Continental has made significant strides in the realm of automation with its ultracompact transport robot, the NXS 300. This innovative robot is specifically designed to transport stacked small load containers (SLCs) weighing up to 300 kg, all while operating fully automatically.
The NXS 300 is engineered for immediate deployment, eliminating the need for modifications to existing floor-roller tracks. Its design allows for easy integration into current Automated Mobile Robot (AMR) fleets, thanks to its native VDA 5050 compatibility. With impressive speeds of up to two meters per second and omnidirectional movement facilitated by a 360-degree sensor view, this transport robot promises both efficiency and safety in dynamic environments.
This robot comes in two versions: a base model featuring a 600 mm fork length tailored for standard 400 x 600 mm SLCs on carts, and an extended version boasting an 800 mm fork length capable of handling half-pallets. The latter effectively doubles the carrying capacity per trip, thus enhancing productivity on the floor.
First unveiled at LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart, the NXS 300 is set to hit the market in early 2026. Presently, it is undergoing pilot projects at Continental facilities in Rheinböllen, Germany, and Sibiu, Romania. Early evaluations indicate a rapid return on investment, often within two years or less.
Malte Kersten, head of Continental Mobile Robots, highlights the increasing demands on production and logistics managers, stating, “With this small-load solution, we are further expanding our AMR portfolio for Industry 4.0 applications.” He notes that the NXS 300 addresses pressing challenges such as tighter floor plans, diverse product variations, and cost pressures, reaffirming Continental’s commitment to making operations easier and more effective.
Ultracompact Design for Maximum Flexibility
In an era where real-time data and product variety are paramount, manufacturing leaders are compelled to adapt quickly to evolving material flow needs. Conventional Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) often struggle with this dynamism, remaining static and posing challenges for businesses that require quick adaptability.
The NXS 300 bridges this gap with its ultracompact design (measuring only 1,100 × 405 × 1,025 mm) along with impressive adaptability. The base version stands at a fork height of just 110 mm, making it compatible with over 80% of carts available on the market. Its integrated lift platform efficiently raises these carts from various sources, optimizing material movement across the facility.
Furthermore, the design includes omnidirectional drives that enable maneuverability in tight spaces, complemented by 360-degree sensors for obstacle detection. This technology ensures safe navigation, even in mixed-traffic scenarios typical of busy warehouses.
The NXS 300 effectively marries AGV and AMR functionalities, offering remarkable versatility. Its flexible system configuration allows it to adapt to a variety of process requirements and production layouts effortlessly.
Extended Version Doubles Transport Volume Per Trip
The extended version of the NXS 300 builds upon the base model, featuring an additional 200 mm of fork length. This allows it to handle stacked half-pallets (800 × 600 mm) or combinations of diverse SLC types, effectively doubling the transport volume per trip and maximizing efficiency.
The technical strengths of the NXS 300 not only enhance operational efficiency but also promise a compelling return on investment (ROI). By automating the transportation of SLCs, businesses can reduce manual handling, minimize interruptions, and boost overall productivity. As a result, companies can anticipate significant cost reductions and an ROI timeframe that ranges from six to 24 months, contingent on specific applications and deployment scales.
Alessandro Castagnotto, head of Product Line Intralogistics at Continental Mobile Robots, remarks, “With complete VDA 5050 interoperability, the NXS 300 integrates effortlessly into existing intralogistics settings.” He emphasizes the robot’s cost-effectiveness, which empowers customers to achieve rapid ROI. Backed by Continental’s extensive expertise in robotics and automotive engineering, the NXS 300 stands as a testament to scalable, future-proof automation solutions.
Comprehensive Service to Facilitate Operations
The user-friendly human-machine interface (HMI) of the NXS 300 promotes intuitive operation and maintenance. Continental supports its customers with local service teams and a 24/7 hotline, ensuring maximum availability of the system. Proactive maintenance strategies are also implemented to minimize downtime and maintain continuous operations.
In anticipation of evolving production environments, additional extensions for the NXS 300 family are already in the pipeline, including a top-roller variant with an active conveyor mechanism. This enhancement will allow the robot to take and deliver SLCs directly from conveyors, broadening its application range and enabling users to address future automation challenges while enhancing intralogistics efficiency—all within the existing system architecture.