Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the release of two new Lexium cobots (collaborative robots) at MODEX 2024; the Lexium RL 3 and RL 12, as well as the Lexium RL 18 model coming later this year. Schneider Electric innovations in robotics and motion will be on display at their booth, #B7232. From single-axis machines to high-performance multi-axis machines, the comprehensive Lexium line enables high-speed motion and control of up to 130 axes from one processor for precise positioning to help solve manufacturer production, flexibility, and sustainability challenges.

Schneider Electric goes beyond robots to provide fully integrated automation systems – digitally designed from concept to operation and maintenance. Integrating robots into the machine control solution through the EcoStruxure architecture enables collaborative data flow from shop-floor to top-floor, by connecting smart products, robots, controls, software, and services. Controlled by Modicon motion controllers, which unify PLC, motion, and robotics control functionality on a single hardware platform and integrated into of EcoStruxure Machine Expert software, it offers a complete robotic solution.

“As US manufacturing increases, the demand for smart machines is growing and customers are requiring robots with digital twin capabilities that validate machine performance to help them quickly increase production consistently, efficiently, and sustainably,” said Christine Bush, Robotics Center of Excellence Leader, Schneider Electric. “We are partnering with our customers to understand their challenges and pain points, then responding with complete, customized automation solutions – from power products and HMIs to PLCs and robotics – to simplify the process and meet their needs.”

Compatibility with EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin, a digital twin software suite that creates digital models of real machines, allows for virtual test strategies and commissioning, as well as shortened factory acceptance testing (FAT). Digitizing these processes can reduce time-to-market by up to 50% and commissioning time by up to 60%. A 20-40% savings in investment costs can also be realized due to faster time-to-market.

Collaborative Robots

Lexium cobots are part of a full line of robotics and automation solutions developed to meet manufacturer needs across industries, including warehouse/logistics, life sciences, consumer packaged goods, and beyond. Benefits of Lexium robotics and motion solutions include:

• Fast deployment: Built on open automation standards and protocols, cobots offer flexibility, scalability, and easy third-party equipment integration. They can be easily applied to existing or new production lines in a variety of different industries.
• Streamlined integration: Enhanced computing power, open software, and networking technologies facilitate quicker assembly, installation, and maintenance of robots. A centralized architecture with a unified programming platform using open standards promotes seamless interoperability among automation systems, machines, and robots.
• Consistent output: Designed to handle repetitive tasks without errors or distractions, cobots can maintain Overall Equipment Effectiveness while manufacturing higher volumes of quality goods over shorter periods 24/7 without fatigue. This produces a consistent output with little variability over a given production batch.
• Workplace health and safety: Cobots perform well in harsh environments and can handle riskier operator tasks involving heavy weights to reduce accidents and injuries.

Amidst the rapid growth of US manufacturing, companies are increasingly seeking digital, efficient, and sustainable solutions to meet expanding output demands. Embracing Industry 4.0’s digitization, with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and digital twins, has become imperative to drive operational excellence. Software solutions are also playing a critical role in empowering manufacturers to innovate rapidly, reduce commissioning time, and stay competitive in this evolving landscape. As the industry transitions to Industry 5.0, the Lexium motion and robotics offers are poised to redefine efficiency and enable personalized autonomous manufacturing.

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