IDEC adds Safety Wheel Drive to ez-Wheel family to streamline AMR, AGV design

The ez-Wheel Safety Wheel Drive series from IDEC.

IDEC said end users, systems integrators, OEMs, and firms that assemble mobile robots will benefit from adopting the SWD. | Source: IDEC Corp.

IDEC Corp. recently expanded its ez-Wheel product family with the new SWD Safety Wheel Drive. The SWD is available in a light/medium SWD 125 model or a heavy-duty SWD 150 model, both with a load-supporting cast iron frame.

The Osaka, Japan-based company said increasing demand for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) has created a need for the SWD, which provides a streamlined way for designers to incorporate efficient, reliable, and safe motion control into their equipment and systems.

Traditional drive systems require designers to qualify, integrate, and test a combination of wheels, gearboxes, motors, encoders, controllers, and power systems. External batteries and wiring can increase installation costs.

IDEC said its SWD overcomes these requirements with options combining all these elements into a single, extremely compact, and maintenance-free system, reducing component count by up to 50%. It claimed that there is no equivalent self-contained system in available in the U.S.

IDEC designs SWD for robust performance

The new drive features a robust shockproof housing, rated IP66 to protect its internal electronics, ensuring adaptability for a wide range of applications. In addition, its modular architecture provides the freedom to scale as needed, reducing engineering time and simplifying the certification process, said IDEC.

With the SWD, designers can focus their efforts on higher-level control and human-machine interface (HMI) requirements, the company said.

IDEC said it has provided industrial automation and control products since 1945. Covering a broad range of market needs, these products include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HMIs, safety products, and other industrial automation components.

In 2023, IDEC acquired 80% of the shares of ez-Wheel SAS, a French developer of self-propelled wheels for AGVs, AMRs, mobile conveyors, material handling systems, and more.

SWD comes in two models with a development kit

For each model, two gear ratios are available, each with or without a parking brake. Payload ratings are:

SWD 125: supports a 250 kg (551.1 lb.) vertical load and targets applications up to a ton
SWD 150: supports a 700 kg (1,543.2 lb.) vertical load and targets applications above a ton

Each SWD is connectorized for 24VDC power, safe input/output (I/O) signals, CANopen communication, USB, Ethernet (planned), and brake functions. IDEC said this provides quick and serviceable plug-and-cord connections between the SWD and other external automation components. LEDs onboard the SWD provide a clear indication of CAN and motor status.

A focus on safety further distinguishes the SWD, IDEC said. It ensures that the application complies with the ISO 3691-4 international standard for mobile robot safety. When integrated with other safety devices, such as IDEC SE2L laser scanners or bumper/edge switches, the SWD can provide safe brake control (SBC), safely limited speed (SLS), and safe direction (SDI).

The Safety Wheel Drive has a SIL2/PLd rating, and a SIL3/PLe safe motor disconnection (STO) is also integrated.

IDEC offers a pre-packaged development/starter kit to accelerate design and reduce implementation efforts. This kit includes a pair of SWD Cores, an SE2L safety laser scanner, a 24VDC battery pack with charger, an industrial PC (IPC) controller, a central interconnection box, a pair of emergency stop buttons, and a manual controller.

Developers can use this kit, which comes mounted, cabled, and configured, to help them integrate the SWD with a PC, a PLC, safety sensors, and other wired and wireless components.

IDEC said the ez-Wheel product family across its SWD range can reduce development time while providing sophisticated and smooth powered motion. The company said it is suitable for mobile robots and other platforms used in a wide range of industries. As with all of its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the SWD, with no service or support contract required.