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Automatic warehouse and mobile robotics: ez-Wheel changes the game

The ez-Wheel product offering can be divided into two main parts: Assistance to manual handling : their Assist Wheel Drive solution provides a quick electric assistance to any manual handling equipment. ez-Wheel developed a revolutionary electric wheel that integrates a motor, batteries, and electronics directly within the wheel itself. This technology not only addresses significant challenges for both employees and companies by reducing professional risks like Musculoskeletal disorders, but also offers substantial benefits including a reduction in sick leave, a productivity boost of up to 50%, the ability to double the load with only a fifth of the effort, and a return on investment in under a year. The integration of ez-Wheel within our group is a testament to the potential of collaborative innovation in addressing the challenges of modern technology. It is a forward-looking initiative that promises to enhance the operational capabilities of companies across various sectors, paving the way for a future where automation and human labor are more harmoniously and productively connected. As we look ahead, this alliance is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of mobile robotics, resulting in the growth and evolution of industries worldwide. ez-Wheel products are marketed by APEM in the EMEA region. Outside this area, please visit idec.com for more information. Automation of intralogistics: their SWD® safety wheel drives provide a simple, versatile, and safety-compliant technological brick for system integrators and AGV manufacturers. The introduction of the SWD range marks a significant innovation in the field. These products integrate essential functions for mobile robotics, thereby simplifying safety compliance with the ISO3691-4 standard and offering unparalleled integration that notably reduces production and development costs for AGVs and AMRs. The SWD range is not just a technological advancement; it is a game-changer that reduces time to market and simplifies the architecture of mobile robots by up to 50%. It is expected to enhance this growth further by making the design and implementation of AMRs more cost-effective and time-efficient, all while ensuring safe and harmonious interactions between machines and humans. ez-Wheel benefits from IDEC and APEM’s industrial competencies, extensive sales network, and extensive expertise in functional safety. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and shifting workforce demographics, the acquisition of ez-Wheel in 2023 emerges as a pivotal development that is poised to redefine the landscape of mobile robotics. ez-Wheel’s entry into the APEM / IDEC family symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to integrating safety solutions within the burgeoning market of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). This acquisition is a response to a world where automation is rapidly accelerating at an unprecedented pace. As industries grapple with an aging workforce and labor shortages, the reliance on AGVs and AMRs is becoming increasingly prevalent. These technologies promise to alleviate such pressures by enhancing productivity and operational flexibility. In 2023, the IDEC Group, of which APEM is part of, acquired the French start-up ez-Wheel, specialized in motorized systems for industrial mobility. This integration has expanded our product portfolio, and we are now able to offer our customers the ez-Wheel range for assistance and automation of intralogistics resources.

How to protect your HMIs against sand, mud and dirt?

Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are central to operating machinery. However, when working on construction sites , agricultural fields or military operations , it is crucial that your control panels are robust and sealed against environmental conditions, such as sand, mud, and dirt. This resistance is crucial to ensure durability, functionality and safety. Therefore, when choosing HMIs, you’ll face the question: How can I protect my HMIs effectively against corrosion from sand, mud and dirt? What damage can sand, mud and dirt cause to your HMI? Dust and sand particles are extremely small and don’t pose a serious threat at first. However, if millions of fine particles infiltrate the smallest cracks of your control panel, it will gradually block mechanisms and limit its functionality. The situation worsens when liquid mud flows through tiny cracks and connection points that are not fully sealed. When the mud dries up, it will get stuck, causing a complete shutdown of your controls in the worst case. Moreover, the necessity for frequent cleaning to eliminate accumulated dirt can accelerate corrosion even further. This illustrates another aspect of why choosing robust and highly qualitative HMIs is substantial in this context. IP67 vs. IP68 vs. IP69: What is the difference? The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standard that classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact and water in electrical enclosures. IP67 indicates that the device is protected against dust ingress and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This level of protection is common in devices that might be exposed to water occasionally but not under high pressure or for extended periods. IP68 builds on IP67 by offering a higher level of water protection. The specifics of IP68 can vary by manufacturer. The device can be submerged deeper than 1 meter, but the exact depth and duration are determined individually for each product. This rating is seen particularly in devices that are more rugged and water-resistant. IP69 provides further protection against close-range high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs. This level of protection is typically more relevant to industrial equipment or medical devices, which requires rigorous cleaning processes or extreme conditions. How do I design my HMI to resist environmental conditions? To achieve effective designs for your HMIs to combat sand, mud and dirt exposure, strategic considerations are essential. Especially in the agriculture and construction market, manufacturers are tailoring their HMI design to includes easy-to-clean interfaces that reduce downtime and intuitive controls that enhance usability, even for operators wearing gloves. Additionally, the interface must facilitate easy access for cleaning and repairs. Sealings and coatings offer robust protection. Special coatings are applied to rubber solutions, offering defense against UV light degradation, a common challenge in open-field settings. Elastomeric keyboards are an example of innovation in sealed solutions. Made from one seamless piece, they not only provide a natural seal once mounted but also embody the ruggedness required for harsh conditions. Furthermore, high mounting positions help evade ground-level challenges. Materials like stainless steel provide high durability and resistance to corrosion. However, the goal is not only to create a sealed solution but also to engineer control panels, joysticks and switches that the user can trust and rely on. This is where Ingress Protection (IP) ratings come into play. Ratings such as IP67, IP68, and IP69 indicate water-resistant and waterproof capabilities that are essential for HMIs in demanding environments. The design of HMIs goes beyond mere resistance to sand, mud and dirt. It’s about creating interfaces that are resilient and enduring to use. With decades of experience in the construction, agriculture and defense industries, APEM has mastered the art of providing environmental protection solutions. We provide IP tested HMI solutions. WP XP HR KP6 KH Main applications Agriculture Construction Mining Defense Vehicles Material handling Forestry

Designing Controls for the User – Part 3: Universality

The goal for any designer is to create an intuitive interface, a control system that is immediately understood by its users. Using a combination of ergonomics, aesthetics and even haptics – the “feel” that provides the user with feedback about how the control is operated – it is possible to create a system that is universally understood by the user.

Switch guards deliver security for toggle switches

The toggle switch is one of the most reliable control devices in the electronics industry. Its simplicity has made it highly popular in dynamic applications, and it is widely used across the defense industry.

How to protect your HMIs in cleanrooms and sterile environments?

Protecting your Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) from autoclaving and other harsh cleaning techniques is essential in critical environments like cleanrooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, or aseptic processing and testing. Designing HMIs that can withstand regular sterilization and harsh cleaning cycles involves understanding the unique requirements of sterile environments and implementing design strategies that maintain operational efficiency and durability.

How HMIs can help you save energy

The next decade will see major changes in the way that we consume energy in the quest for sustainability. New technologies are changing the role of traditional energy infrastructure. Some of these new, alternative energy sources are now familiar. Wind farms are now an established part of the landscape in many parts of the world, while elsewhere huge fields are given over to photo-voltaic cells.

Designing Controls for the User – Part 2: Aesthetics

Using controls is not just about the function of the device, it also is about the look. The physical appearance of a device plays an important role in how users interact with it. The design of a device should provide a pleasant experience for the user but should also provide clarity regarding that device’s function. A well-designed control system should provide the user with confidence about how the device should be operated.

How to protect your HMI against daily cleaning with a pressure washer?

It is a laborious and costly task to clean big areas with detergents, especially if they have nooks where dirt can hide, such as production lines in food industry, and garbage trucks and other special vehicles. This is where washdowns with pressurized water can help.

Exploring ATEX and SIL-2 compatible industrial solutions

The world of industry creates a dangerous workplace. From the highly automated factory floor to heavy industries such as mining, it is vital that we apply standards that ensure workers and equipment are kept safe from harmful conditions.

Meeting military standards in component manufacturing with APEM MIL-QPL listed solutions

Choosing components for demanding applications is now more important than ever. Sophisticated devices are being deployed into harsh environments as military users adopt the latest technologies. Engineers need to provide reliability in the toughest conditions. To ensure that components can deliver the high performance needed, manufacturers use quality certifications known as military standards.

Revolutionizing the industry through data exploitation

Contact Us On December 11, 2023, APEM signed a Chair agreement dedicated to data and artificial intelligence (AI) in industry with TBS Education (Toulouse Business School). This 3-year partnership represents a strategic turning point for APEM and will allow us to exploit the huge potential of data to improve our products and services. TBS’s expertise in AI and data analysis offers APEM innovative insights for optimizing our processes, increasing operational efficiency, and strengthening our leading position in the human-machine interface industry. This strategic alliance illustrates our commitment to excellence and innovation, preparing APEM to meet tomorrow’s challenges more effectively and with an undeniable competitive advantage. It reflects APEM’s aim, as a dynamic industrial company, of streamlining its processes related to data processing converging with TBS Education’s expertise in this key issue. The partnership includes several measures for supporting APEM’s drive for innovation and helping it with its skills development. By working closely with TBS, APEM is positioning itself not only as a pioneer in its field but also as a key player in the evolution of the industry, guided by data intelligence. Revolutionizing the industry through data exploitation | Apem Blog On December 11, 2023, APEM signed a Chair agreement dedicated to data and artificial intelligence (AI) in industry with TBS Education (Toulouse Business School).

Designing Controls for the User – Part 1: Ergonomics

Creating an effective control system demands that engineers place the human operator at the center of every design. In this short series of blogs, we will look at the human element of control design, and some of the considerations that engineers need to consider when creating controls for today’s complex machinery.