MARKET FORUM
On the Move Walter Mxabangu Ntuli
Wendy Buffa-Pace
Walter Mxabangu Ntuli has been appointed Aquamarine Water Solution’s Sales Engineer: Public Sector
Now a Reality Aimed at OEMs looking to add mobility to their autonomous or collaborative robots, NSK has developed an innovative direct-drive wheel unit specifically designed for use in quiet environments, such as hospitals, hotels, offices and libraries. Robots fitted with the new wheel unit can efficiently carry and move loads up to 100kg without disturbing people. With digital trends such as AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learn-
Atlas Copco has appointed Wendy Buffa-Pace as managing director to the board of directors
ing) beginning to show genuine promise in real world applications, efforts are ramping up to develop mobile robots and humanoid robot hardware that can perform useful tasks in close proximity to people. The major obstacle with systems like conventional AGVs (autonomous guided vehicles) used in factories and warehouses, is the noise they make. In contrast, the NSK direct-drive wheel unit is much quieter, facilitating use in public spaces and non-manufacturing environments.
Settings such as service sector businesses and public facilities require robots that operate quietly to avoid impeding conversations and disturbing people from their tasks. The quiet nature of NSK´s wheel unit can be attributed to its gearless structure (direct-drive motor), which leverages the technology behind the company´s Megatorque Motor to eliminate the operating noise generated by typical gearboxes. Geraldene Govender, (011) 458-3600 Email: nsk-sa@nsk.com
Dependable Infrastructure “BMG specialists play an important role in upgrading ageing water and wastewater facilities and designing new drive systems, to ensure a dependable infrastructure,” explains Kelly Mac Iver, Gears Business Unit Manager, BMG ElectroMechanical Division. “The selection of robust equipment, which can endure continuous operation under severe conditions is critical. Every drive package selected must match the application perfectly, to ensure energy-efficiency, low running costs, minimum downtime and extended service life of the system.
Gears Business Unit Manager BMG ElectroMechanical Division Kelly Mac Iver Mobile: 082-453-7347 Tel: (011) 620-1615 Email: KellyM@bmgworld.net
“Care for the environment is also a priority and for this reason, we select environmentally-friendly drive solutions that help minimise emissions. “It is also important to prevent unnecessary breakdowns, which is why reliability is our main focus when designing the drive systems for new and upgraded facilities. All BMG components are precisely matched to each other and to application requirements, to ensure high productivity, smooth operation and long service-life. “Apart from the supply of new drive systems, the company’s broad branch network offers original spares and advanced workshop resources that ensure all repairs to drive components meet pristine OEM standards,” Kelly concludes.
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THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER
VOL 70 May/June 2020
Jehiel E Lawrence Xylem South Africa has appointed Jehiel E Lawrence as its new Sales Director for Southern Africa
