The FollowMe concept by owlRobotics provides an innovative solution for material flow in warehouses and production environments.
In the warehouse, required parts are picked and loaded directly into the containers of a FollowMe unit that autonomously follows the employee. This eliminates the need to manually pull or push transport carts, while keeping both hands freefor the actual picking process.
After several material units have been prepared, multiple FollowMe vehicles can be arranged into a convoy. This convoy can then be guided through the production area by just one employee and delivered to the required assembly stations. In the future, this material supply process is planned to be handled fully autonomously by the robots.
At the assembly line, the FollowMe units are positioned exactly where the material is needed. The robot can continue to follow the operator directly – a major advantage especially in large production areas where unnecessary walking distances would otherwise consume time.
This creates clear benefits:
One employee can supply multiple workstations at the same time
Several FollowMe units automatically move in convoy
Reduced walking distances and lower labor effort
Material available directly at the line or assembly station
Flexible supply without fixed conveyor systems
Scalable for different production sizes
In short: One employee controls the material flow – the FollowMe convoy handles the transport.
Remark: All pictures are AI-generated concept visualizations. Product under continuous development.
Flexible, Intuitive, and Ready for Industrial Applications
owlRobotics is proud to introduce the new Pushbox series, a versatile and user-friendly control solution designed for industrial automation, robotics, machine operation, training systems, and custom applications. Combining programmable illuminated RGB push buttons with simple USB connectivity, the Pushbox creates an intuitive interface between humans and machines.
Programmable RGB Buttons for Maximum Flexibility
At the core of every Pushbox are high-quality illuminated RGB push buttons. Each button can be individually configured to display different colors and operating states, making it easy to communicate machine status, process steps, warnings, or user feedback at a glance.
Whether green indicates readiness, red signals an alarm condition, or blue represents a special function, the color scheme can be customized to perfectly match the requirements of any application.
Plug-and-Play USB Connectivity
The Pushbox connects directly to a computer via USB and is recognized as a standard USB keyboard device. No additional drivers are required, allowing for quick and straightforward integration into existing systems.
Each button can be programmed to send individual keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts, commands, or complete macros. This flexibility makes the Pushbox compatible with virtually any software environment, industrial control system, or automation platform.
Designed for Industry, Robotics, and Automation
The Pushbox is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
Industrial machine control
Production and assembly systems
Test benches and laboratory equipment
Robotics and autonomous systems
Training and educational platforms
Control rooms and operator stations
Smart automation projects
Custom OEM solutions
Its versatile design allows engineers, integrators, and developers to create efficient and intuitive control interfaces without complex hardware development.
Clear Visual Feedback for Enhanced Usability
The combination of tactile push-button operation and configurable RGB illumination provides immediate visual feedback to operators. This improves workflow efficiency, reduces operator errors, and enhances overall system usability.
The Pushbox is particularly valuable in environments where operators need clear status information or where multiple process states must be communicated quickly and reliably.
Built for Custom Solutions
Like all owlRobotics products, the Pushbox has been developed with flexibility and customization in mind. Its robust hardware design, simple USB integration, and programmable functionality make it an excellent choice for both standard applications and highly specialized projects.
Whether used as a standalone operator interface or integrated into larger automation systems, the Pushbox delivers reliable performance and a professional user experience.
Key Features
Programmable illuminated RGB push buttons
USB plug-and-play operation
No driver installation required
Keyboard and macro emulation
Customizable colors and functions
Robust industrial design
Suitable for automation, robotics, and machine control
Easy integration into existing software and hardware environments
Conclusion
The new owlRobotics Pushbox combines intelligent RGB status indication, programmable button functionality, and effortless USB connectivity in a compact and versatile device.
Designed for modern automation and control applications, the Pushbox offers a simple yet powerful way to improve operator interaction, enhance process visibility, and create intuitive control solutions for virtually any environment.
With its flexibility, reliability, and ease of integration, the Pushbox is the perfect interface between people and technology.
A mobile assistant robot for assembly and logistics, featuring a modular carrier structure for material boxes, tools, or bins used for order picking. This configuration demonstrates one possible use case of how employees in warehouses, workshops, or production environments can be supported in their daily work – flexibly, mobile, and without complicated operation.
Operation Without Additional Technology
A key development principle of the FollowMe Robot is simplicity: the user should not need any additional technology to control the robot.
No app, no tablet, no remote control.
Operation is direct and intuitive through:
Gesture control – simple hand signals for start, stop, or follow
Foot switch – a robust control option for industrial environments
Automatic person detection for the FollowMe principle
This keeps the focus on the actual work – not on the technology.
Mobile Support for Order Picking
In warehouse environments, the FollowMe Robot can accompany employees directly and take over transport tasks. While items are picked or sorted, the robot automatically moves along and keeps the bins within easy reach.
This creates a mobile workstation directly in the warehouse aisle.
Benefits:
reduced walking distances
faster picking processes
both hands free for work
improved ergonomics
intuitive operation with minimal training required
Material and Tool Carrier for Assembly Stations
The robot is also ideal for use in production as an intelligent material cart. Tools, screws, components, or consumables can be transported directly to the workstation and made available where needed.
Especially in dynamic production environments, ease of use is essential – particularly when different employees work with the system.
Modular Concept
The shown setup is modular and can be adapted to different requirements:
bin systems for order picking
tool holders
material transport
custom application-specific configurations
Outlook
The FollowMe Robot represents a practical form of robotics: technology that works in the background and adapts to people – not the other way around.
Easy to operate, ready to use, and delivering real added value in everyday industrial work.
Our partner, MOTION-HUB® GmbH from Graz, has introduced its modern sweeping robot, which was developed in close collaboration with us, owlRobotics GmbH. Our innovative hardware and software architecture perfectly complements the high-quality mechanics of the MOTION-HUB® robot platform, ensuring efficient and reliable cleaning performance.
The sweeping robot impresses with a cleaning capacity of up to approximately 1,200 m²/h as well as an autonomous self-emptying function, allowing it to operate fully independently with minimal service requirements—ideal for industrial indoor and outdoor areas such as production facilities and logistics halls.
MOTION-HUB® utilizes state-of-the-art robotics technology with intelligent navigation and automatic live mapping of cleaning areas, enabling precise and safe operation even in complex environments. At the same time, the use of this technology reduces costs, optimizes processes, and increases sustainability in surface cleaning.
MOTION-HUB® GmbH offers the cleaning of industrial indoor and outdoor areas using these modern cleaning robots. In doing so, MOTION-HUB® develops and manufactures the high-quality robot mechanics and provides its customers with the robots along with comprehensive service and support offerings.
The complete control hardware as well as the entire software are developed in-house by us and ensure precise, stable, and high-performance robot control, perfectly tailored to the requirements of demanding industrial environments.
Theory is great — but real innovation only happens when you build, test, and bring things into motion. With the owlStarter Kit (owlController + 2× owlDrive-125 + motors incl. mounting brackets), knowledge turns into hands-on practice: a complete platform for modern mobile robotics.
This is where electronics, software, and mechanics come together in a real system project.
What makes this project special?
High-performance motor controllers for real dynamics
Modular CAN bus architecture, just like in industrial applications
Programming with C++, Python, or ROS
Expandable with sensors such as LiDAR, IMU, and cameras
From the first rolling test to a fully autonomous robot
Mechanics explicitly welcome!
It’s not just about programming:
Designing a custom mechanical chassis
Developing functional and stylish 3D-printed housings
⚙️ Optimizing drivetrain, suspension, protection, and cooling
Combining design, function, and manufacturing
This creates a true mechatronic overall system — just like in real industrial projects.
By bringing together diverse talents — from software and electronics to mechanics and design — participants not only develop technical skills but also actively strengthen teamwork, communication, and professional project management. These interdisciplinary skills are essential in modern engineering and product development.
Possible project ideas:
Autonomous mobile robot
Follow-Me robot
Navigation and mapping with sensor fusion
Web interfaces and telemetry
AI-based object detection
Custom enclosure design and lightweight constructions
Perfect for:
Team-based vocational training (mechatronics, IT, electronics, mechanics)
University projects and semester projects
Makerspaces and robotics clubs
Research and prototyping teams
Those who design, build, and program together today are creating the robotics of tomorrow.
Interested in an interdisciplinary hands-on project? Let’s build robots together! Send us a message if you’d like to learn more.
The owlKit
Mini Rover mit 2 GFK Platten 30x20 cm und Freilaurolle vorn
owlRobotics GmbH stands for high precision navigation algorithms for self driving robots like lawn mowers and similar vehicles, based on our Sunray-OS or open standards.
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