There is much going on in the world of fluid power and motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the industries in which they work.
igus Introduces Online Game to Educate on Motion Plastics
To provide a creative way for possible customers to learn about its products, igus has introduced the online game igumania. In it players are in the role of production manager at a Mars Rover factory.
In the game, various unplanned plant and maintenance downtimes occur which require players to select the appropriate igus solutions. As they go through the game levels, more products will be unlocked for installation in the Mars Rover factory to help minimize the unplanned events.
While providing a means of entertainment, igus said the purpose of the game is also to help close the knowledge gap facing many manufacturing facilities by providing an easy, tangible way to learn how to address potential issues. Information can also be gleaned on the advantages igus products can provide.
"The idea arose as we were thinking about how to make our products made of high-performance plastics and their unique selling points even more tangible - in a very simple and playful way," said igus Managing Director Frank Blase in the company's press release announcing the launch of the game.
Oshkosh Defense Receives Patents for Hybrid Electric JLTV
Oshkosh Defense, the military vehicle division of Oshkosh Corp., has announced receipt of five new patents for its hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (eJLTV) design. These new patents are for the design of the vehicle's accessory drive, battery and inverter integration, and the range and capabilities of the eJLTV.
The company now holds over 115 patents and pending applications for its eJLTV and the original JLTV as well as related technologies, demonstrating the in-house engineering expertise at the company.
The eJLTV was first introduced in January 2022, and is considered to be the first silent drive hybrid-electric JLTV. Based on Oshkosh Defense's original JLTV design, the hybrid-electric version features a motor generator and high-voltage energy storage system to provide quieter operation as well as improved fuel efficiency.
Electrification is an area of interest for the U.S. military and various defense vehicle manufacturers to reduce dependence on fossil-fuels. Use of hybrid- and electric-powered systems can help to reduce maintenance and provide quieter operation because the components utilized do not make as much noise as a diesel engine. All of this will help military personnel be more efficient and able to do their jobs in a safer manner.
"Hybrid electric vehicle technology provides silent drive, extended silent watch, enhanced fuel economy, and increased exportable power that enables it to be used in combat and reconnaissance scenarios," said George Mansfield, Vice President and General Manager of Joint Programs for Oshkosh Defense, in the company's press release announcing the new patents. "The addition of these recent patents underscores our unique ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customer and advance technology for the tactical wheeled vehicle fleet."
SKF Announces Management Change
SKF has appointed Annika Ölme to the position of CTO and Senior Vice President, Technology Development. She is returning to the company from SAAB Radar Solutions where she headed the company's engineering department. From 2002-2017, Ölme held various positions at SKF.
Ölme holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering as well as a Master of Business Administration.
"I'm happy to welcome Annika back to SKF and look forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen our technology development efforts for traditional and future applications around the rotating shaft," said Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, in SKF's press release announcing Ölme's appointment.
ABB Acquires Siemens' NEMA Motors Business
ABB recently announced the acquisition of Siemens' NEMA motor business which will expand ABB's own offering of these low-voltage motors. The acquisition will bring about 600 new employees into ABB's NEMA motors business which serves a variety of industries mainly in North America such as food and beverage, mining & aggregate, and more.
Siemens has a manufacturing site in Guadalajara, Mexico which will add to ABB's manufacturing footprint for these motors; ABB currently has a plant in Fort Smith, AK.
"We have long appreciated the quality and design of these motors," said Jesse Henson, president of ABB’s NEMA motors division. "We look forward to adding the Siemens low voltage NEMA motor portfolio to our existing offering of ABB and Baldor-Reliance® industrial electric motors."
The transaction for ABB's acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.
Read more on the acquisition from our colleagues at Machine Design.
Volvo Trucks Completes Volvo LIGHTS Project
Volvo Trucks North America has completed its 3-year Volvo LIGHTS project in Southern California which aimed to demonstrate the capabilities and ecosystem necessary for deployment of battery-electric trucks. The project brought together 14 public and private companies to create a blueprint for enabling electric trucks in various use cases.
The company deployed its first Class 8 pilot truck, the Volvo VNR Electric, as part of the project. Several fleet operations utilized the electric trucks to collect real-world data and provide feedback on the truck's design.
Several best practices were determined which will aid with deployment of electric trucks in the future, including:
- Identifying ideal routes for electrification.
- Comprehensive dealer support.
- Reliable and cost-effective charging infrastructure.
- Technician training programs.
- First responder training programs.
"By working closely with an extraordinary group of public and private partners through the Volvo LIGHTS project, we were able to validate key processes around Class 8 battery-electric truck adoption for commercial transport segments and identify challenges that needed to be addressed for widespread market introduction," said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America, in the company's press release announcing completion of the project. "The most valuable takeaway for our team was really experiencing the value of close cross-functional and cross-organizational collaboration as we continue to drive innovation and develop new solutions for sustainable transport."
