Automate 2024: LexxPluss launches AMR conveying for U.S. manufacturers

Japanese autonomous mobile robot (AMR) conveyance systems provider LexxPluss recently launched its portfolio of four automation systems at Automate 2024 in booth 3076. The trade show was held May 6-9 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. Attendance was free.

A3 said this year’s show is the biggest yet, featuring more than 365,000 square feet of exhibit space, over 800 exhibitors, and an expected 30,000 registrants, with learning and networking opportunities. Attendees are able to see the latest in robotics, machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and motion control.

LexxPluss featured its Lexx500 AMR, LexxTug towing interface attachment, LexxFleet management system, and its internet of things (IoT) LexxHub system, which facilitates interoperability with existing systems.

LexxPluss said its products can provide U.S. manufacturers and logistics companies of all sizes with intralogistics automation, removing barriers to scaling up, and integration with existing equipment - starting from as little as a single Lexx500 AMR and using existing carts with the LexxTug towing interface.

“We are delighted to officially launch our portfolio of automated conveyance products and solutions in the U.S. at Automate 2024,” said Rizo Itakura, LexxPluss COO. “Our technology is generating lots of interest in North America because of our commitment to safety, sustainability, and open architecture, ensuring the effective interoperability of automated systems.

Safety systems and scalability using existing carts

Multiple sensors, including LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and depth cameras protect the safety of workers and objects being transported. LexxPluss’ open architecture approach allows for integration with existing systems. AMRs can be managed together with most field devices and the status of the entire site can be monitored in real time on a tablet.

Lexx500 automated transfer robots with multi-sensor safety features can be deployed from just a single unit and increased to a multi-AMR fleet, providing scalability. The Lexx500 requires no fixed equipment and can automatically transfer loads up to 300 kilograms, about 660 pounds, with minor modifications, or 500 kilograms, about 1100 lbs, as is with LexxTug attached.

Additional Lexx500 features include a turning radius of 380 millimeters, about 15 inches, stopping accuracy of +/- 1 millimeter, about 0.04 inches, 18 hours of continuous operation when not in tow, hybrid control of autonomous driving and high-precision trajectory driving, bumper contact sensor, and automatic charging function.

The LexxTug towing interface attachment allows manufacturers to use general-purpose carts such as cage carts and 6-wheel carts without modification. It has an automatic detachment function to enable it to fit into existing operations without major changes.

Fleet management systems enable interoperability

The LexxFleet management system delivers task management, group control management of multiple units, and system integration. The fleet management system provides users with Lexx500 transport status management, map display, multiple task execution and reservation capabilities, RESTful API integration, and a remote emergency stop function.

LexxHub is an IoT system that enables collective automation of existing systems by allowing existing equipment to connect to the network and work with a fleet of Lexx500 AMRs. Collaborative tasks such as calling an elevator, production equipment lines, or fire prevention functions such as shutters and alarms can be controlled in time with AMR movements.

“We are heavily investing in the US market and have established a U.S .subsidiary, opened our U.S. sales office in Indiana last year, and we are actively expanding our team in North America,” said Morgan Chang, LexxPluss U.S. business development manager. “We are also interested in forming new partnerships in the region and our open architecture approach lends itself to developing collaborative, interoperable solutions.”

LexxPluss will be hosting an open house event at its demonstration facility located in the Indiana IoT Lab in Fishers, Indiana May 16. The facility was first announced in June 2023.

Want to learn more about fleet management? This article was featured in the June 2024 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled "Orchestrating mobile robot fleets for success."