problem solvers can create custom systems for clients.
U.S.-Korea collaboration continues
Collaboration between U.S. and South Korean manufacturers and automation is expanding beyond Korean market leaders, observed THIRA. It said that it and other technology suppliers are helping U.S. manufacturers compete globally.
DISHER is sending representatives to South Korea on Oct. 18 19 for a high-profile event sponsored by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) at the KINTEX Exhibition Center.
The Korea Association of Robot Industry has invited DISHER to establish another MOU to facilitate more strategic industry collaboration between the two nations.