Wiferion, a leading supplier of inductive charging systems and batteries, has introduced the world's first charge optimization platform (COP) for smart robot charging called etaHUB at the LogiMAT exhibition. The platform uses intelligent charging management to reduce power consumption in driverless transport systems (DTS) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR), resulting in lower energy costs, longer battery life, and safer processes.
Through the cloud-based etaHUB IoT application, industrial companies can optimize the efficiency of their robot fleets. The COP analyzes more than 70 data points, including battery temperature, battery state, and mains voltage, to enable smart charging for mobile robots.
The platform optimizes the power supply to DTS and AMR in three central areas. First, it monitors the charging status of robots in real-time and sends notifications via email or SMS if any errors occur. Secondly, it adjusts the charging power to extend battery life by up to 10%, reducing the C rate in low-activity periods and increasing it when there is more workload. Finally, it adjusts robot behavior by providing precise data about charging duration and when each robot will be at a charging point in the future, thereby increasing vehicle availability.
The etaHUB also helps companies save on energy costs by allowing them to plan charging times to coincide with periods when power costs are at their lowest. Additionally, the Wiferion solution improves network utilization by charging robots at different times instead of all at once, which is common at the end of a shift.
Florian Reiners, CEO and co-founder of Wiferion, believes that smart charging is essential to scaling automated robot and automation solutions robustly. With the COP, companies can lower energy costs, extend battery life, and improve productivity while enhancing safety in production.
