Wiferion Enters North American Market With Wireless Charging for Mobile Robots

As mobile robots and autonomous vehicles proliferate, power management becomes a significant concern. Wiferion GmbH today announced that it is entering the North American market in response to demand for wireless charging systems to increase uptime, lower maintenance, and improve fleet efficiencies.

Wiferion said it can provide energy to and maximize the performance of industrial electric vehicles such as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), forklifts and other autonomous industrial trucks, and collaborative robots.

“A strategic approach to power supply solutions is a natural priority for makers and operators of AMRs and AGVs," stated Matthieu Ebert, vice president of Wiferion North America Inc. "Navigation works. Tasks are completed. But current approaches to power supply strategy fall short and remain an area of need to deliver optimal efficiencies for fleets."

Matthieu Ebert, vice president of Wiferion North America Inc.

“Wiferion technology significantly improves vehicle uptime and maintenance efforts, reducing cumbersome power supply and charging challenges," he added. "We are focused on a strategic solution to upgrade charging infrastructure and create a standardized process for automated vehicle power that works for any mobile robot or autonomous truck."

Inductive wireless charging to supply fleets

"Mobile robot OEMs and end users must find reliable ways to keep vehicles active," noted Wiferion. "Inductive wireless charging is emerging as the standard for mobile robots and industrial e-vehicles."

The Freiburg, Germany-based company said its inductive charging systems can automatically supply energy to entire fleets of industrial vehicles, regardless of voltage, current, or battery type.

Wiferion asserted that its products are flexible and scalable, eliminating unnecessary machine downtime and the need for high-maintenance, expensive wired charging. Users can sustainably increase their utilization and fleet efficiency by up to 32%, claimed the company.

Wiferion added that customers in the logistics, automotive, and manufacturing sectors have relied on its technology. Leading automation suppliers such as SAFELOG and KUKA have also used its systems.

The company said it has sold more than 8,000 systems in more than 20 countries, and more than 100 OEMs, major automakers, and logistics and e-commerce companies use them.

Wiferion supports electric mobility

Wiferion said its custom-developed wireless power supplies for mobile robots include:

• etaLINK 3000, a 3kW contactless inductive power supply
• etaLINK 12000, a 12kW scalable energy wireless battery charging system with an efficiency of 93%
• etaSTORE proving lithium iron phosphate and lithium-titanate battery options for mobile robots
• etaTRAY, a plug-and-play battery retrofit for forklifts and other industrial trucks
• etaHUB, a charge optimization platform for remote diagnostics to optimize battery life and vehicle performance

Wiferion's etaLINK series of inductive battery charging systems have been received recognition such as the IFOY Award and "Best Product" at LogiMAT, and it was an Innovation Award finalist at MODEX.

Wiferion works with automation suppliers to add wireless charging capabilities. Source: Wiferion

Chicago office to open at ProMat

With its new Chicago office, Wiferion said it is ideally located to serve new and existing customers, including a leading U.S. industrial truck manufacturer. The company said its new subsidiary will allow it to shorten delivery times, enhance onsite services and support, and provide consulting services for North American companies in need of advanced charging systems.

"Our new home base in the U.S. helps us implement, service, and engage with North American companies quickly and effectively,” said Ebert.

Wiferion will officially launch its North American subsidiary with a ribbon-cutting event and rooftop reception during ProMat in Chicago on Tuesday, March 21. Wiferion will also present two sessions at ProMat and showcase its technology at Booth N8318.

Editor's note: For more about ProMat, visit Robotics 24/7's special coverage page.