BYD is deploying nine ForwardX Max 1500-L Slim AMRs in its facility. | Source: Forward X Robotics
BYD, a developer of electric vehicles and sustainable technologies, is deploying automation systems from ForwardX Robotics Inc. in its advanced battery production line.
The global demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries is on the rise. That market could expand from $132.6 billion in 2023 to $508.8 billion by 2033, projected Research and Markets. It predicted a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1%.
BYD is responding to this surging demand by automating production process with ForwardX’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and customized autonomous forklifts. The Shenzhen, China-based company said implementing these technologies marks a departure from conventional manual labor-intensive methods, which are both costly and inefficient for meeting the industry’s rapid growth.
ForwardX develops robots for palletizing
Beijing-based ForwardX described itself as a “vision-first” AMR provider. The company has deployed more than 3,000 AMRs in over 220 facilities across four continents. It has offices in the U.S., Japan, Korea, and China, plus partnerships around the globe.
ForwardX last month won an MHI Innovation Award at MODEX for its APEX C1500-L autonomous forklift, which includes multiple sensors for safety and can autonomously recognize and adjust to pallet pockets. It offers products through a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model.
BYD deployed nine units of ForwardX’s recently released Max 1500-L Slim AMRs and six specially tailored Apex 2000 autonomous forklifts equipped with customized 2.4-m (7.8-ft.) fork lengths.
ForwardX designed the Max 1500-L Slim for warehouse and logistics environments. It offers a payload capacity of 1,500 kg (3,306 lb.) and stands at just 245 mm (9.6 in.) tall.
BYD benefits from automated workflows
ForwardX claimed that its AMRs and forklifts work together to optimize material transport and streamline production workflows. Within the BYD facility, line-side operators now initiate material requests using handheld PDAs.
This triggers real-time prompts on intelligent dashboards for warehouse personnel. These workers prepare materials and dispatch them to designated workstations. There, Max AMRs and Apex forklifts autonomously navigate to execute the tasks.
BYD said its integration of autonomous systems ensures efficient and accurate material handling. In addition, the robots can interface with the factory’s management system, providing visibility and automation control over the entire production process.
This strategic partnership demonstrates BYD’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement in the electric vehicle sector, the company said. By embracing ForwardX’s systems, BYD added that it is “setting a benchmark for automation excellence” and contributing to sustainable development of Chinese batteries and electric vehicles.
BYD was founded in 1995, and since then, it has grown into an industry leader in electronics, automotive, renewable energy, and rail transit. The company operates more than 30 industrial parks across six continents. It said it has over 780,000 EVs in operation.