The field of intralogistics is witnessing a significant shift towards automation, driven by the need for increased efficiency and competitiveness. Micromotors, such as those manufactured by FAULHABER, are playing a crucial role in enabling this transformation by powering various applications, including sorting, transportation, and robotics solutions.
The growing adoption of automatic storage and retrieval machines, driverless transport systems, and intelligent logistics robots reflects the industry’s drive to optimize material flow and streamline operations. These automated solutions are gradually taking over tasks related to storing, retrieving, and preparing items for dispatch, ultimately reducing reliance on manual labor and enhancing productivity. In this context, the demand for high-performance micromotors has surged, as they offer the necessary power, reliability, and precision required to meet the rigorous demands of modern intralogistics.
Efficiency, reliability, and precise positioning are critical factors in the design and operation of drive systems used in intralogistics. Micromotors must be capable of exerting significant forces within confined spaces, ensuring reliable performance during continuous or stop-and-go operations, and executing precise positioning tasks. Moreover, speed is of utmost importance, considering the high volume of daily orders processed in large warehouses. FAULHABER’s drive systems have demonstrated their ability to meet these demands in applications involving sorting, transportation, storage, and retrieval. The modular design of these motors allows for seamless integration with high-resolution encoders for precise positioning and high-performance gearheads to handle torque requirements. Additionally, the inclusion of compact motion controllers further enhances the versatility and flexibility of these drive systems.
The rise of autonomous logistics robots is a notable trend within “Intralogistics 4.0.” These robots play a vital role in optimizing material flow, reducing labor costs, and replacing traditional manual handling equipment. Micromotors, specifically FAULHABER’s BX4 series brushless DC-servomotors, equipped with integrated motion controllers and planetary gearheads, serve as the driving force behind these robots. The integration of these motors ensures precise positioning during storage, retrieval, and continuous operations with varying load changes. The compact size and low weight of these motors enable the design of grippers that can handle packages stored close to the ground, maximizing storage space utilization.
Handling tasks and automatic sorting operations require drives capable of fast start/stop operations and dynamic performance. In this regard, FAULHABER’s CXR series graphite-commutated DC micromotors, combined with matched gearheads, have proven to be reliable solutions. These motors feature a robust commutation system suitable for high-performance applications, including scenarios where switches are used to change transport paths. Their linear characteristics and compatibility with high-resolution encoders make them well-suited for precise positioning tasks. Despite their compact size, these motors exhibit impressive lifting capabilities, adding further value to intralogistics operations.
Flexible transport within production processes is facilitated by automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Drives used in these systems must meet specific requirements, including availability, speed, flexibility, and space efficiency. Additionally, low current consumption is crucial to optimize the battery life of AGVs. FAULHABER’s BP4 series brushless DC-servomotors, combined with planetary gearheads and drive belts, offer an ideal solution for driving the wheels of AGVs. These motors operate with high efficiency, thanks to innovative winding technology and high winding symmetry, resulting in minimal power losses. To ensure precise position detection, servomotors are equipped with built-in encoders, allowing for flexible adaptation to various applications.
The adoption of micromotors in intralogistics aligns with the broader trend of automation, which aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. By leveraging the capabilities of these advanced drive systems, businesses can meet the increasing demands of modern intralogistics, streamline operations, and adapt to evolving economic trends in the industry.
