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posted by Fnord666 on Wednesday April 11 2018, @10:42AM   Printer-friendly
from the judgement-day-is-coming dept.

Submitted via IRC for AndyTheAbsurd

A new device allows robots used in warehouses and third-party logistics (3PL) facilities to draw power or recharge batteries wirelessly while in operation.

The technology could have a big impact on the capabilities of mobile industrial robots, potentially freeing them from limitations imposed by modern batteries.

Waypoint Robotics, which makes custom mobile robots for the supply chain industry, unveiled its EnZone Wireless Charging Dock at this year's MODEX, the largest supply chain expo in North & South America and the hottest ticket in town this week for the mobile robotics industry.

The underlying technology for the wireless charging system comes from partner WiBotic, which makes plug-and-play devices for the wireless transmission of power to robotic platforms.

Last year, WiBotic made a splash with a wireless charging pad it claims can keep drones in the air indefinitely. That capability could prove indispensable if drone delivery takes off the way many analysts believe it will.

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/untethered-wireless-power-transmission-will-make-robots-hard-to-stop/


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  • (Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Wednesday April 11 2018, @09:25PM (2 children)

    by JoeMerchant (3937) on Wednesday April 11 2018, @09:25PM (#665560)

    But, how big is this air-gap?

    Is it even within two orders of magnitude (distance capability) of being able to power a pizza delivery drone? Assume the drone has to fly at least 30m above any infrastructure.

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  • (Score: 2) by LoRdTAW on Thursday April 12 2018, @12:17AM (1 child)

    by LoRdTAW (3755) on Thursday April 12 2018, @12:17AM (#665647) Journal

    You guys drifted completely off the original topic and are talking about something completely different. This is about powering Industrial robots inside of a controlled warehouse. This isn't running down Main St, USA where Bobby Joe and little Susie play. So it's safe to assume that safety is being factored in to the layout of such facilities and people working within will be safe. And don't forget about lights out facilities where wireless powered robots can operate 24/7 without stopping for charging, battery swapping and eliminating the hazards and liability (HELLO! McFly! Insurance companies love that risk reduction shit!) associated with high energy density lithium batteries. Unless you want them to go back to, ugh, lead acid.

    • (Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Thursday April 12 2018, @12:36AM

      by JoeMerchant (3937) on Thursday April 12 2018, @12:36AM (#665663)

      Well, the summary drove it toward drones, and drones are much more fun to talk about than the Amazon distribution warehouse...

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