Schneider Electric has expanded its collaborative robot offerings with the launch of two new models - the Lexium RL3 and RL12 - as well as plans for an RL18 cobot coming later in 2023. The new Lexium lineup brings enhanced speed, precision and payload capacities to address increasing demands for flexible automation across manufacturing sectors.

From compact single-axis units up to the forthcoming 18kg payload RL18, the latest Lexium cobots are designed for high-speed motion control, precise positioning down to +/-0.02mm, and the ability to coordinate up to 130 axes simultaneously from a single processor. This enablesscalable systems capable of handling complex, multi-robot applications.

"As U.S. manufacturing ramps up, smart machines with digital twin validation are becoming critical for consistent, efficient production," said Christine Bush, Robotics Center of Excellence leader at Schneider Electric. "Our new Lexium cobots provide that intelligent automation backed by complete solutions integrating robots, controllers, software and services."

The Lexium cobots align with Schneider's EcoStruxure architecture and platform, which connects Internet of Things components like smart devices, edge controllers and software across the automation lifecycle. This allows collaborative data flow from shop floor operations up to higher-level machine monitoring and control.

A key advantage of the Lexium series is its seamless integration with Schneider's Modicon motion controllers and EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin software suite. Machine Expert enables virtual modeling, testing and commissioning of cobot workcells using digital twins before deployment - reducing time-to-market by up to 50%.

"We're helping customers validate automated processes through simulation first, then quickly translate those optimized programs to real physical systems," Bush explained. "It streamlines the entire workflow from concept to operation."

Beyond just simulating movements, Schneider touted the Lexium cobots' open software architecture, high computing power and native networking capabilities as accelerating robotic integration, programming and maintenance. Lexium is programmable using standard languages like PLCOpen and can interface with existing machines and higher-level systems.

Collaborative robotics are a core part of Schneider's vision for the future of automation, enabling more ergonomic, consistent and higher quality production processes. While conventional robots are isolated and caged, cobots share workspaces alongside humans for more flexible manufacturing.

"As we progress from Industry 4.0 towards 5.0, cobots represent the shift towards human-centered automation and mass personalization," said Bush. "The Lexium lineup helps our customers gradually adopt smarter operations at whatever scale is appropriate for their businesses."

Schneider Electric's new Lexium RL3 cobot with 3kg payload is available immediately starting at $27,368. The RL12 12kg payload model is also shipping now at $40,230. The higher capacity RL18 will join the portfolio later in 2023 at $41,170. All cobots integrate directly with Schneider's automation software and controllers.