trends in automation

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trends in automation:
What fascinates you about the subject of SupraMotion?
Dr. Susanne Krichel: There are already various
solutions for storing and moving objects without
contact. But rotation through 360° in any spatial
direction is only possible with superconductivity –
without the need for intricate control technology and
with minimal energy consumption. We are involved
right now in order to investigate possible application
areas for this fascinating technology. This is completely
uncharted territory for us and it gives us a great deal of
creative freedom for our ideas.
SupraMotion has been at Hannover Messe for the
past three years – what are the plans for the future?
Krichel: We have moved on from merely showing off the
impressive levitation effects and possibilities of
superconductor technology to actively discussing their
potential with the automation industry. Based on
numerous discussions with customers in recent years
we have concluded that individual elements from our
future concepts could already be used today. We are
currently working on getting our first pilot projects off
the ground.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Festo
SupraMotion team over the coming year?
Krichel: Right now we are dealing with the question of
how we can use the technology for problems for which
there is currently no feasible solution or that could only
be solved with complex workarounds. It’s also important
to create the right conditions to allow the technology to
succeed on the market. We are discussing these issues
with our customers, and our team is calling on the know­
ledge and experience of our Sales division as well as of
experts and technology partners.
Dr. Susanne Krichel,
Portfolio Management,
Superconductor
Project Team, Festo
One more question
Unique operating principle: suspension in the
superconductive state at –180 °Celsius.
Issue 28 trends in automation
Compass 14 – 15
motion and holding avoids wear and dust,
which means that the modules are
suitable for use in environments with
stringent hygiene requirements. A
definable air gap also allows the modules
to work from behind walls, allowing
handling to take place in protected and
enclosed areas that are susceptible to
contamination and difficult to clean.
Because the storage and holding
functions of the systems are not affected
by non magnetic materials entering the
bearings, use in areas that contain large
amounts of material particles is also
possible. The cooling systems used are
extremely efficient, with maximum energy
consumption of 80 watts per cooling
unit.