ForwardX launched six new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), each with a payload capability greater than 300 kg (660 lbs). The new “Max” product extends the existing ForwardX product, and can now transport cargo weighing up to 1350 kg (3000 lbs). The company exhibited the new robots at the Asia CeMAT show in November 2020.
The AMRs are targeted at material handling applications in warehouse and in manufacturing facilities. All of the solutions leverage the same base technology developed for the lighter payload Flex product line.
“At ForwardX, our goal has always been to develop mature solutions that actually deliver real value right now. We understand that the manufacturing industry is a complex one with a variety of circumstances and pain points specific to each manufacturer,” said Nicolas Chee, founder and CEO of ForwardX Robotics. “We recognize the huge opportunities to add value to production facilities and our new robots aim to meet the needs of all manufacturers no matter what their production floor looks like.”
With this product launch, ForwardX now has one of the most extensive material handling product lines on the market, with more than 10 different base configurations. All of the ForwardX robots can easily be deployed together within the same facility and coordinate the operations.
The ForwardX f(x) Fleet Manager can be easily integrated with your WMS, WES, MES or ERP software to accept material handling transfer requests, queue them, and then assign a task to the appropriate AMR in the fleet. The f(x) Fleet Manager delivers reporting and supervisory control to the management team.
The ForwardX lineup includes six new heavy payload configurations of autonomous mobile robots.
The new products expand on ForwardX’s current Max range of AMRs, with new models being added to offer a range of crucial features necessary within a manufacturing environment
Max 300 Lift
This is the original Max product line solution. The Max 300 is capable of moving cargo up to 300 kg (660 lbs). The Max 300 includes a column for the user interface that includes a touchscreen tablet. It also is capable of lifting wheeled carts or platforms.
Max 300 Lift Lite
Like the original 300 Lift model but without the front column, the Lite model is designed to move cargo of up to 300kg (660lbs) across production facilities. With built-in lift functionality, the Max 300 Lift Lite is typically combined with wheeled carts or platforms where raw materials, WIP goods, and finished goods can be stored. Critical workflows, such as raw material picking, lineside delivery, WIP transfer, and finished good storage, can be automated using the Max 300 Lift Lite.
Max 300 Conveyor
With a similar footprint to the Max 300 Lift Lite, the Max 300 Conveyor is equipped with an automatic conveyor top module to connect separated systems without need for manual intervention. Ideal for material transfer across the production floor, the Conveyor model can be customized with 1-by-1, 1-by-2, 2-by-1, 2-by-2, and belt conveyance configurations.
Max 600 Conveyor
Like the 300 Conveyor, the Max 600 Conveyor offers hand-free transfer between different parts of a production facility’s operations. Offering double the payload, the 600 Conveyor presents more benefits for higher payload material movement, particularly within warehouses, by collaborating with forklifts and ForwardX’s conveyor station accessory to automate inbound and outbound workflows.
Max 1200 Standard
Using the same shape and design as the Max 600 Standard, the Max 1200 Standard offers a similar solution for payloads up to 1350kg (2976lbs). Used to transport large pieces, cases, and pallets, the Max 1200 Standard is designed to automate heavy payload movements between the receiving dock, bulk storage aisles, and shipping dock for increased safety and more efficient and productive logistics.
Max 1200 Lift
Like the 1200 Standard, the Max 1200 Lift is best suited to higher payloads with a 1200kg (2645lbs) payload capacity. Offering built-in lift functionality, the Max 1200 Lift combines with a number of ForwardX accessories, such as its Pallet Dock and Deckloader, to collaborate with forklift drivers in the warehouse.
Max 1200 Conveyor
The Max 1200 Conveyor is built to move and convey loaded pallets throughout warehouse environments. With its built-in conveying functionality, the Max 1200 Conveyor can be used to induct pallets into traditional automation systems like conveyors, shuttles, and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
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