There is much going on in the world of hydraulics, pneumatics 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 fluid power and motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.
Siemens Spins Off Motors and Drives Businesses
Siemens has announced it will establish a new business for its motors and drives technologies. Products within the new business unit, to be called Innomatics, will include low- to high-voltage motors, geared motors, medium-voltage converters and motorized spindles.
The company plans to establish the wholly owned subsidiary in Germany by July 1, and the global organization by October 1.
Read more on the spin off from American Machinist, an Endeavor Business Media partner site.
NFPA Seeks Input on Future Fluid Power Research
The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is in the process of updating its Technology Roadmap for the Fluid Power Industry. Most recently, the association announced its committee which helps steer the roadmap's update had determined key customer drivers which will drive hydraulic and pneumatic designs in the coming years.
These drivers were based on input received from the fluid power industry as well as customer markets.
Now NFPA is looking for more input from the industry, this time focused on fluid power research areas which will help to bring improvements to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Two surveys are available through which the industry can provide its input, one focused on hydraulics research, the other on pneumatics:
- Hydraulic survey = https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V6LFLRK
- Pneumatic survey = https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R6B2FJT
NFPA is asking industry and its members to provide their input through these surveys which will be open until April 6, 2023.
XING Mobility Partnership Brings Battery Tech to Off-Road Markets
XING Mobility, developer of immersion cooling battery technology, has formed a strategic partnership with Nordic Booster to provide XING's battery technology to off-road equipment manufacturers in Northern Europe. Nordic Booster will offer teh IMMERSIO XM25 immersion-cooled battery system to OEMs developing construction, agriculture and mining machinery.
The XM25 is an automotive-grade, scalable battery pack which can be used in a range of mobile equipment applications as well as stationary energy storage systems. Integrated fire safety and active suppression of thermal runaway helps to ensure the longevity and safety of the battery. In addition to use in heavy equipment, the XM25 will be included in mobile charging stations built by Nordic Booster said XING in its press release announcing the partnership.
According to XING, the battery electric vehicle market for off-road equipment in Northern Europe is forecast to see a high growth rate in the coming years. Norway, where Nordic Booster is headquartered, is expected to lead growth in this market with an estimated 17% CAGR (compound annual growth rate).
As the recent CONEXPO & IFPE 2023 show demonstrated, electrification and the technologies available for it is on the rise in the construction equipment and other heavy machinery sectors which will impact future fluid power system designs.
Volvo Trucks Brings Vehicles to Underground Mining
On the subject of electrification in the heavy equipment space, Volvo Trucks has partnered with Swedish mining company Boliden to use battery-electric trucks in underground mines. Doing so will help to create safer, quieter working conditions for those in the mine due to the lack of emissions and reduced noise from the trucks.
To start, a Volvo FH Electric heavy-duty truck will be used for transport of materials in Boliden's Kankberg mine in northern Sweden. Volvo estimates if all trucks working in the underground mine were battery electric, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced 25%. This is an increasingly important factor for underground mines not only to protect workers and be more sustainable, but also minimize the costs of ventilation that would otherwise be needed which is often very expensive.
A second truck will be added to the operations after assessing how the first electric truck performed.
READ MORE: Volvo Sees Continued Growth Opportunity in Electrification
