Omron cooperates with Wiferion

Integrators and distributors around the world can now use Wiferion's solution in the LD series, as RAMP, a Samuel Automation company, has successfully demonstrated. Wiferion's inductive charging technology enables fast charging with up to 60 amps. This significantly reduces the charging pauses for AMRs, which maximizes the operating time and increases the productivity of autonomous robot systems. Contactless charging also avoids the mechanical wear and tear that can occur with conventional contact charging systems and is therefore maintenance-free.

Productivity through contactless charging

Thanks to in-process charging at defined stations, Wiferion products charge the AMRs automatically during the work process without interrupting operation. At the same time, power-hungry topper systems such as articulated arms and active conveyors can now rely on a constant power supply from the Omron battery in conjunction with the wireless charging technology. Another unique selling point is the ability to charge AMRs from the underside and integrate the charging stations seamlessly into the hall floor. This is particularly important for mobile robot solutions with bulky accessories that extend beyond the standard footprint of the robot and cannot simply be docked onto the side-mounted charging stations. The trolleys do not need to be uncoupled for offline charging. A current project at a nine million square meter automotive plant, implemented by North America's largest integrator RAMP, a Samuel Automation company, shows how the technology is successfully used in practice.

"By combining Wiferion's inductive charging system and Omron's AMRs, we were able to solve a difficult throughput problem for our customer, downsizing the fleet and saving valuable floor space by eliminating unused charging bays. This development ultimately resulted in a state-of-the-art solution," says Mike Balzan, Sales Manager at RAMP.

Energy supply for AMR in the clean room

Wiferion's products have been certified for ISO class 4 by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA. This makes it possible for the first time to charge transport robots in clean rooms and therefore use them safely. The wireless charging solution is sealed and requires no mechanical contacts. Particle abrasion and contamination of the production environment are virtually eliminated. "Wiferion's inductive charging technology is the perfect complement to our Opportunity Charging feature available in FLOW 4.0.3 and higher," says Kyle Hable, Group Product Manager, Mobile Robotics at Omron. "This allows us to offer our integrators and customers a certified option that is ideal for demanding industries such as automotive, digital and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as cleanroom applications."

Interoperability standard for the energy supply

The international rollout of Wiferion's technology also underlines the importance of interoperability in modern automation environments. With the increasing proliferation of mixed fleets of autonomous mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), companies face the challenge of establishing standardized hardware solutions. Wiferion and Omron are helping to solve this problem with the introduction of inductive charging technology.

With the global deployment of Wiferion technology for the LD series, Omron is underlining its holistic approach to standardizing energy and automation processes and striving to increase efficiency in the transport of AMR material. Harmonizing the charging infrastructure not only simplifies the operation and scaling of mixed fleets, but also minimizes space requirements by eliminating the need for separate charging zones for different vehicle types. The use of inductive charging systems also offers the advantage that the vehicles can be charged regardless of manufacturer and battery configuration, which further reduces operating and maintenance costs.

"With the introduction of wireless charging, we are pioneering a new era of AMR interoperability. Our goal is to develop a standardized charging strategy for all Omron mobile robots. This initiative will allow our customers to avoid vendor lock-in, reduce dependence on proprietary and costly charging infrastructure, and achieve greater operational flexibility," says Kyle Hable, Group Product Manager, Mobile Robotics at Omron.

Matthieu Ebert, Director Product & Technology at Wiferion - a PULS business unit, adds: "With the certification of our inductive charging technology by Omron, we have reached an important milestone. Integrators worldwide now have access to a powerful and reliable inductive charging solution that not only maximizes uptime, but also creates the basis for new automation concepts."