Smarter, Safer Automation with Schneider Electric Lexium Cobots

Collaborative robots (Cobots) play an increasingly crucial role in Industry 4.0 manufacturing facilities that prioritize efficiency, high output, and strict quality standards. They help address skilled labor shortages and production variability while enabling safer and more adaptable operations. Manufacturers accelerate the adoption of cobots by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital engineering tools to streamline deployment and enhance performance. Broader product availability and reduced implementation costs continue to lower barriers to entry.

This article examines how Schneider Electric's Lexium Cobots enable scalable, human-centric automation across various industries including packaging, automotive, life sciences, logistics, and electronics. It highlights Schneider’s full lineup of six-axis collaborative Lexium robots, with payload capacities ranging from 3 to 18 kg. It covers controller options designed for both standalone use and integration with connected machine architectures.

The article also outlines how facility operators can rapidly deploy Lexium Cobots thanks to lightweight construction, built-in safety features, and intuitive programming via drag-and-drop interfaces or by physically guiding the robotic arm. Integration with Schneider’s EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert Software and EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert Twin streamlines configuration, reduces commissioning time, and supports connected, IoT-ready production environments.

Lastly, the article reviews key sustainability and performance benefits, spanning reduced energy consumption, lower material waste, and faster return on investment (ROI). DigiKey delivers these Schneider Electric-engineered solutions, offering a practical path to smarter, safer, and more agile automation.

Collaborative performance for demanding workflows

Lexium Cobots support a wide range of Industry 4.0 applications that require precision, flexibility, and integrated safety capabilities. Common use cases span packaging, logistics, and automotive production, as well as electronics assembly, semiconductor manufacturing, and life sciences.

Lexium Cobots leverage torque sensors and ISO/TS 15066-compliant safety features to operate safely alongside human workers and other robots, eliminating the need for physical guarding infrastructure. High path accuracy and consistent motion control enable precise handling and fine assembly. Compact footprints and mechanical flexibility facilitate rapid redeployment across workstations, reducing downtime and supporting just-in-time (JIT) and mixed-model production.

Payload range and precision

The Lexium Cobot lineup includes six-axis models with payload capacities of 3, 5, 7, 12, and 18 kilograms. Each model supports high-throughput workflows and fine-movement accuracy, with repeatability ranging from ±0.0 to ±0.03 mm, depending on the payload class.

The Lexium Cobot 3KG (LXMRL03S0000) (Figure 1) is designed for precision tasks such as small-part assembly, sample handling, and inspection. With a 626 mm reach and a lightweight 12 kg frame, it integrates easily into benchtop stations, mobile carts, or compact cells.

Figure 1: The Schneider Electric Lexium Cobot 3KG features a lightweight construction, six-axis motion, and integrated torque sensing to support safe and accurate operation in space-constrained and collaborative environments. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

The Lexium Cobot 5KG (LXMRL05S0000) strikes a balance between motion sensitivity and payload capacity, making it suitable for electronics assembly, light mechanical fastening, and moderate-load pick-and-place tasks. Its 954 mm reach and 23 kg base weight deliver responsive, stable performance in applications that demand consistent motion control, including circuit board assembly, connector installation, and testing.

Reach and payload for demanding applications

The Lexium Cobot 7KG (LXMRL07S0000) offers an 819 mm reach and fast, responsive motion control for dynamic pick-and-place operations. It is commonly deployed in packaging and logistics lines for labeling, palletizing, material transfer, and carton building.

The Lexium Cobot 12KG (LXMRL12S0000) and Lexium Cobot 18KG (LXMRL18S0000) models are engineered for large-part handling and assembly in automotive applications. With reaches of 1327 mm and 1073 mm, respectively, these systems accommodate heavy-duty workflows without compromising precision.

The table below summarizes key specifications for each Lexium Cobot model.

Table 1: Technical specifications and representative use cases for Schneider Electric Lexium Cobots.

Modular hardware and controller options

Lexium Cobots support a modular controller architecture designed to match specific payload classes and deployment requirements. The Compact Controller (LXMRL00C2000) (Figure 2), for example, enables easy setup and configuration in space-constrained or lower-payload applications.

Figure 2. The Schneider Electric Lexium Compact Controller (LXMRL00C2000) features a compact housing with built-in I/O and network interfaces, ideal for simplified control in single-arm or benchtop Cobot deployments. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

Lower-capacity models — such as the 3 kg and 5/7 kg Cobots — can also pair with dedicated controllers (LXMRL03C1000 and LXMRL07C1000, respectively) to optimize motion control and safety functions for each load class.

All Lexium Cobot controllers support flexible I/O configurations and fieldbus compatibility for integration with third-party Industry 4.0 systems. The platform also enables end-effector integration through standard interfaces, with a modular architecture that simplifies reconfiguration and extends applicability across workflows and industries.

Deployment advantages: simplicity, programming, and safety

Built from lightweight aluminum alloys, Lexium Cobots are up to 10% lighter and 20% smaller than comparable systems. Their compact form factor facilitates efficient integration into new lines or retrofitted workcells, with flexible mounting on floors, walls, ceilings, or mobile platforms. Installation and activation take less than 30 minutes, cutting setup time by up to 50% compared to conventional robots.

Configuration and programming are accessible to both engineers and technicians. Users can program motion by guiding the cobot arm or pressing the on-arm FREE and POINT buttons, which set positions directly and eliminate the need for external devices. Alternatively, motion sequences can be programmed through Schneider Electric's intuitive drag-and-drop interface on its HMI panel or software. Additional options include EcoStruxure Cobot Expert software for Android-based graphic tablets.

The Lexium Cobot Controller 3KG (LXMRL03C1000) and 5/7KG (LXMRL07C1000) (Figure 3) support both physical guidance and graphical programming, minimizing setup time and accelerating production startup.

Figure 3: The Lexium Cobot Controller 5/7KG (LXMRL07C1000) is engineered for performance-optimized operation with lower payload models, integrating advanced motion control, safety functions, and connectivity in a robust, standalone enclosure. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

System-level integration and services

Lexium Cobots integrate with EcoStruxure Machine Expert Software and Machine Expert Twin, allowing for virtual configuration and simulation before deployment. Engineers can validate robot positioning, end-effector interaction, and workspace constraints to identify potential collisions or inefficiencies. These tools help shorten commissioning, reduce on-site debugging, and optimize lifecycle performance through virtual testing and refinement.

Beyond standalone operation, Lexium Cobots operate seamlessly with Schneider Electric's broader EcoStruxure ecosystem. They integrate with Modicon M262 motion controllers and Lexium 32 servo drives and motors via Ethernet/IP and Sercos protocols. The platform also supports advanced services such as EcoStruxure Machine Advisor for predictive maintenance, EcoStruxure Plant Advisor for IIoT monitoring, and EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor for contactless troubleshooting.

Built-in safety and workspace management

Lexium Cobots support SCADA integration and remote monitoring for safety and performance analytics. To ensure safe and efficient human-robot collaboration, all models comply with the ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 standards, featuring integrated torque sensors for force detection and LED indicators for system status. Installations include emergency stop buttons, predefined trajectories, and mandatory operator training. The Control Stick provides direct system control, including emergency stop, lock/unlock commands, and visual status feedback.

Lexium Cobots define five configurable work zones that support safe, efficient operation:

• Collaborative zones enable shared human-robot tasks.
• Robot-only zones isolate autonomous operation.
• Protected zones restrict access during operation.
• Tool-orientation zones limit end-effector movement to prevent interference.
• Collision override zones allow controlled contact for specialized assembly steps.

Optimizing performance and sustainability

Lexium Cobots feature an all-electric design that eliminates the need for compressed air or hydraulics, reducing energy consumption and lowering total cost of ownership (TCO). Their six-axis precision and repeatability of ±0.02 to ±0.03 mm support consistent quality in high-throughput workflows, such as pick-and-place, insertion, and fine assembly.

These capabilities help improve first-pass yield, reduce scrap, and limit rework—key advantages in electronics, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing where tight tolerances and traceability are essential. Precise motion and force control further minimize material waste and component damage, while smooth, repeatable handling extends part life and lowers the risk of drops, collisions, or misalignment.

Lexium Cobots further support workforce optimization by automating repetitive or ergonomically demanding tasks. This enables human operators to focus on higher-value activities, such as quality assurance, system monitoring, and continuous improvement, thereby reducing injury risk while enhancing job satisfaction and overall productivity.

Lastly, modular deployment and flexible controller options streamline commissioning and redeployment. The Compact Controller supports single-cobot installations and space-constrained environments, while the 3KG and 5/7KG controllers enable performance-optimized configurations matched to specific payloads. Combined with intuitive programming and simulation tools, these capabilities reduce integration time, accelerate time-to-value, and improve return on investment (ROI).

Summary

Lexium Cobots combine all-electric actuation, modular controllers, and scalable payloads to support high-performance automation across industries. With six-axis motion, integrated safety features, and repeatability from ±0.02 mm to ±0.03 mm, the lineup supports tasks ranging from fine assembly to heavy-duty handling across the 3 to 18 kg payload range. Flexible controllers, fast programming, and digital twin tools streamline deployment in packaging, electronics, automotive, and life sciences. Lexium Cobots help manufacturers scale automation with minimal infrastructure changes, supporting high-mix, mid-volume, and digitally integrated production environments.