MODEX is a material handling show, so it’s not surprising that robotics of various kinds should take a featured place. I’ve written about several lately. I have to say that ever since I was introduced to robots in 1984 that Schneider Electric is not a name that pops easily to mind when I think of the market segment. However, they introduced the Lexium Cobot (collaborative robot) last October and continue to work on it.
Schneider Electric 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. 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.
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).
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.
