Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation solutions, has announced the release of its latest collaborative robot (cobot) offerings at MODEX 2024 – the Lexium RL 3 and RL 12, with the Lexium RL 18 model slated for release later this year. This new line of cobots aims to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by providing advanced automation capabilities that address the challenges of production, flexibility, and sustainability.

Designed to meet the growing demand for smart machines in the United States manufacturing sector, the Lexium cobot line enables high-speed motion and precise control of up to 130 axes from a single processor. This remarkable performance enables precise positioning, helping manufacturers tackle production challenges while increasing flexibility and promoting sustainability.

"As U.S. 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," stated Christine Bush, leader of the Robotics Center of Excellence at Schneider Electric.

Collaborative Robots for Flexible and Efficient Manufacturing The Lexium cobots boast impressive specifications, including a positioning accuracy of +/- 0.02 mm (+/- 0.00079 in.) and a wide range of payloads from 3 to 18 kg (6.6 to 39.6 lb.). Designed for seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes, these cobots offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing for easy collaboration with human workers and existing equipment.

Digital Twin Technology for Optimized Performance One of the key features of the Lexium cobot line is its compatibility with Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin software suite. This advanced software creates digital models of real machines, enabling virtual testing strategies, commissioning, and shortened factory acceptance testing (FAT). By digitizing these processes, Schneider Electric claims that manufacturers can reduce time-to-market by up to 50% and commissioning time by up to 60%, while realizing a 20% to 40% savings in investment costs due to faster time to market.

Seamless Integration with Schneider Electric's Automation Solutions Schneider Electric's comprehensive approach to automation extends beyond robotics, offering digitally engineered automation solutions from concept to operation and maintenance. The company's EcoStruxure architecture connects smart devices, controls, software, and services, enabling collaborative data flow from the shop floor to the top floor for seamless machine control.

Furthermore, Schneider Electric's Modicon motion controllers combine PLC, motion, and robotics control on a single hardware platform, working in tandem with the EcoStruxure Machine Expert software for streamlined integration and programming.

Embracing Industry 4.0 and the Future of Manufacturing As the manufacturing industry continues its transition toward Industry 4.0, embracing digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining global competitiveness. Schneider Electric's Lexium cobot line and accompanying software solutions aim to equip manufacturers with the tools they need to modernize their processes, develop new ideas quickly, and meet shifting customer demands.

With the advent of Industry 5.0 on the horizon, Schneider Electric's Lexium motion and robot solutions are poised to change the way manufacturing is done, enabling personalized automated manufacturing and ushering in a new era of industrial automation.