Siemens expanded its drive portfolio with the release of the Simatic Micro-Drive, a new extra-low-voltage drive for 24–48V EC motors. The micro-drive brings industrial networking and integrated safety to a wide range of applications including battery-operated equipment. Developed specifically for automated guided vehicles (AGVs), the servo-drive system is a breakthrough technology aimed at the battery-powered, portable markets and is ideal for extra-low-voltage commercial and manufacturing applications, the company says. Benefits of the system include seamless network integration, integrated drive safety, versatility, and easy commissioning and servicing through its TIA Portal. The drive features simple connectivity to Simatic programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to reduce engineering workload, while smart encoders and one-button tuning add to its plug-and-play startup. Communication takes place over Profinet using Profisafe and Profidrive profiles and a safety integrated function limits torque by monitoring motor current in running operations, it says. The servo drive system is suited to a wide range of diverse applications such as precise positioning, shuttles for storage and retrieval machines or warehousing systems and AGVs.

Siemens, 390 Kent Ave., Elk Grove Village, Ill. 60007; 847/640-1595; usa.siemens.com/micro-drive   siemens.com.