At Daimler Trucks Mexico, a contactless charging infrastructure is taking production automation to a new level. Together with FlexQube, PohlCon and Wiferion, the commercial vehicle manufacturer has realised a wireless energy supply concept for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) – integrated directly into the assembly line.
FlexQube robots charge automatically during the assembly process
The autonomous kit delivery fleet from FlexQube transports materials from the picking area to the engine transmission line in the Mexican Daimler production facility – over a distance of around 250 metres. The key to its success is that the robots are not charged
at separate stations as usual, but directly during the assembly process. The vehicles stop for 3 to 4 minutes at each of two transfer points – precisely this time is now used to supply the batteries with energy inductively.
Ground-integrated solution: safe, maintenance-free, space-saving
The centrepiece of the system is the Wireless Charging Protection System (WCPS) from PohlCon. In combination with Wiferion’s inductive charging technology, it is installed directly in the floor – at defined stopping points of the robots. The charging process starts fully automatically as soon as a robot stops over the charging pad. The contactless energy transfer is wear-free, requires little maintenance and poses no danger to employees. The charged surfaces are flat, accessible and do not obstruct people or machines.
Maximum availability – without compromise
«Our aim was to provide energy where it is needed in the process anyway – without detours and without additional infrastructure,» says Dennis Thiele, Team Leader Wireless Charging Infrastructure at PohlCon GmbH. «The WCPS makes exactly that possible: it is safe, efficient and can be fully integrated into the production environment.»
Thanks to the solution, the FlexQube fleet remains operational around the clock – without any energy-related downtime. The wireless power supply is provided exactly where the process requires a short stop anyway. This creates a continuous production flow that increases both efficiency and safety on the shop floor. At the same time, there is no need for separate charged zones – valuable space can be used for other production steps.
In-Process Charging: New base for efficiency
«With in-process charging, we are creating the basis for new energy efficiency – without interrupting operations, without compromise,» says Matthieu Ebert, Director Product & Technology at Wiferion – a PULS business unit. «The Daimler case shows how powerful an intelligently integrated charging infrastructure can be today.»
