MOTOMAN NEXT: How AI adaptive robotics is powering the future of Australian manufacturing
With Australia’s manufacturers facing pressure to do more with less – from labour gaps to shorter production runs – Yaskawa’s Motoman NEXT platform offers a smarter, more adaptive way to automate complex tasks on the factory floor.
Yaskawa’s new Motoman NEXT platform has arrived in Australia – bringing a smarter, more flexible approach to automation for local manufacturers facing labour shortages and shifting production demands.
What makes Motoman NEXT different?
Motoman NEXT is an adaptive robotics platform built to handle the kind of variable, judgment-based work that traditional robots have struggled with. It blends robotic control (OT) and intelligent data processing (IT) into one system, so robots can perceive, plan, and act in real time.
Key features include:
- Autonomous path planning: Robots adjust to their surroundings, navigating obstacles and reacting to changes as they happen.
- AI and machine vision: Integrated sensors and cameras let robots inspect, sort, and make decisions on the fly.
- Dual control architecture: Combines signal-based control with AI-driven decision-making.
- Digital twin simulation: Engineers can model, test, and optimise production workflows virtually using the YNX Robot Simulator.
- Open platform: ROS2 and Docker compatibility support integration with third-party tools and custom apps.
Model range and capabilities
The Motoman NEXT lineup includes the NEX series of industrial robots, covering payloads from 7 to 35 kilograms and featuring new High Inertia Servo drives for exceptional precision – achieving near “zero gap” between virtual simulations and real-world motion. The NHC series Cobots, available in 12- and 30-kilogram models, add a built-in “bodycam” that allows them to monitor their workspace and respond dynamically to what’s happening around them.
Why this matters for Australian manufacturers
- Addressing labour shortages
With skilled labour harder to find, Motoman NEXT helps bridge the gap – taking on tasks that require dexterity and visual judgment, such as sorting irregular items or adjusting to changing production sequences.
- Productivity in high-mix environments
Australian production often involves small batches and frequent changeovers. Motoman NEXT’s adaptability keeps downtime and setup costs low, making it ideal for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
- Safer, collaborative workspaces
The NHC12 and NHC30 collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work side-by-side with people safely. With hand-guided teaching and built-in safety features like power and force limiting, they’re easy to deploy and reconfigure.
- Local support and integration
Robotic Automation™ provides local technical support, parts, and integration services – ensuring smooth setup, maintenance, and training for Australian sites.
Real-world applications
Motoman NEXT is already being used internationally in industries such as:
- Food and beverage: Sorting, packaging, and palletising irregular items.
- Metal fabrication: Machine tending and quality inspection.
- Pharmaceuticals and labs: Precision handling and automated testing.
- Logistics: Pick-and-place, bin picking, and case packing.
What’s next for smart factories
As more Australian manufacturers adopt data-driven processes, platforms like Motoman NEXT will become key enablers of “AI-ready” factories – where robots, data, and people work together to improve quality and uptime.
Ready to explore adaptive robotics for your production line? Contact Robotic Automation today.