For Framo Morat, in addition to numerous successfully implemented transmission projects in the intralogistics sector, they were also the starting point for entering the AGV market segment based on its own experience in the course of modernizing its in-house warehouse and logistics concept.

This project resulted in the two hub gearboxes NG250 and NG500, which are available in single and two-stage versions based on a modular system. The NG250 is ideal for smaller AGVs. The single-stage version with a total gearbox length of 62.5 mm and a standard wheel size of 125 mm can handle loads of up to 250 kg per wheel. In terms of compactness, the NG500 with an overall gearbox length of 64 mm and a standard wheel size of 160 mm is also impressive. This is used in larger vehicles with a wheel load of up to 500 kg.

However, as the gearboxes as individual modules only comprise part of the automated guided vehicle systems, it was a logical consequence to offer the first complete systems for the drivetrain together with motor partners. "Depending on customer requirements, renowned motor manufacturers have developed and established as standard either very powerful systems that have to transport heavy loads or compact solutions that can be placed in limited installation spaces," says Felix Kneipp, who is responsible for business development in the hub drive / intralogistics division at the Black Forest gear and drive specialist.

Following successful customer projects, the obvious next step was to develop our own system solution for automated guided vehicles. "Our focus was no longer just on a coordinated power density for the gearbox, but also for the motor and electronics. We also wanted to provide a drive unit that would reliably meet the payload and dynamic requirements over the entire service life of the AGV," explains Kneipp.

The result is a highly integrated wheel hub drive. Based on the NG500, it combines all functional elements in an all-inclusive solution. This provides AGV manufacturers with a system tailored to the application, resulting in either more compact vehicles with the same load capacity or additional usable installation space for batteries and electronics. Furthermore, adjustments can be made in terms of load capacity, torque, interfaces, sensors and control profiles if required. Framo Morat can also achieve short delivery times for wheel hub drives thanks to the high level of in-house production depth for transmission components, freedom in motor definition and its own assembly team.

"The drive can be used in a wide variety of AGVs. Whether in automated warehouses or in production for the distribution of goods, packaging and components or as a drive for disinfection robots or medication transport vehicles in hospitals. All this makes it so interesting for vehicle manufacturers in a wide range of industries," says Kneipp.

Customer-specific developments still in demand

In addition to system solutions, there is also continued interest in customer-specific AGV solutions. "The core competence of customer-specific development is particularly important for applications that cannot be served with standard systems," says Kneipp. "For us, it is therefore a matter of course that we also offer our customers individual solutions if required." "Based on the latest market trends, we are always thinking about how we can create a universally valid in-house development so that other applications and players in the intralogistics sector can also benefit from it," says Kneipp.

The latest example of this is the travel drive for pallet trucks and small forklift trucks based on speeroX gearing. The system consists of an electric motor, a helical spur gear stage and a speeroX wheel set as an angular stage.

The speeroX toothing is an in-house development from Framo Morat, which allows high gear ratios and a power flow around corners to be achieved in just one step. In the wheel set, the toothing of the wheel moves to the face side. Thanks to the advantageous spatial arrangement of the spiral-toothed wheel and a modified worm, the installation space can be significantly reduced compared to conventional gearbox variants. The speeroX gear set is also quiet and has a high degree of efficiency with a long service life.