The basic idea: even the slightest touch and minimal deviations in the measurement data from the electric motors are enough for the system to recognize where a vehicle should be moved. The drives integrated in the wheels not only move the vehicle, but also provide all the necessary measurement data - no additional sensors are required. The system provides intuitive support when accelerating, braking and steering. "Driving feels much easier, a large part of the mass is accelerated by the supporting electric motors in the wheels," explains Professor Matthias Nienhaus.

The effects are immediately noticeable: vehicles start more easily, glide more smoothly through bends and can be stopped more precisely. Applications range from shopping carts and hospital beds to bicycle trailers, rollators and wheelchairs, which are actively supported by the technology. Even bulky or unruly loads can be moved with little effort.

Sensorless operation now possible

The development is the result of many years of research. Back in 2018, the team demonstrated at the Hannover Messe that support requirements can be derived from the engine data alone. This was followed in 2023 by the combination with a sensor handle, which served as an interface between humans and the system. Today, this allows loads of over four tons to be moved. "With the combination of sensor handle and wheels, we can now move more than four tons of weight," says Nienhaus.

What is new is that this sensor handle can now be omitted in many cases. "This makes the technology simpler, more intuitive and cheaper," says Matthias Nienhaus. This is made possible by advanced control technology: the drives control themselves based on the data collected in the motors. "The control system works through an interplay of artificial intelligence methods, powerful algorithms and the identification of the correct parameters from the data of the electric motors in the wheels," summarizes Matthias Nienhaus.

Sensorless operation is currently feasible for applications up to around 100 kilograms - depending on the application and load. For higher loads, the combination of wheels and sensor handle remains necessary for the time being, while research is working on further improvements.

Technologically, the systems also use the electric motors as sensors. Changes in the motor values provide detailed information about movement, load distribution and position. "The electric motors of the wheels themselves provide all the measurement data we need to control them. So there are no costs for installing additional sensors," says Matthias Nienhaus. Based on extensive data sets, the team identified characteristic signal patterns and developed methods to eliminate interferences.

This data is processed in real time: A microcontroller analyzes the signals, compares them with stored models and controls the drive accordingly. The wheels continuously record their own situation and react to the smallest impulses - all information is transmitted via existing cables.

WELLGO-Systems GmbH: Transfer to industrial practice

At the Hannover Messe, the researchers are looking for partners from industry and science to further develop the technology and transfer it into practical applications. The work was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM).

Matthias Nienhaus has also initiated the spin-off WELLGO-Systems GmbH for the transfer into industrial practice, which is driving forward the further development and marketing of intelligent drive solutions.

Hannover Messe 2026, Hall 11, Stand D41