www.ptreview.co.uk
12
'26
Written on Modified on
Modular autonomy platform for industrial mobile machines
RAFI presents a system approach for upgrading conventional equipment into autonomous platforms, supporting industrial automation integration and scalable machine digitalisation strategies.
www.rafi.de
With the scalable Autonomy Kit from RAFI, mechanical systems can be transformed into semi- or fully autonomous machines. Image Source: RAFI
Autonomous operation is becoming a design target for industrial vehicles and mobile machinery as manufacturers seek higher automation levels and reduced operator dependency. In this context, RAFI introduced the Autonomy Kit as a modular hardware and software platform for converting industrial machines into partially or fully autonomous systems.
Retrofitting existing machines for autonomous operation
Industrial sectors such as mobile robotics, logistics vehicles and specialised machinery are increasingly integrating autonomous functions to support automation strategies and digital supply chain operations. However, many installed machines lack the architecture required for autonomous operation despite having capable mechanical and electrical systems.
RAFI’s Autonomy Kit is designed to address this gap by enabling the conversion of existing equipment into autonomous platforms through the integration of suitable hardware and software modules. The approach focuses on expanding individual automation functions—such as control logic or charging processes—into fully integrated autonomous system architectures.
This also applies to finished products that were not originally designed for autonomy but can be upgraded through system integration and software adaptation.
From functional automation to integrated autonomy architecture
The concept focuses on combining separate automation capabilities into a cohesive system structure. This includes integrating control systems, sensor interfaces and software architectures required to support higher levels of machine autonomy.
A central objective is ensuring that such developments remain suitable for industrial production environments. RAFI combines electronics manufacturing, production engineering and software development to support the transition from prototype-level autonomy functions to series-ready systems.
The focus on industrialisation also reflects the requirement for repeatable production processes and robust system validation before deployment in industrial environments.
In the field of "Autonomy," RAFI can implement all process steps from development to industrial series production in-house. Image Source: RAFI
Covering development through series production
RAFI’s autonomy-related engineering scope includes hardware development, software architecture design, system integration and preparation for series manufacturing. The company’s manufacturing capabilities include electronics production, assembly and testing technologies, as well as plastic and metal processing.
This vertically integrated approach allows development, validation and preparation for series production to be coordinated within a single engineering framework, with customer-specific adaptation throughout the process.
Demonstration at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026
RAFI will present the Autonomy Kit alongside other developments at XPONENTIAL Europe, held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 24 to 26 March 2026. The technology will be exhibited in Hall 1, Stand A43.
www.rafi-group.com
Edited by industrial journalist, Aishwarya Mambet — AI-powered.
Autonomous operation is becoming a design target for industrial vehicles and mobile machinery as manufacturers seek higher automation levels and reduced operator dependency. In this context, RAFI introduced the Autonomy Kit as a modular hardware and software platform for converting industrial machines into partially or fully autonomous systems.
Retrofitting existing machines for autonomous operation
Industrial sectors such as mobile robotics, logistics vehicles and specialised machinery are increasingly integrating autonomous functions to support automation strategies and digital supply chain operations. However, many installed machines lack the architecture required for autonomous operation despite having capable mechanical and electrical systems.
RAFI’s Autonomy Kit is designed to address this gap by enabling the conversion of existing equipment into autonomous platforms through the integration of suitable hardware and software modules. The approach focuses on expanding individual automation functions—such as control logic or charging processes—into fully integrated autonomous system architectures.
This also applies to finished products that were not originally designed for autonomy but can be upgraded through system integration and software adaptation.
From functional automation to integrated autonomy architecture
The concept focuses on combining separate automation capabilities into a cohesive system structure. This includes integrating control systems, sensor interfaces and software architectures required to support higher levels of machine autonomy.
A central objective is ensuring that such developments remain suitable for industrial production environments. RAFI combines electronics manufacturing, production engineering and software development to support the transition from prototype-level autonomy functions to series-ready systems.
The focus on industrialisation also reflects the requirement for repeatable production processes and robust system validation before deployment in industrial environments.
In the field of "Autonomy," RAFI can implement all process steps from development to industrial series production in-house. Image Source: RAFI
Covering development through series production
RAFI’s autonomy-related engineering scope includes hardware development, software architecture design, system integration and preparation for series manufacturing. The company’s manufacturing capabilities include electronics production, assembly and testing technologies, as well as plastic and metal processing.
This vertically integrated approach allows development, validation and preparation for series production to be coordinated within a single engineering framework, with customer-specific adaptation throughout the process.
Demonstration at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026
RAFI will present the Autonomy Kit alongside other developments at XPONENTIAL Europe, held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 24 to 26 March 2026. The technology will be exhibited in Hall 1, Stand A43.
www.rafi-group.com
Edited by industrial journalist, Aishwarya Mambet — AI-powered.
