FlexQube has secured U.S. patent protection for its fourth-generation Navigator AMR interface, bolstering its proprietary material handling platform alongside a new $1.1 million follow-up order from a major U.S. e-commerce giant.
The company received Patent No. US-12668466-B2 for the Navigator interface on June 30. This follows two other patent updates, US-20260169475-A1 and US-12643587-B2, also finalized in June.
Described as “an interface between a self-propelled guide unit and a self-propelled load-bearing unit in an intra-logistic system,” FlexQube is protecting the novel way in which its Navigator autonomous mobile robot (AMR) interfaces with its powered base. The patents were all assigned to FlexQube co-founder Per Augustsson.
The company received an RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for the Navigator AMR upon its launch in 2022. The system provides power and controls for large, powered carts that are the heart of FlexQube’s product line. Unlike a tug AMR that moves an unpowered cart, the Navigator uses its onboard sensors and intelligence to safely and accurately move material throughout the facility.
“This patent represents another important step in our long-term innovation and IP strategy,” noted Anders Fogelberg, CEO of FlexQube. “We systematically develop and protect the technologies that make the Navigator platform unique. A strong patent portfolio enhances our competitiveness, creates long-term value, and provides a solid foundation for continued product development and commercialization.”
Protecting the core differentiators for Navigator AMR
The patent features a “Self-Lifting Design” in which downward actuation lifts the guide unit completely off the floor. Gravity assists in self-aligning and locking the units together.
The patent also covers automatic coupling that includes the movement of the guide unit’s actuator connecting integrated electrical connectors (power and data) to upward-facing connectors on the load-bearing unit during or immediately after mechanical locking.
In addition, the patent protects FlexQube from a third-party AMR provider attempting to develop a similar system that might connect to the FlexQube powered base. It also prohibits them from using the Navigator AMR to move non-FlexQube powered bases without licensing the interface from FlexQube.
The company claimed that the unique actuation of the Navigator AMR combined with the configurability and modularity of the FlexQube cart system are its key differentiators.
FlexQube said it has a long-term strategy to build a broad international patent portfolio around the Navigator platform. With five granted U.S. patents and corresponding patents granted in several other key countries, the company continues to strengthen the protection of its technologies for flexible and autonomous material handling.
FlexQube receives follow-up order worth about $1.1M
FlexQube said it has received a follow-up order worth approximately $1.1 million from one of the world’s largest e-commerce and logistics companies. The order is related to the existing project announced in March.
The order includes additional components for FlexQube’s AMR platform and tugger train solutions. The unnamed customer’s headquarters are in the Netherlands, but it maintains its U.S. headquarters in South Carolina.