Locus Robotics, a developer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for use in warehouses and distribution centers, is showcasing its Locus Origin and Locus Vector solutions at the co-located Robotics and Automation exhibition and IntraLogisteX.
This is the second year the shows are co-located, where the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to robotics and automated systems shares Hall 7 of the NEC Birmingham with IntraLogisteX, Britain’s largest trade show for warehousing and logistics professionals.
The collaborative robots are fully operational and provide live demonstrations of their flexibility, high productivity, ease-of-use, and worker safety in a live, simulated warehouse environment.
Martin Donohoe, regional marketing manager at Locus Robotics, said: “It was busy yesterday – and the main things we’re showing off are the bots. The Vector bots we have on the stand, along with the Locus Origins, all work under the same software.
“We have seen the original bots working in exactly the same way, with the same interface available in different configurations, such as with carts that can be driven underneath.”
Donohoe highlighted the value of the Vector bots on show, which have a much higher payload than their origin counterparts. On this, he explained: “This bot is the same, but designed for a heavier-use situation. What’s really clever are its meccanum wheels, which allow it to pivot on the spot. Just like the Origin, it’s very manoeuvrable.”
He added that, obviously, visitors have been interested in the hardware on show, making the point that basically although people can visibly see the hardware, it is the software “where all the magic happens”. Pointing to an interview with the company CEO recently described Locus as primarily a software company, Donohoe noted that the software means that as a solution is maturing, it’s just becoming more and more flexible for the different use cases bots might find themselves deployed in.
On the show experience so far, he reiterated how busy the floor seemed, adding, “It was a really busy first day – great football and interesting conversations. Lead generation has been strong and may have slightly exceeded last year – and I do keep count!”
Locus robots are already deployed at commercial sites throughout the UK and in 300 sites across the world.
LocusBots enable warehouse staff to work easier, faster, and with unprecedented accuracy. The multi-bot picking solutions eliminate unproductive walking time, lifting, and pushing heavy carts to improve the overall quality of the workplace.
This has additional impact on helping improve staff recruitment and retention rates by facilitating a safer, less stressful working environment, Locus says.
In terms of each bot’s function, Locus Origin is an autonomous mobile robot designed specifically for collaborative, high-volume order fulfilment.
A company spokesperson adds that, by reducing walking time and ensuring near-100% order accuracy, Locus Origin doubles fulfilment productivity and efficiency.
The Vector solution was developed for case-picking, shelf-rack moving, discrete order picking, and point-to-point material handling applications. The robot can reportedly transport just about any warehouse item safely, efficiently, and to the operator’s precise requirements.
Developing warehouse automation that works collaboratively with employees is key to Locus Robotics’ business model, as the company believes allowing employers to meet the challenges of an increasing product inventory, volume, and fulfilment speeds.
Locus Robotics is exhibiting at Stand 600 at the co-located Robotics and Automation and IntraLogisteX 2024 on March 19 and 20 at NEC Birmingham
