Motion control with GAM Enterprises and wireless power with CaPow
Nov 17, 2023
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This podcast episode features interviews with GAM Enterprises and CaPow. GAM manufactures motion drives and custom motion control solutions while CaPow is a startup innovating with wireless power delivery for robots. They discuss motion control challenges, wireless power technology, benefits of customization, and eliminating energy bearings. GAM Enterprises specializes in dynamic charging for robots, improving operational efficiency. CaPow offers a solution to eliminate traditional batteries onboard mobile robots. They also highlight the advantages of their wireless power solution for industrial applications.
GAM Enterprises offers customized motion control solutions, emphasizing collaboration with customers to simplify designs and achieve cost-effective solutions.
CaPow's wireless power delivery technology enables mobile robots to continuously operate without traditional batteries, improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Deep dives
GAM Enterprises: Custom Motion Control Solutions
GAM Enterprises is a US manufacturer of mechanical motion control components, such as gear reducers and couplings. They have recently introduced new products including a standard gear AMR wheel that integrates the gearbox directly into the wheel hub, providing higher loading capability and a more compact design. They have also developed a zero backlash planetary gearbox that offers smoother motion and better performance than traditional gearboxes. GAM emphasizes collaboration with customers to understand their unique challenges and provide customized solutions, leveraging their broad range of standard products and flexible manufacturing capabilities. They work with various industries, including robotics, and encourage engineers to view salespeople as resources for technical expertise and guidance. Collaboration is key to simplifying designs and achieving cost-effective solutions.
Kapow: Revolutionizing Mobile Robot Power with Wireless Charging
Kapow, a company based in Israel, has developed a wireless charging solution for mobile robots. They use capacitive-style batteries deployed on the robot's body to provide energy in motion, eliminating the need for static or contact charging. This perpetual power solution ensures that robots can continuously work without downtime for charging. Kapow's technology also allows for the reduction or elimination of bulky batteries, as energy is provided continuously. The company offers a floor planning tool to assist in strategic placement of antennas for optimal energy transfer. With Kapow's wireless charging, the operational efficiency and productivity of mobile robots are significantly improved.
Benefits and Applications of Kapow's Wireless Charging
Kapow's wireless charging system offers several benefits and applications for various industries. By providing energy while the robots are in motion, Kapow eliminates the need for docking stations and significantly reduces downtime associated with charging. This enables better utilization of warehouse space and storage areas. Additionally, the system allows for the extension of battery life, as robots use energy in shorter bursts rather than extended periods of charging. Kapow's wireless charging technology can be applied to mobile manipulators, forklifts, tuggers, and other mobility-related machines. It also has potential uses in drones, wearable equipment, and rotating applications in the industry 4.0 domains.
Impact of Wireless Charging on Mobile Robotics
Kapow's wireless charging technology has the potential to revolutionize the mobile robotics industry. It eliminates the need for traditional batteries, allowing for smaller power packs that can provide continuous energy to the robots. With rapid energy transfer, robots can move between power antennas without interrupting their tasks, improving operational efficiency. The flexibility of Kapow's system in terms of antenna placement and adaptability to different robot sizes and shapes makes it a promising solution for the industry. The company focuses on a headache-free installation process that requires no modifications to existing robots, making it an attractive option for retrofitting or new designs. Kapow is currently seeking investment to scale its operations and expand its market presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
This episode features a double header of interviews, a recap of news from the week, and the reintroduction of Eugene Demaitre as a cohost of the show.
We welcome Eugene Demaitre back to the show as he rejoins the editorial staff as editorial director at The Robot Report and WTWH Media. Eugene co-founded this podcast together with Steve Crowe.
This week's first interview is with Craig Van den Avont, President at GAM Enterprises. GAM manufactures motion drives and other custom motion control solutions.
The second interview is with Mor Peretz, CEO and co-founder of CaPow. CaPow is a startup innovating with wireless power delivery for AMRs and AGVs. Their unique solution can continuously deliver wireless power, enabling mobile robots' unique operation without a traditional battery onboard.
The show is longer than normal this week, but both companies deliver unique value and innovation to their clients.
For more information check out:
GAM Enterprises: gamweb.com
CaPow: capow.energy
Show schedule:
28:19 - Interview with Craig Van den Avont - President at GAM Enterprises.
1:01:19 - Interview with Mor Peretz, CEO and Cofounder of CaPow
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