ForwardX Technology Co. this week unveiled a robotics factory that will handle its entire production process, from assembly to testing. The Beijing, China-based company said this demonstrates its commitment to self-sufficient production.
The 10,000-sq.-m (107,639-sq.-ft.) facility spans two buildings and features multiple production lines that cover the entire manufacturing process. ForwardX Robotics said it built the facility in 2022.
The factory includes a 4,500-sq.-m (48,437.6-sq.-ft.) section that specializes in wire harness processing, along with the assembly and testing of smaller autonomous mobile robot (AMR) models. The rest of the area focuses on the production of larger AMRs and autonomous forklifts, in addition to software integration and system testing.
“This setup ensures comprehensive capabilities and complete quality control throughout each phase of production,” the company said. “By integrating these diverse functions under one roof, the facility enables ForwardX to meet the growing demand for automation solutions while maintaining full control over manufacturing processes.”
ForwardX portfolio expands
ForwardX offers a range of vision-based AMRs, and its lineup is growing. Last year, it launched smaller, nimbler, middleweight AMRs. The Flex 300-L Mini is a platform AMR that also serves as the mobile base for the Flex 300-SCB Mini.
Both AMRs offer a 300 kg (661.3 lb.) maximum payload and are designed to traverse narrow, one-way aisles with widths between 800 to 1,000 mm (31.4 to 39.3 in.). The 300-SCB Mini features a structural shelving unit, human-machine interface (HMI), and barcode scanner.
The SCB version has a height of 1,400 mm (55.1 in.) for the shelving unit, in comparison with the Flex 300-L base height of 295 mm (11.6 in.). The rest of the specifications are the same for both units.
ForwardX also provides fleet-management software to help automate materials handling in manufacturing and warehousing facilities. The company said it has deployed more than 3,000 AMRs in over 150 facilities across four continents.
ForwardX won a 2022 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its 5G AMR deployment in TCL’s Huizhou factory, which provided increased flexibility. The company, which claimed it is the largest goods-to-person (G2P) mobile robot provider in Asia, has set its sights on global expansion. Last year, it partnered with VOYATZOGLOU Group as its official distributor in Greece.
FowardX positions production for success
With an annual production capacity of 5,000 units, ForwardX Robotics said its factory is well-positioned to meet the increasing global demand for advanced robots.
In addition, the company asserted that the facility will empower it to innovate and deliver high-quality, reliable products. Its self-sufficient production will also ensure exceptional performance and strong after-sales support, said ForwardX.
The facility will also play a key role in supporting ongoing research and development for its next robotics systems, the company noted. ForwardX said it has more than 250 employees from leading universities and enterprises around the world, as well as over 350 patents.