ResGreen Group International, or RGGI, today announced that it is adding wireless charging to its fleet of mobile robots.
The Shelby Township, Mich.-based company makes a range of robots including its LilBuddy AMR, which is going through floor testing, and its PullBuddy AGV, which just recently became ready for large-scale production.
“Wireless charging is a game changer for mobile robots in the materials handling industry and will make an immediate impact on customers looking for ultimate flexibility and reliability,” said Parsh Patel, CEO at ResGreen.
RGGI said each wireless battery charging system consists of a transmitter circuit and an onboard charger circuit. It added that the charging system is like a wireless smart phone charger, in that the transmitter circuit converts power from an electoral socket into wireless power to charge the PullBuddy and LilBuddy. The onboard charger is attached to the mobile robot.
Wireless charging benefits over traditional charging systems
The company said traditional chargers require automated vehicles to connect to contacting plates, which become ineffective over time due to debris, dust covering the surfaces, as well as general wear and tear. That’s not the case with wireless chargers. The company said the robot simply needs to be within three inches of the transmitter circuit and does not demand physical contact.
The company said it has integrated the wireless charging system with its BotWay management system that is used for real-time monitoring and control. Data about charging rates, battery life, and battery temperature will be accessibility through the software.
Calling itself a premier provider of automated handling systems, RGGI claims it is making products that will help drive Industry 4.0 innovations. It said its team of engineers has experience with the Internet of Things (IoT), and MQTT protocol “to design technologies that interface with a wide variety of automated equipment, electronic components, and software systems.”