WiBotic Unveils One Kilowatt Wireless Charging at Automate 2024
Higher power delivery brings wireless charging to a larger class of mobile robots
APRIL 30, 2024 – SEATTLE – Next week WiBotic, a company that specializes in advanced wireless charging and power optimization solutions for the rapidly expanding ecosystem of industrial, commercial and space robotics, will demonstrate its new 1kW (1000 Watt) wireless charging system at the Automate Show in Chicago. WiBotic’s new platform will provide a larger class of mobile robots with greater range, flexibility and reliability than contact-based charging.
Image 1: WiBotic 1kW System
WiBotic’s new 1kW system uses resonant wireless charging, operating at higher frequencies than inductive charging to deliver power efficiently over longer distances.
The platform removes the need for robots to physically connect to a charger, eliminating safety risks from electrical shorts and fire risk from sparking across contacts. Because the wireless power components can also be fully sealed, the new 1kW system is well suited for difficult environments where dirt, dust, water or corrosion can lead to failed charging cycles.
With 1kW charging, WiBotic brings the benefits of wireless charging to a new class of larger robots – including industrial electric vehicles and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – operating in a wide array of industries from warehouse robotics to outdoor applications such as solar field inspection, agriculture, and mining. A variant of the WiBotic system is also being developed for use on the lunar surface under contract with Astrobotic and NASA.
The benefits of 1kW wireless charging are further enhanced when used in conjunction with the WiBotic Commander software package. With Commander, customers can easily monitor the charging status and battery health of entire fleets of robots in real time. Charging procedures can then be implemented proactively to vary charge current and voltage to dramatically increase battery lifespan.
“WiBotic’s new wireless 1kW charging platform enhances operations,” said Peter King, Vice President of Cypher Robotics, Inc. “We’ve successfully deployed WiBotic chargers for customers in a range of applications and in some difficult environmental conditions – but historically only in applications where overnight charging was possible. With the new 1kW system, robots will charge at three times the previous speed, opening up a whole new set of applications where fast and ultra-reliable charging is needed.”
Image 2: Cypher Robotics, Inc. robot in a warehouse, docked to WiBotic’s “Edge” transmitter
“1kW wireless charging is the number one request we get from our customers, and we’ve been working to develop a new product that provides the same ease of use and reliability as our field-proven lower power systems.” said WiBotic CEO, Ben Waters. “The new system is interoperable with all existing WiBotic hardware and is fully programmable using our software, APIs and the Commander platform for larger fleets.”
For a demonstration of the 1kW system, please stop by Booth #4087 near the ARM Demo Area at the Automate show in Chicago, May 6th-9th. WiBotic is accepting advance orders for its 1kW system, with delivery scheduled for this summer.
Contact WiBotic Sales using the product inquiry form on the WiBotic website for more information.
About WiBotic:
WiBotic provides wireless charging and power optimization solutions for rapidly growing fleets of battery powered devices. Our solutions help companies optimize the uptime of large heterogenous fleets of autonomous robots, electrified carts, aerial and underwater vehicles, and other devices that require reliable power in any environment. With thousands of systems deployed globally, we are both pioneers and experienced leaders in the emerging field of distributed wireless power. For more information, please go to: www.wibotic.com