A Grimsby-based operation of Cimcorp Oy entered into a sales agency agreement with M2 Concepts Solucoes Emprasarials Ltda of Curitiba in the Brazilian state of Paraná.

The Adam-brand intelligent automated guided vehicle (i-AGV) is one of three Cimcorp lines that M2 Concepts began representing in September. The other lines involve automated order picking and tyre handling equipment.

"The M2 Concepts alliance strengthens Cimcorp's ability to offer sales and support to international clients whether their factories are in Asia, Europe, North America and now South America," says Bill Torrens, Cimcorp sales and marketing manager for the Americas. "This is a strategic move for our company as we introduce Brazilian manufacturers to our proven gantry-based handling systems and robotic AGVs."

M2 Concepts principals Ozil and Murilo Neto formed the business in 2009 after having sold production equipment to Brazilian manufacturers since 1999. In addition to Cimcorp, M2 Concepts represents Pelmar Engineering Ltd of Ramat-HaSharon, Israel and Coral Group of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.

On 23 July, Cimcorp acquired RMT Robotics Ltd of Grimsby, an integrated materials handling solutions provider, in a purchase of RMT's parent company. RMT, now a subsidiary of Ulvila, Finland-based Cimcorp, supplies i-AGVs and gantry systems for tyre, warehouse and manufacturing applications.

RMT's first installation of an Adam system in an industrial application occurred in late 2006. An Adam does not need an external guide path network or sensors.

"Adam was the first i-AGV in the world to be placed into active service in a heavy manufacturing environment," Torrens says. "As with most category-defining technologies, adoption can be initially slow but, as awareness and confidence builds, so does reputation and acceptance in the marketplace."

Currently, seven companies operate a total of 70 Adam vehicles at eight separate installation sites in North America, Europe and Japan. "To date, this represents the largest installation base of industrialised mobile robots in the world," Torrens notes. "This number is expected to double by the end of 2011 as i-AGV technology begins to displace conventional AGV solutions in the marketplace."