POWER
flexibly dimensioned depending on energy requirements. The energy system reliably supplies both a 24V and a 48V robot arm. In addition, it is possible to equip the kit with industry-standard DC/AC converters to provide any type of industrial power supply with 230 V AC (US 220/120V) or 400 V AC. This expands the possibilities of handling solutions that can be operated with the AMR if, for example, a robot arm only has an AC connection.
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The charging process takes place while the manipulators carry out their work. If a MoMa inserts new parts at a machine tool, for example, it is charged fully
automatically and quickly for as long as the work step lasts.
Inductive charging enables 24/7 continuous operation
In addition to a higher energy density, the Wireless Power Kit offers an inductive quick- charging system. This can increase the productivity of the MoMa by up to 32 per cent. Wireless charging enables automated intermediate charging of the manipulator at pick or work stations. With in-process charging, the energy level of the vehicle battery remains constant. There is no need to fully discharge the battery and the associated long charging pauses. The charging process takes place while the manipulators carry out their work. If a MoMa inserts new parts at a machine tool, for example, it is charged fully automatically and quickly for as long as the work step lasts. The process is repeated continuously at each subsequent work station. Even the shortest pauses of a few seconds can be used to supply energy. This makes 24/7 continuous operation of mobile manipulators possible for the first time. Further advantages are: •
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• As no abrasion can occur on the charging contacts, MoMas can for the first time also perform handling tasks in critical clean room environments such as explosion-proof areas (EX), pharmaceuticals, laboratories or semiconductor production.
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Due to the high positioning tolerance, the factory navigation accuracy of all common AMRs is sufficient to ensure the positioning of the autonomous mobile robot at the charging point. Short circuits due to inaccurate positioning, which occur with contact chargers, are ruled out.
In contrast to conventional energy solutions with plug-in or sliding connections, the inductive battery charging system is a closed system without mechanical contacts. It works without component wear and therefore guarantees maintenance-free continuous operation.
Already successfully in use: OMRON relies on Wiferion
The Wiferion system offers an elegant solution that makes MoMas economical. Among others, OMRON relies on it. OMRON provides the key components that make up a MoMa: the AMR, the cobot, the programmable logic controller (PLC) that controls both the AMR and the cobot, and
the various sensors and user interfaces (HMIs) that are attached to the MoMa system depending on the application. Wiferion supplies the important additional component; the power supply. The Wiferion system enables the contactless charging that OMRON’s customers in the semiconductor and cleanroom industries require and also provides the increased uptime needed in all production and storage facilities.
Conclusion
With the Wireless Power Kit, MoMas increase the quality and speed of processes and help companies to react quickly to changing market conditions. Employees can be relieved of undemanding and repetitive tasks to concentrate on value-adding tasks. Through inductive charging, Wiferion’s battery solution enables 24/7 continuous operation and, at the same time, opens up the use of MoMas for additional activities and industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry and semiconductor production.
JULY/AUGUST | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 33
Figures 2+3: Wireless charging enables automated intermediate charging of the manipulator at pick or work stations
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