Watertown, MA — WiTricity, an industry pioneer in wireless power transfer over distance, announced that Daihen Corporation, a global leader in power electronics and industrial robotics, has begun commercial shipments of its wireless power transfer (WPT) system for automatic guided vehicles (AGVs). The DAIHEN system, D-Broad, is powered by WiTricity’s patented magnetic resonance technology. D-Broad is poised to streamline factory automation by enabling fast, automatic charging at multiple locations along an AGV’s route through a factory, as it transports materials and parts.
Wireless Charging Drives 24/7 Productivity
In contrast to conventional plug-in charging systems that require human operators to take AGVs out of service to re-charge, AGVs equipped with Daihen’s D-Broad can autonomously re-charge and work around the clock. Daihen will supply the system on an OEM basis to AGV and mobile robotics manufacturers, and directly to advanced manufacturing engineers for custom factory automation projects. In addition to streamlining the AGV charging process, the D-Broad system also improves system reliability and reduces total cost of ownership by eliminating trouble prone charging connectors and cables.
Wirelessly Powered Robots Ensure Seamless Material Delivery and Reduced Costs
D-Broad will also serve as the basis for Daihen's own materials handling robot, called the AI Transfer Robot. Daihen developed the robot that can autonomously travel through a factory floor using sophisticated navigation and control systems, rather than relying on inflexible traditional underground wire guidance. WiTricity technology enabled the wireless charging over distance from a simple charging pad mounted to the front of the AI Transfer Robot – and without requiring precise alignment or docking to the charging source. The Daihen AI Transfer Robot can be deployed without expensive installation of docking stations, or continuous power rails buried beneath the floor.
The Daihen AI Transfer Robot AGV will be commercially available in spring 2017.