Schneider Electric Launches Robotics Hub and Motion Platform

U.S. manufacturers are under pressure to move faster without overhauling existing systems. Schneider Electric’s new Robotics and Motion Center of Excellence in Raleigh, NC, along with technologies like EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin, Automation Expert, the Lexium MC12 multi-carrier, and Lexium Cobots, offers a way forward. This helps teams reduce commissioning time, increase flexibility, and modernize motion control without starting from scratch.

Schneider’s Machine Expert Twin aids engineers in designing and implementing new systems. Image used courtesy of Schneider Electric

A Robotics Hub in Raleigh

Schneider’s new Raleigh facility enhances its growing U.S. footprint by adding hands-on capabilities, providing regional and national customers access to digitalization tools, AI-driven control systems, and motion demonstrations in one location. The Center of Excellence supports over 1,700 employees in North Carolina and is part of a broader, multi-year U.S. investment plan expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs nationwide. The lab features a working environment where customers can test robotics strategies, collaborate with Schneider experts, and accelerate their production transformation journeys. Key technologies on display include software-defined automation and hardware systems optimized for energy efficiency and production agility.

EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin: Digital Twins for Faster Design

EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin is a powerful digital twin suite built to simulate and validate machine designs before cutting steel. Engineers can virtually prototype entire machines, load CAD files, simulate physics-driven kinematics, and automate virtual testing using live PLC code. With reductions of up to 50% in time to market and 60% in commissioning, the platform enables parallel engineering across mechanical, electrical, and controls teams. Notably, it supports URDF-based robot imports from third-party vendors, offering integration flexibility without vendor lock-in.

EcoStruxure Automation Expert. Software-Defined Industrial Control

EcoStruxure Automation Expert separates the software from the hardware, so engineers aren’t locked into one setup. That means they can reuse code across different machines, bring in digital twins or AI tools when needed, and run applications on physical equipment or virtual systems. It’s a flexible setup that plays well with IT systems and makes it easier to adjust as business needs change. Engineering efficiency gains of up to 70% and an 80% reduction in system recovery time give manufacturers a more resilient, future-ready control foundation. Whether you’re in discrete manufacturing or continuous process automation, the system’s openness transforms fragmented operations into cohesive, orchestrated workflows.

Lexium MC12 Multi-Carrier. Modular, Intelligent Movement

The Lexium MC12 introduces a flexible way to transport, position, and group objects with high precision. Designed with long stator motors and independently driven carrier units, it removes the rigid constraints of linear motion systems. Machine builders benefit from shorter changeover times, reduced footprints, and faster start-up thanks to features like toolless carrier changes, hot-swappable segments, and embedded system monitoring. It integrates easily with Schneider’s PacDrive 3-based architecture and digital twin tools, making it ideal for packaging, assembly, or high-mix material handling systems.

The Lexium cobot helps transport and position items with greater precision and accuracy. Image used courtesy of Schneider

Lexium Cobot: Collaborative Robots That Work Side by Side

Rounding out the ecosystem, the Lexium Cobot brings people and machines closer together with a collaborative robotic solution that’s easy to teach, quick to install, and safe to operate without fencing. Workers can guide the robot manually or configure it via tablet, with no need for extensive coding. Cobots integrate directly into Schneider’s EcoStruxure platform, including compatibility with Machine Expert Twin and motion controllers like PacDrive LMC. Facilities can reduce injury risk by offloading repetitive or heavy tasks to Lexium Cobots while accelerating production cycles and boosting workforce efficiency.

Schneider Electric’s new robotics center and related technologies provide manufacturers with integrated simulation, motion control, and automation solutions, supporting increased system efficiency and reduced commissioning times.