iTAS: servo-drives for AGVs

WITTENSTEIN offers iTAS, the first modular and completely scalable transmission system for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which uses simco® drive with integrated webserver functionality.

iTAS uses a new class of simco® drive which, with a nominal current of up to 50 A, offers a more extensive power range and maximum connectivity. The integrated webserver enables accessing the drive via Internet to verify, for example, operational parameters or request information on the status of the vehicle. This kind of connectivity is in line with the concept of Industry 4.0.

Complete modular system
iTAS is a modular and completely scalable system of actuators and electronics for automated guided vehicles. The “i” stands for interactive, with webserver command options, intelligent with the plug & play system for AGVs with reduced bulk and individual, given the many possible specific configurations for different applications.
Three standard configurations are available - “compact”, “advanced” and “performance” - but by selecting among numerous add-on functionalities (such as the SICK encoder or an integrated wheel with blocking flange), personalized solutions can be created.
The actuators range from 025 to 050 and are combined with the new simco® drive with an input voltage range of 12 to 60 V DC. Like others in the series with power up to 750 W, it features high resolution regulation capacity and extremely responsive current measurement.
With specific functions for intralogistics applications, such as brake control, energy recovery and acceleration sensor, iTAS has everything needed for use on vehicles and mobile platforms.

Integrated webserver for Industry 4.0
The integrated webserver makes it possible to access the moving vehicle’s drive system at any time via Internet in order to monitor the use of the system and respond in a timely and targeted manner to any errors or warnings. The system’s data accessibility facilitates startup, and constant monitoring of the operating vehicles guarantees maximum functionality of the entire plant.

Compatibility with the most common fieldbus and safety interfaces
The simco® drive is compatible with the most common fieldbus interfaces normally used with AGVs, such as CANopen, EtherCAT, PROFINET RT/IRT and TCP/IP.
The standard configuration of the simco® drive includes the STO (Safe Torque Off) function, in accordance with SIL3, for safely disconnecting the system in emergency situations. Various other safety functions can also be requested, for example to reduce the speed (Safe Limited Speed) or Safe Operating Stop, in combination with an additional control system and, if requested, a specially certified encoder.

Acceleration sensor. The simco® drive specially designed for the intralogistics sector has an integrated 3D acceleration sensor that measures all accelerations of the vehicle along X, Y and Z axes. Based on the value measured, the sensor transmits a signal when the limit threshold has been exceeded and memorizes the date and time, recording any collisions. Furthermore, the sensor detects and analyzes the forces acting on the vehicle when turning, according to the speed and inclination of a ramp the AGV drives over.

Functional and compact design. The system’s compact design considerably simplifies integration even with smaller vehicles, and its scalability is compatible with diverse power profiles.
The iTAS system’s servoactuators integrate brushless motors and an epicycloidal reduction gear in a single unit that is distinguished by high torque and speed and enables saving on time and costs, reducing energy consumption and prolonging cycles and shifts.

Smart brake control and soft-start function
In order to control the brake – even if the battery’s voltage is too low or too high –, the new simco® drive features a buck-boost converter that regulates the voltage of the brake control, raising or lowering it according to the situation with no need for installation of additional components.
The soft-start function protects components from overcurrent by keeping currents below a critical threshold.