Motek, the international trade fair for automation in production and assembly, will be held in Stuttgart from October 4 to 7. ebm‑papst will be showcasing its new drive solutions for automation in Hall 1, Stand 1310.

Intelligent drives with EtherCAT interface
EtherCAT combines the advantages of Ethernet-based communication with the simplicity of classic fieldbus systems, thereby avoiding complex IT solutions. Within the ECI series from ebm‑papst, 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.

Modular system enables custom drive systems
Previously, long waiting times for the perfect drive system were not unusual, as this often involved having to develop individual solutions first. With the modular drive system from ebm‑papst, custom drive solutions can now implemented quickly. The individual drive modules can be combined through standardized interfaces. Just like a construction kit, customers can combine the motor online with the appropriate power, brakes, encoders, electronics, and gearboxes (planetary, spur gear or angular) in no time at all.

Flexibility through omnidirectional maneuverability
The ArgoDrive driving/steering system combines propulsion and steering functions in a single drive unit – consisting of motor, transmission, steering, sensors, and all the necessary connections. The infinite steering angle enables a driverless transport vehicle to move freely over a wide area. The use of two ArgoDrive systems guarantees completely omnidirectional freedom of movement. ebm‑papst is offering its new driving/steering system in Light, Standard, and Heavy versions for weight classes up to 100, 300 or 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, medical technology, and flexible automotive production.