Maneuvering heavily laden carts can be hazardous for workers. IDEC Corp. this month announced the new ez-Wheel Assist Wheel Drive (AWD) EW1A Series, which provides electrical motion assistance for industrial material handling equipment.
Even in highly automated facilities, many operations still require personnel to manually move trolleys, carts, and other mobile platforms, said IDEC. These tasks poses risks to workers of injuries or other musculoskeletal issues.
EW1A is an integrated wheeled system that users can easily retrofit onto existing trollies or designed into new equipment. Workers can use it to easily and safely move heavy loads, increasing productivity and efficiency, IDEC claimed.
The company is a global supplier of industrial automation and control products. Its offerings include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), safety products, and other industrial automation components. Osaka, Japan-based IDEC has its U.S. headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif.
In September 2023, IDEC acquired 80% of the shares in ez-Wheel, a French manufacturer of mobility systems. It launched a self-propelled, autonomous wheel in 2021. Such wheels incorporate a driveline (motor, drive, gearbox) and control/safety elements within a single device.
The EW1A has a modular design
The EW1A system consists of a few modular components, with many options aimed at satisfying new equipment designs or aftermarket retrofits by maintenance personnel. The main drive unit is available with 150 or 160 mm (5.9 to 6.2 in.) resilient polyurethane wheels.
The unit is able to support a vertical working load up to 400 kg (881.8 lb.), and to transfer loads up to 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb.). A suspension bracket provides an adaptable way to add the main drive unit to upgrade any equipment.
All models can accept internal batteries, which are recharged with a specific cable and charger. However, for greater capacity, designers can choose an external battery pack with an adapter cable. Batteries operate at a nominal 24V DC, with capacities ranging from 3Ah to 15Ah, depending on the model.
IDEC said its system’s wheels operate at about 0 to 5 kph (0 to 3 mph) in both directions. They are available with adjustable braking modes and an option parking brake. The wheels are rated for indoor use, in non-freezing temperatures, and up to 40º C (104º F).
IDEC offers controller options
IDEC offers two controller options:
- The standard controller is a compact panel, much like a pendant control but with a fixed mount. It includes an on/off button, forward/reverse speed control thumbwheel, and a lighted or unlighted emergency stop button.
- A two-handle-type controller is also available with the same functionality implemented into a pair of handles. Users can orient the controller vertically or horizontally as needed for the best user experience. The handle-type controller is available with or without a battery charge status LED indicator.
The company said its ez-Config software can run on a PC and be connected using a standard USB cable. This system lets users easily configure operating parameters, such as forward/reverse speed, acceleration time, deceleration mode, assist time limit, time to sleep mode, and more.
IDEC focuses on safety and efficiency
Companies everywhere need systems to improve worker safety and efficiency. IDEC said its ez-Wheel Assist Wheel Drive EW1A Series can help them comply with ergonomic standards such as ISO 11228-2 and avoid insurance costs.
The EW1A is fully integrated, combining the wheel, gearbox, drive, battery, and control solution in a compact and modular form factor, said the company. IDEC said the autonomous component can be easily retrofitted on any existing materials handling equipment.
The aftermarket system can go to work anywhere equipment or payloads are manually moved, said IDEC. These include warehouses and distribution centers, automotive plants, retail stores, construction sites, and food and beverage processing facilities, it said.