We recently had a conversation with LS Electric, originally part of the LG Group, began in 1974 as Lucky Packing. In 2003, it separated from LG and became part of the LS Group, rebranding as LSIS. In 2020, LSIS adopted its current name, LS Electric.
LS Electric specializes in power equipment, automation systems, and solutions for power plants, substations, and distribution networks. Their services also include power equipment diagnostics and preventive maintenance systems.
We explored their LS Smart Moving Management System (SMMS) in our discussions with LS Electric. This conveyor-belt replacement system uses a magnetic force instead of traditional belts to move objects along production lines.
The key benefit of SMMS is that magnetic force is applied directly to the object being moved—specifically, to palettes equipped with magnets—rather than relying on a conveyor belt that moves the entire line. Coils and sensors in the system induce magnetic forces to displace the palettes, enabling motion with much greater efficiency. This system allows palettes to move vertically, creating multi-level production lines where items can be lifted or lowered between different paths.
Since the movement is contactless, the SMMS experiences less friction and contamination than traditional conveyors. Without a moving belt, the risk of conveyor-related accidents is significantly reduced. LS Electric highlights that in the U.S. alone, conveyor belts are responsible for around 9,000 accidents annually, making safety one of SMMS’s most significant advantages.
Another clear human safety advantage is reducing dust, pollutants, and lubricants in the workspace, thanks to eliminating belt friction.
In addition to improved safety, the absence of friction means a longer lifespan for the system, though more data is needed to quantify this over time.
Beyond hardware, SMMS offers an impressive software interface. Users can customize production lines through a graphical drag-and-drop tool. Some coding can be generated through a ChatGPT-powered interface, with built-in verification to ensure functionality. The software runs in a browser, allowing remote adjustments making it easier for experts to manage multiple sites or respond quickly to issues. Few industrial systems offer this user-friendly experience, signaling a trend toward more accessible technology in this sector.
LS Electric notes that SMMS is energy-efficient, as it only moves the objects, not the entire production line. While this claim makes sense in theory, we’re eager to see more data when it becomes available. LS Electric will be showing its technology at CES 2025.