PMW Dynamic's new IG9190 actuator is the perfect solution for agriculture robotics propulsion and steering

Leading autonomous robot providers throughout Europe shared their current propulsion challenges with PMW Dynamics. Until now the only options for propulsion where stock geared motor products based around dual stage planetary gearbox with shafted outputs and right-angle bevel stage to allow mounting of the motor vertically. Often additional bearings were required to handle the radial loads at the wheel and the whole proposition offered disadvantaged both over the placement of the battery within the bot and the overall area that the wheel assembly occupied and therefore displaced crop growing areas

A simple solution was recognised by utilising PMW Dynamics low voltage pancake motor designs and modifying the existing geared solution to eliminate additional bearings/housing/coupling and fully integrate the brake/encoder and motor into an ultra-compact solution for close coupling to output gearhead with flange

The advantages from our customers were immediate. The cross roller bearing allowed for close coupling of the output flange negating the use of additional bearings, the large mounting plate offered flexibility in a through-hole install reducing the crop ingress and minimising the wheel hub overhang to closer to the centre line of the support bearing at the output. Integrated motor and encoder option allowed for duality for both steering and wheel drives and use of dual inverter drive solutions saving cost and space in the chassis

Most importantly this allowed the battery centre of gravity to be reduced and capacity increased  allowing for longer in field time and minimising crop ingress can improve yield to the farmer

Three ranges of low voltage motors and power ratings and a wide range of gear ratios allow flexibility on power/speed and torque output dependent upon steering and wheel drive configurations. All, parts are standard stock items, and the design is based around a modular design and build philosophy to keep costs down

Future ranges may include smaller geared units and improved IP ranges and finish dependent upon environmental requirements form the market plus actuators with embedded motor controllers

Contact are Application Team for further advice

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