FEATURE Drives, motors & controls
POWERING WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION
Here, Dave Walsha, Director of Sales and Marketing at drive system supplier Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS), discusses how next-generation motor technologies are shaping the future of automated warehousing
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n November 2024, John Lewis employed 60 robots at its Milton Keynes distribution centre, dispatching over 17 million products for the Christmas rush.
As warehouses become more automated and autonomous, it’s the motors inside these systems that keep modern logistics turning. With rising e-commerce and demand warehouses are no longer a trend; they’re essential to meeting customer expectations and streamlining operations. A recent McKinsey survey of 65 logistics and supply chain executives found that 70 per cent plan to invest $100 million in automation by 2027, citing its potential to enhance speed, process stability and reduce labour reliance. The future of warehouses is moving beyond simple automation, with systems now integrating AI, machine learning, robotics and 5G connectivity to enhance operations. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are playing a key role in this shift. Powered by AI and machine learning, these robots can adapt to their environment in real-time and communicate with other devices. This capability facilitates transporting, picking and sorting goods without human intervention. Robotic arms have long been a staple in modern logistics, performing high-precision tasks like packing, sorting and lifting. With the addition of AI, these arms can now adapt to package sizes, shapes and handling requirements in real-time. For example, in robotic arms learn from previous actions, predict needs and adjust operations,
18 May 2025 | Automation
enhancing productivity and operational agility.
Additionally, smart conveyor systems integrated with AI and sensors improve based on real-time data to minimise these technologies rely on intelligent software and data, they all depend on one thing to deliver motion — advanced motor systems.
Motor technology drives this motion. However, to support next-generation warehouses, these motors need to be handle the constant movement of goods and equipment. Brushless DC motors are a mainstay in continuous-duty applications such as AGVs lower energy consumption and long-term durability. With no brushes to wear down, they generate less electrical noise, require minimal maintenance and deliver a longer operational lifespan. Their ability to maintain precise speed and torque control makes them suited to automated environments, where consistent performance and high uptime are essential. The FAULHABER BX4, for example, uses a 4-pole design to deliver higher torque compact footprint. This makes it a strong choice for space-constrained applications. Its low-vibration, low-noise performance also supports mechanical stability, reducing wear on surrounding components and improving overall system longevity.
For applications requiring high precision and dynamic responsiveness, linear DC servomotors are well-suited. These motors operate without mechanical transmission, helping to eliminate backlash and improve responsiveness. Integrated into closed-loop control systems, they receive real-time feedback on position, speed and torque, allowing them to adjust continuously to changing load demands or task requirements.
This makes linear servomotors ideal
for robotic arms and automated handling crucial for accuracy and performance. These systems often require rapid, precise adjustments, and linear DC servomotors ensure smooth, error-free operation, enabling high throughput and reliability in environments with constant motion and changing conditions.
Stepper motors, on the other hand, excel in tasks where repeatability matters more than adaptability. Their open-loop incremental movements makes them ideal for sorting and indexing. While less responsive to load changes, they suit many automated processes.
future of warehousing, motor technologies precision and enable businesses to meet the growing demands for speed and accuracy.
EMS
www.ems-limited.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
POWERING WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION
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