LogiMAT, the international trade fair for intralogistics solutions and process management, will take place in Stuttgart from April 25 – 27. In Hall 7 Booth B48, ebm‑papst will be presenting intelligent drive solutions for conveyor and storage technology.
Sustainability, space and resource efficiency are areas of action that must be considered comprehensively in a globalized world. While batch sizes are getting smaller and product cycles shorter, production and storage space is a scarce commodity. Optimized use of space saves costs and resources. Short transport routes, reduced footprints, and energy-efficient operation are important factors in this context.
Flexibility through omnidirectional mobility
The ArgoDrive driving/steering system combines propulsion and steering functions in a single drive unit. It consists of a motor, transmission, steering system, sensors and all the necessary connections. Optimum use of space makes an important contribution to OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) both in existing halls and production areas and in new buildings. The infinite steering angle enables a driverless transport vehicle to move freely over a wide area. The use of two ArgoDrive systems guarantees fully omnidirectional freedom of movement. ebm‑papst is offering its driving/steering system in Light, Standard and Heavy versions for weight classes up to 100, 300, and 500 kg, respectively. Four driving/steering systems in the Heavy version allow a total vehicle weight of up to two metric tons. This means that large loads can be moved even on inclines, making the ArgoDrive suitable for applications in intralogistics, flexible automotive manufacturing, mobile robotics, and medical technology, among others.
Intelligent drives with EtherCAT interface
The second efficiency booster that ebm‑papst is showcasing at LogiMAT is its modular drive system with brushless ECI 63 internal rotor motor, which is now available with EtherCAT. EtherCAT combines the advantages of Ethernet-based communication with the simplicity of classic fieldbus systems, eliminating the need for complex IT solutions. Within the ECI series, drives with integrated BUS interface have already been established for some time under the term ‘K5 electronic functionality’. Now the internal rotor motors can also be addressed via EtherCAT. To achieve this, high-performance interface electronics have been added to the drive housing. The advantages for decentralized drives lie primarily in the synchronization of several axes, the reduced time and effort required for integration, and a space-saving design within the machine.
![With the ArgoDrive, ebm-papst is offering a new drive solution for omnidirectional mobility.](/ae/en/newsroom/news/2023/logimat2023/_jcr_content/root/baselayout/parCol/image_1657654543.coreimg.jpeg/1718019981101/image-argodrive-ebm-papst.jpeg)