Inductive charging for AGVs

In future, all autonomous vehicles from Stäubli WFT will be available with the etaLINK 3000 series inductive battery charging system. By integrating the wireless charging solution into its systems, the AGV expert is reacting to the increasing customer demand for intelligent charging concepts.

Stäubli WFT's AGV solutions are designed for the heaviest loads of up to 500t and are extremely mobile. The patented, efficient drive technology of the vehicles enables omnidirectional mobility and thus more flexibility and optimum energy efficiency. In order to be able to offer its customers more flexible designs of its solutions, Stäubli WFT relies on the inductive battery charging systems from Wiferion.

"As an innovation-driven company, customers expect us to always offer them the most modern and economical solution. The energy supply of our vehicles is important for our success," explains Michael Ries, technical sales support at Stäubli WFT. "Wiferion's inductive charging systems enable us to rethink intralogistic processes and procedures from scratch and achieve considerable productivity increases through the concept of 'in-process charging'. The company's inductive charging systems also enable us to reduce costs and increase productivity."

Reliable energy system for more productivity

With the etaLINK 3000 from Wiferion, the AGVs from Stäubli WFT can be supplied with energy without contact – even during short stops. The charging process starts fully automatically within one second with 3kW power and an efficiency of 93%. Downtimes outside the process due to charging phases are completely eliminated, enabling 24/7 operation. In addition, the omnidirectional approachability of the charging points as well as the robustness and maintenance-free nature of the charging solutions are decisive factors for integration into the AGV.

"We have selected the technology on the basis of benchmarking. Wiferion is the clear leader here and offers us a reliable and mature system according to industry standards," says Ries. "Together with Wiferion we enable our customers to save even more time, money and resources."