LG introduces warehouse robots at Modex
- March 11, 2024
- Steve Rogerson
LG’s Cloi CarryBot family of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are designed to navigate complex floor plans intelligently to move and deliver payloads in customisable configurations, with loading and unloading performed by workers.
The US launch of the robots took place this week at the Modex (www.modexshow.com) trade show in Atlanta. LG’s stand in the Georgia World Congress Center is also previewing its P5G private 5G technology under development for dedicated robot networks.
“The new LG Cloi CarryBot can immediately begin solving warehouse inefficiencies by providing on-time movements and consistent, reliable operation that allows workers to stay within their zones and increase productivity,” said Tom Bingham, senior director for LG in the USA. “Cloi CarryBot offers seamless package movement and delivery within a warehouse and eliminates the need for workers to physically transport packages.”
Having already launched autonomous robots that transport products, guide customers, deliver food and beverages, and provide information in commercial settings, LG is now expanding its robotic line to help warehouses of any size reduce lead times and enhance efficiency.
Featuring LG’s AMR platform for autonomous navigation, the latest wifi capabilities, ergonomic hardware design, an intuitive fleet management system and an efficiency-boosting material control that optimises order distribution and scheduling, the CarryBot can streamline product movement and adjust to real-world situations while reducing physical strain on workers.
With a top speed of 4.3km per hour, a typical runtime of 18.5 hours and autonomous dock charging in six hours, the CarryBot can deliver small-to-medium packages across virtually any distance. These hardware capabilities combine with software and machine learning for seamless integration with various facets of warehouse management systems, including material control, fleet management and robot management.
Interfacing with material control systems enables smart order grouping, picking item categorisation, order information distribution, and total picking cooperation support including notations of shortages or skipped items. Fleet management integration provides path-planning for multi-AMR users, intelligent AMR fleet navigation and prioritisation, traffic balancing and detouring, obstacle avoidance, and automated return for dock charging. On the backend, the robot management system provides managers instant access to location information, AMR status, alerts for abnormal interactions and statistical data to support decision making.
The mounting type CarryBot has two shelves that are 76.2cm wide and 41.9cm deep, making it suitable for smaller package needs or use in tight spaces. It has a front-facing 23.4cm touchscreen and an integrated holder for barcode scanners, making inventory tracking and verification easier.
The rolltainer type combines autonomous abilities with the large platform of a traditional rolling container, offering enhanced payload capacity through the use of two shelves that can accommodate packages up to 73.6cm wide and 48.3cm deep. The 23.4cm touchscreen is rear mounted for easy accessibility.
“LG Cloi robots have already proven their navigation and automation prowess in a variety of industries and environments, and now warehouse owners and managers can shift their operations to more automated routines to improve efficiency and enhance daily productivity,” Bingham said.
The CarryBot (www.lg.com/us/business/robots) can be programmed for virtually any floor plan with practically unlimited pickup and delivery points, enabling precise navigation, multi-point deliveries and AI-enhanced decision-making that streamlines deliveries when multiple AMRs are servicing a single zone. At the end of its shift, or when power is low, it can automatically return to a designated multi-AMR charging dock.
LG Electronics’ US division (www.LGSolutions.com) serves commercial customers in the USA for lodging and hospitality, digital signage, systems integration, healthcare, education, government and industrial markets with commercial displays, robots and electric vehicle charging stations. It is based in Lincolnshire, Illinois.