ForwardX Robotics has deployed 435 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Chery Automobile’s Dalian production facility, in what the company describes the world’s largest single-site deployment of AMRs . The deployment is intended to automate material flow across multiple production stages, including stamping, welding, battery installation, final assembly, and internal logistics, supporting Chery’s efforts to increase efficiency and flexibility in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
The AMR fleet is composed of three primary models—Flex, Max, and Lynx—each designed to meet specific intralogistics challenges presented by high-mix, high-volume automotive production.
The Flex Series includes 195 AMRs that handle lightweight and fragile components, such as circuit boards and wiring harnesses, often used in EVs. These units are deployed primarily in welding and assembly zones where space constraints are common, enabling point-to-point part deliveries without congesting factory aisles. According to ForwardX, this system has led to a 40 percent increase in material handling speed and a 30 percent reduction in labor costs during initial operations.
The Max Series, comprising 226 Max1500L and Max2500O robots, is designed for transporting heavy payloads such as engine blocks, machinery parts, and large component racks. These AMRs are used in heavier-duty stages of production, such as battery module movement and powertrain logistics. The Max1500L can carry up to 5,500 lbs, while the Max2500O supports up to 2.5 tons. Both models use omnidirectional navigation to operate in confined environments and are equipped with 24/7 automated charging systems to maintain uninterrupted operation. The Max units are also integrated with robotic arms to support end-to-end automation on select production lines.
The Lynx U1000 towing AMRs are focused on rack and bulk material transport across Chery’s production zones. These robots are integrated with Chery’s Sequence Part Supply (SPS) system, allowing them to autonomously tow and deliver components to specific line-side stations in real time. The Lynx Series is optimized for navigating narrow pathways while handling mixed loads, helping to resolve bottlenecks commonly associated with high-variety component delivery in final assembly operations.
Together, the 435 AMRs support synchronized material movement across 80 percent of Chery’s workshops at the Dalian facility. ForwardX states that the coordination of this robot fleet enables the factory to sustain a vehicle rollout rate of one unit every two minutes. The system is designed to adjust dynamically to production changes, supporting just-in-time and just-in-sequence manufacturing strategies.
The project expands on an earlier 2023 deployment of more than 100 AMRs at Chery’s Super One factory and reflects a broader strategic partnership between the two companies. According to ForwardX CEO Nicolas Chee, the scalability and integration of the automation platform are central to addressing OEMs’ requirements for reduced total cost of ownership, increased safety, and alignment with Industry 4.0 initiatives.
