Description

We are now releasing a new hardware version of MiR250 Shelf Carrier that improves quality and reliability. Hardware version 2.0 replaces the existing MiR250 Shelf Carrier hardware version 1.0 applications.

MiR250 Shelf Carrier hardware version 2.0 is supported from software version 2.14.5 or higher. If you purchase MiR250 Shelf Carrier, you must also update your fleet to software 2.14.5 or higher.

MiR250 Shelf Carrier hardware version 2.0 has a new SICK safety configuration and two new MiR250 Shelf Carrier footprints. You can download the SICK safety configuration file from the robot interface under System > Robot setup. Use the latest version of SICK Safety Designer to apply the new configuration file.

• When driving without a shelf, MiR250 Shelf Carrier uses the MiR250 Mk2 Shelf Carrier base footprint, which allows for more agile driving than the MiR250 base robot footprint. This is because a MiR250 Shelf Carrier driving without a shelf will never carry any other payload, and because MiR250 Shelf Carrier robots have traction kits that increase the traction of its wheels.

• When driving with a shelf, MiR250 Shelf Carrier uses MiR250 Mk2 shelf footprint, which is large enough to accommodate the largest shelf design supported by MiR.

The new MiR250_HW2-0_V3_Shelf SICK configuration file has larger Protective fields whenMiR250 Shelf Carrier drives with a shelf and narrower Protective fields when it is driving without a shelf, giving it greater agility.

Performance specifications will be updated on Support Portal.

There are no hardware changes to the top module top module.

MiR250 hardware version 2.0 base robot changes

The changes to MiR250 hardware version 2.0 base robot are also described in Hardware Release Note - MiR250 hardware version 2.0 released 2023-07-06.

The hardware update includes the following changes to the MiR250 base robot: 

• The router is replaced with an Ethernet switch—see Ethernet switch.

• The corner of the robot with the control panel is improved.

• The main cable harness is improved.

• The motor controller carrier board is updated with a new version.

• The STO and SS1 contactors are replaced with a version better designed for their installation in MiR250.

• The Ethernet cable connecting the power board to the switch is moved out of the cable harness, making it easier to replace.

• The safety PLC uses a new safety configuration file that is more user-friendly. The new files are not backwards compatible, and hardware version 2.0 does not support older configuration files.

The above changes have the following behavioral impact on the robot: 

• The robot does not and cannot broadcast a Wi-Fi connection you can use to connect to its internal network—see Ethernet switch.

• You must use an Ethernet cable or an access point dongle to connect to the robot directly—see Connect with an Ethernet cable or an access point dongle.

• There is a longer response time before the robot is brought out of Protective stop (same as with MiR600 and MiR1350).

• The robot may lose its map localization if moved by hand using manual brake release. Re-localization must be done manually via the navigation software (same as with MiR600 and MiR1350).

• MiR250 hardware version 1.0 is not upgradeable to the new version 2.0.

How to identify MiR250 hardware version 2.0

The order number for all MiR250 robots and compatible top modules remain the same, but the product and model serial numbers, and item numbers are changed. The identification label on MiR250 displays the hardware version of the robot—see Nameplate and Identification Label locations on MiR Support Portal. The hardware version is not visible in the robot interface.

The serial and item numbers of robot applications for MiR250 hardware version 2.0 are changed to those in the following tables.

The product serial number and item number are on the identification label and identify the MiR product. Each robot and each top module have an individual product serial number and item number.

The model serial number is on the nameplate and identifies the complete MiR robot application, covering both the base robot and the top module if one is mounted.

Ethernet switch

MiR250 hardware version 2.0 is installed with an Ethernet switch instead of the previously used router.

We have made this change to easier comply with standards in specific markets and to make the connection between the robots and the company Wi‑Fi more stable.

When robots broadcast their own Wi‑Fi, it can interfere with the the company Wi‑Fi, especially if multiple robots are in the same area. This can lead to disturbances in the communication between the robots and MiR Fleet, which can cause slowdowns and stoppages. The new Ethernet switch does not broadcast its own Wi‑Fi, so it cannot interfere with the company Wi‑Fi.

The Ethernet Switch is located next to the battery in the same place as the router was located, and it has the same dimensions as the router.

Connect with an Ethernet cable or an access point dongle

Because of the new Ethernet switch, you will not be able to connect wirelessly to a robot until it is connected to the Wi‑Fi on site.

Instead, you connect to the robot using either an Ethernet cable or an access point dongle via the RJ45 Ethernet port in the rear compartment next to the Battery lever.

Once connected, you can configure the robot's settings and connect it to a wireless network in exactly the same way as before.

MiR offers a MiR Access Point that is compliant for use in North America, the EU, and some countries accepting EAC. Outside these areas, you need to use your own access point that is approved for use in your region. If you choose to use an access point, you must ensure that the robot is disconnected from the wireless network before attaching the access point to remain compliant.

If you are using an access point dongle, connect your device to the access point. MiR Access Point has the following SSID format: MiR_3042XXXXX. Use the password shipped with the access point to connect.