SMR develops, produces and sells the SHERPA® range of autonomous and mobile robots (AMR). As inventor of the combination of follow-me and autonomous modes, SMR offers innovative and flexible solutions in order to reduce pain, automate your transfers, streamline flows and increase productivity.

Founded in 1987, NORCAN is leader in France and one of the key players in Europe in the field of modular and custom-built industrial solutions. Focused on optimisation of production tools and, more broadly, working environments, the company has developed its own modular mechanical system using aluminium profiles, ABS coated pipes, conveyor components and accessories. In 2012, the idea of developing collaborative robotics germinated. In 2016, NORCAN established the brand SHERPA® to manage the first prototypes, particularly in tracking mode. Awarded the Alsace Innovation Trophy the following year, the company perfected its solution to offer reliable and safe robots that adapt to the changing industry world. In June 2019, NORCAN inaugurates a building dedicated to the development of SHERPA®, and creates its 100% dedicated subsidiary, SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS on 1 January 2020. NORCAN thus becomes SHERPA®'s first integrator.

SHERPA adapts to different sectors of activity :

• IndustryLogistics : Kitting and line feeding
• Industry Productio : Transfers of parts
• Logistics and material handling, retail (feeding goods)
• E-Commerce : inbounds, picking, sorting, outbounds, retunrs
• But can also meet the needs of hospitals, services and transport.

Less pain and risks in the transport of loads
Much more productivity through the drastic reduction of low value-added tasks
Greater flexibility and space savings by tending towards the «one-piece-flow»
Allows innovative transformation to factories 4.0

SHERPA Mobile Robotics is present on the main European markets: France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Morocco. Its development through a network of integrators is currently being deployed.

AMRs are robots used to transport loads in factories, industries, logistics centres, and other workshops. They allow operators to focus on value-added tasks and free them from transporting loads. Unlike AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), they do not have an arranged trajectory and thus allow great flexibility. They are able to optimise their movements while avoiding obstacles in their way. Choosing an AMR for your facility makes it possible to optimise the flow and transport of loads and, consequently, to optimise the overall productivity through efficiency gains.

Both AMRs and AGVs carry loads from point A to point B. An AGV follows an arranged and marked path. It follows rails, magnetic tapes on the ground or sensors in order to move. The installation of such equipment requires a heavy investment, affecting the facilities concerned. An AMR, on the other hand, moves autonomously. Before, it was necessary to map the intervention space, define the authorised and forbidden areas. The cameras, sick, and other security devices fitted to the AMR allow it to avoid obstacles (pallets, people, furniture, ...) that are in its way or even to stop in case of urgent need. The AMR is a flexible robot. Its programming interface and its software suite allow it to rapidly develop assignments and establish the new constraints of an environment.

Currently, SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS has developed two robot models. SHERPA-B, for moving or transporting baskets. SHERPA-B can carry a maximum load of up to 200 kg and its tray may be adapted to suit your needs (single tray, side conveyor, double or front conveyor). SHERPA-P, for moving or transporting pallets. This robot range can carry loads up to 1,000 kg. SHERPA-P's tray may also be adapted: single tray, pallet lift or lifting table. Other robots will be launched in upcoming semesters, such as SHERPA-M, the multi-functional little brother.

Users may choose between two modes, or a combination of both, for SHERPA® robots: The 'Follow Me' mode is a function where the robot follows a person moving around the workplace, step by step. This function perfectly fulfils the objective of reducing hard work and increasing productivity. When in 'autonomous' mode, the robot moves completely autonomously, up to previously-defined points. The robot defines the optimal route to reach that point, avoids obstacles, and stops once it reaches the expected area.

SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS offers test solutions to enable its clients to approve the solution. Aware of the need for its clients to take control of the robots, SMR offers the possibility of integrating the robots over a limited period of time, in order to observe the benefits provided by this solution and its ease of implementation. To request a rental, please download and return the form

Following the health crisis linked to the coronavirus, SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS joined forces with DEVEA and developed an autonomous and certified disinfection system. Resulting from a collaboration between two renowned industrialists, this disinfection robot aims to make the working environment safer; to control environmental hygiene; and to reassure employees. Based on the virucidal process certified NFT 72-281, this disinfection robot combines the advantages of SHERPA® robots (autonomy, safety, versatility) and the proven DEVEA disinfection process (centrifugation, DRY fog diffusion, microbiological disinfection).