Siemens has introduced a new extra-low-voltage (ELV) drive solution for AGVs, AMRs and driverless transport systems. It combines the compact Sinamics E210 converter with the new Simotics E-1EE1 servomotors. Both connect directly to 24 V and 48 V battery systems.
A drive package built for battery-powered vehicles
Mobile robots run on batteries. Therefore, every voltage conversion stage costs space, weight and efficiency. The Sinamics E210 connects directly to ELV battery systems, so no extra voltage conversion is needed. In addition, the converter is regenerative. As a result, braking energy flows back into the battery instead of turning into heat.
The Simotics E-1EE1 servomotors come in shaft heights 40 to 63. They extend the Siemens ELV portfolio into higher power and torque classes. Furthermore, vehicle builders can choose optional holding brakes, several gearboxes and flexible connection technology. This way, they can adapt the drive to traction, steering or lifting.
Key features
- Converter: Sinamics E210, compact and regenerative, for 24 V and 48 V systems
- Motors: Simotics E-1EE1 servomotors, shaft heights 40 to 63, high overload capability
- Options: holding brakes, gearbox variants, flexible connection technology
- Communication: PROFINET IRT and PROFIsafe
- Safety: integrated safety functions in the converter, absolute 14-bit BiSS-C safety encoder, dual-channel design up to SIL 2
- Commissioning: electronic nameplate; the E210 reads the motor data automatically
- Engineering: TIA Portal and the Simove modular system
Safety and commissioning
Mobile robots share space with people. For this reason, safe speed and safe stopping are central requirements. The converter offers integrated safety functions, and the motor carries a safety encoder. In addition, PROFIsafe runs over PROFINET. Consequently, engineers can implement safety functions up to SIL 2 without a separate safety module on each axis.
The electronic nameplate also simplifies setup. First, the converter identifies the connected motor. Then it loads the motor data by itself. This reduces parameterization errors and speeds up commissioning. That is especially useful in fleets with many identical axes.
Typical applications
Siemens targets traction and wheel drives, steering axes, lifting units and auxiliary axes. The drive suits AGVs, AMRs and driverless transport systems, both in intralogistics and in production.
Why it matters for engineers
Many mobile robot builders combine ELV drives from specialist suppliers with a Siemens PLC. However, a native ELV drive changes that picture. With PROFINET IRT, PROFIsafe and TIA Portal, engineers can program the vehicle and the plant controller in one environment. Moreover, safety runs over the same network. Together with Simove, Siemens now covers the drive, the vehicle control and the fleet integration.
For more details, see the Siemens press release and the Simove page for AGVs and AMRs. You can also read about the Sinamics G200, G210C, G210 and G210X drives, our AGV section and the Siemens section.