Locus Robotics Corp. today announced that it has added the Locus Vector and Locus Max to its line of autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs. These new models join the Locus Origin robot to address a broad range of warehouse use cases, said the Wilmington, Mass.-based company.
The new AMRs address e-commerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking applications, as well as supply chain scenarios requiring larger, heavier payloads, said Locus. The company acquired Nashua, N.H.-based Waypoint Robotics Inc. in September 2021.
“With these new LocusBots, we’re able to help our clients alleviate significant labor challenges and achieve optimal productivity by using the right bot for the job,” stated Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Locus is the proven leader in developing highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimization, while delivering a fast time to value.”
New LocusBots add capacity
Locus Robotics said its new offerings extend its position as industry leader for the automation and digitalization of warehouses and distribution centers to meet increasing order volumes, labor shortages, and rising consumer expectations. The company is a member of the Inc. 500.
Locus claimed that its AMRs collaborate with human workers to double or triple productivity with less labor than traditional piece-handling systems. The company's systems are designed to help retailers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and specialty warehouses to meet increasingly complex fulfillment demands. Locus said they can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures and new warehouses without disrupting workflows.
The new line of LocusBots includes the following:
- Locus Origin—Engineered for maximum warehouse efficiency, Locus Origin delivers fulfillment productivity coupled with agile maneuverability, incorporating the latest navigation and vision system technologies, said Locus. It works collaboratively with associates in dynamic warehouse environments.
- Locus Vector—The industrial-strength AMR has flexibility for a wide range of roles, from fulfillment to transport to putaway, according to the company. Locus Vector features omnidirectional mobility, compact design, and robust payload capacity for use in any environment. Locus Vector will ship to customers starting this summer.
- Locus Max—This heavy-duty robot is designed to transport a wide variety of heavy materials, cartons, or pallets across facilities. Locus Max is intended for industrial and material handling applications. Currently deployed at several sites, Locus Max will have limited availability in 2022 and expanded availability in 2023.
Locus Robotics said all the LocusBots will be available through its robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) pricing model. They can be added to existing and new workflows, enabling operations to dynamically scale and adapt to changing market demands, it noted.
Locus offers orchestration and MODEX debuts
The LocusBots are fully integrated within LocusOne, the company's orchestration platform. Locus said it “delivers predictable, efficient, and scalable productivity and cost optimization for all product movement within the warehouse.”
The platform centrally coordinates a dynamic, mobile robot fleet while also providing detailed and actionable business intelligence and reporting for management and planning, said the company.
“Locus’s innovative multi-bot solution has helped DHL to consistently double our worker’s productivity all around the world,” said Adrian Kumar, global head of operations science and analytics at DHL Supply Chain. “This new robot lineup—with the different form factors all working together as a coordinated fleet—means we always assign the right robot, even as our needs change dynamically throughout the workday.”
Locus will be debuting its full product line at MODEX 2022, which runs from March 28 to 31 in Atlanta. The company's booth, B8811, will feature a full lineup of industry presentations, including discussions with Locus customers and partners, as well as live picking and putaway demonstrations.