CHICAGO — LexxPluss Inc. this month launched four automated systems, demonstrating at Automate the potential of its products to make intralogistics more efficient and sustainable for manufacturers as it expands in the U.S. The Kawasaki, Japan-based company said it removes barriers to scaling up robotic fleets and to integrating with existing equipment.
“We are heavily investing in the U.S. 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,” stated Morgan Chang, U.S. business development manager at LexxPluss. “As part of our major expansion into the U.S., LexxPluss has also created a dedicated demo space where manufacturing and intralogistics companies can see firsthand what our intralogistics technology can do.”
“We are also interested in forming new partnerships in the region, and our open architecture approach lends itself to developing collaborative, interoperable solutions,” he added. “We see huge future potential for LexxPluss in the rapidly expanding U.S. manufacturing market.”
LexxPluss said its automation creates added value for industry by reducing the workload and improving the safety of workers in the logistics and manufacturing industries. The company raised $10.9 million in March 2023.
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New technologies on display
“We started with scalability for small and midsize enterprises [SMEs], flexibility with minimum modifications, and safety for our AMRs,” Chang said during a press briefing.
LexxPluss exhibited the following products:
Lexx500 next-generation automated transfer robots with multi-sensor safety features can be deployed from just a single unit and easily increased to a multi-AMR fleet, promising scalability. The Lexx500 requires no fixed equipment and can automatically transfer loads weighing up to 300 kg (660 lb.) with minor modifications or 500 kg (1,100 lb.) as-is with LexxTug attached (see below).
The AMRs also include a turning radius of 380 mm (14.9 in.) for tight aisles, stopping accuracy of +/-1 mm (0.03 in.), and 18 hours of continuous operation when not in tow. It has a bumper contact sensor, and an automatic charging function.
Chang added that the Lexx500 provides hybrid control between AMR mode and automated guided vehicle (AGV) mode.
The LexxTug towing interface allows manufacturers to use general-purpose carts such as cage carts and six-wheeled carts without modification to automatically transfer loads of up to 500 kg. It has an automatic detachment function so it can fit into existing operations without major changes.
“It works with existing carts and provides direct integration with PLCs [programmable logic controllers],” said Chang. “”Use cases include receiving deliveries or transferring workpieces in manufacturing.”
“In logistics, it can provide picking and sorting assistance for heavy loads in transfer centers,” he added, citing the use case of Sagawa Express. In late 2022, LexxPluss introduced 12 Lexx500 units at SG Holdings Group’s X Frontier logistic center, successfully automating transport of irregular cargo.
The LexxFleet management system offers task management, group control management of multiple units, and system integration. The fleet management system gives users Lexx500 transport status management, a map display, multiple task execution/reservation, and RESTful API (application programming interface) integration. It includes a remote emergency stop function for the safe, efficient management of AMR fleets.
LexxHub is an Internet of Things (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, creating an autonomous worksite through equipment cooperation. LexxPluss added that collaborative tasks such as calling an elevator, production equipment lines, or fire-prevention functions such as shutters and alarms can be performed in time with AMRs to enhance productivity and safety.
LexxPluss rebrands for new markets
LexxPluss said it “has undergone undergone a significant rebranding as part of its commitment to the U.S. and international markets, including officially renaming its product portfolio and unveiling a new look.” First at Automate and then at its demonstration facility in the Indiana IoT Lab in Fishers, Ind., the company showed how its offerings work together.
It noted that next-generation factories and warehouses can take advantage of the flexibility and interoperability of its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). They include lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and depth cameras to protect the safety of workers and objects being transported.
LexxPluss added that its open-architecture approach allows for easy integration. Users can manage AMRs with other devices and monitor the status of the entire site in real time on a tablet. This makes site management more efficient and provides peace of mind through site visualization, it asserted.
“We are delighted to officially launch our portfolio of automated conveyance products and solutions in the U.S.,” said Rizo Itakura, chief operating officer of LexxPluss. “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.”
“We are confident we offer U.S. manufacturers the flexibility and scalability to create operations of the future that will provide a safe workplace environment, reduce workload, and maximize productivity,” he said.
