VDA 5050 Documentation
The J1600 has full VDA 5050 support. This page covers what that means in practice for a deployment: what the interface enables, what it requires, and how a VDA 5050 fleet setup is delivered. For the standard itself, see VDA 5050 explained.
What VDA 5050 enables on the J1600
VDA 5050 is the interoperability interface that lets mobile robots from different vendors work together in the same space under a compatible fleet-management layer. With VDA 5050 enabled, the J1600 can:
- operate as part of a fleet coordinated by a VDA 5050 fleet manager;
- coexist with robots from other vendors under the same fleet layer;
- scale from a single teach-and-repeat unit into an orchestrated multi-robot deployment without changing hardware.
The Mobile Robot Company works with established VDA 5050 fleet-management providers.
Requirements
VDA 5050 support is part of the Advanced software package (€14,500 end-user list), which also includes the REST API, Fleet Manager, and advanced mission planning. The upgrade is easiest to install at the factory when the robot is ordered; a partner can install it later, but customers cannot install it themselves.
Connected fleet operation requires a network. Basic standalone use of the J1600 does not — Wi-Fi is optional out of the box.
Planning a VDA 5050 deployment
- Order the robots with Advanced software, or have a partner upgrade existing units.
- Confirm interface specifics — including the supported VDA 5050 version and the fleet-management products validated for your project — with The Mobile Robot Company or your partner during scoping.
- Include Fleet Management System setup in the commissioning scope. It is an add-on to the installation and commissioning package.
- Validate tasks and safety on site as part of commissioning before handover.
When VDA 5050 is the wrong tool
A single J1600 serving one flow needs no fleet layer: teach and repeat on the Standard software covers it. For direct point integrations with site software or equipment rather than fleet coordination, use the REST API.