As robotics become increasingly integrated into everyday life, the role of autonomous systems is rapidly expanding. Whether it’s a collaborative robot (cobot) preparing coffee at a local café or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) navigating a warehouse to manage inventory, robotics are reshaping the way humans interact with machines. One company at the forefront of enabling this shift is onsemi, with a focus on comprehensive subsystem solutions that power and enhance robotic design.
onsemi has developed an advanced AMR demonstration platform, showcasing how their diverse portfolio of sensing, power, and communication technologies can be effectively integrated. This platform serves as a flexible foundation not only for autonomous mobile robots but also for a range of applications including cobots, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), and intelligent power tools.
The AMR is constructed using modular subsystems that reflect real-world use cases and design challenges. These include:
Lighting:
Lighting plays a critical role in both functionality and safety. It signals the robot’s operational status to nearby people and enhances visibility in environments such as retail inventory management. Key components featured in this subsystem include the NCV7685 linear current driver and the NCL31000 intelligent LED driver, which supports visible light communication and indoor positioning.
Motion:
The motion subsystem is essential for precision mobility. It incorporates onsemi’s three-phase gate drivers (NCD83591), power regulators (NCP730), and advanced Trench 10 MOSFETs (NVMFWS0DxN04XM) for efficient and reliable brushless DC motor control.
Sensors:
For perception and navigation, onsemi’s AMR integrates advanced sensing components such as the AR0234 and AR1335 image sensors, NCS32100 angular inductive position sensors, and the NCV75215 ultrasonic sensor. These devices provide detailed environmental data, enabling smarter and safer movement.
Power:
Power management is handled by the FAN65008B buck regulator with integrated protection features, alongside battery monitoring systems and ultra-compact charging solutions using the NCP1681 bridgeless totem pole PFC controller and the NIS3071 e-Fuse. These solutions ensure consistent performance and safety during operation.
Communication:
Connecting all subsystems is the NCN26010 Ethernet transceiver, compliant with IEEE 802.3cg 10Base-T1S standards. This facilitates robust and simplified networking across the robot’s architecture. At the core, a NVIDIA® Jetson™ module runs the Robot Operating System (ROS) environment via Docker, illustrating how seamlessly onsemi’s subsystems integrate into widely used robotics platforms.
A unique feature of the AMR is its adaptability—components are mounted using DIN rails and standardized ball head mounts, making it easy to upgrade with new sensors or evaluation boards. One of the focal areas in future development is sensor fusion, enabling the integration of data from multiple sensor types for more refined decision-making. Safety remains a parallel priority, with enhanced power protection using newer e-Fuse technologies.
The development of this demonstration robot provided onsemi’s engineering team with valuable insights into the design process. By exploring how their components perform within a full system and integrating with platforms like NVIDIA’s Isaac Sim™, the team gained firsthand experience with simulation-driven development. These environments support not only safe testing of navigation algorithms but also power optimization for extended battery life and efficient recharging—an area where onsemi’s energy-efficient components shine.
Looking ahead, the future of robotics lies in adaptability and autonomy. AMRs are expected to evolve beyond controlled environments into spaces with more complex variables—just as humans do. Future robots will benefit from improvements in natural language processing, smarter sensing, and even easier user interfaces that allow task configuration without coding. Whether managing machinery or performing agricultural tasks like harvesting and packing, AMRs will become increasingly multifunctional.
Throughout the design process, the team at onsemi encountered both challenges and humorous moments. For example, an early test with misaligned mecanum wheels led to comically erratic driving behavior—fine in simulation, but chaotic in reality. Another issue with back EMF caused by exposed motor winding connections led to a fun and educational moment for the engineering team, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.
As the robotics industry continues to mature, onsemi’s commitment to innovation in subsystems—Motion, Sensors, Power, Lighting, and Communication—positions them as a key enabler in advancing the reliability, intelligence, and flexibility of autonomous systems.
