SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. will give visitors to the Africa Automation Fair 2019 a foretaste of its MOVI-C® modular automation system, which is readymade for the requirements of Industry 4.0.

This represents the next-generation of automation technology from Germany, and will be phased-in gradually by SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa, according to National Sales and Marketing Manager Norman Maleka. The system consists of a MAXO-RPS-T-RRRRR0-10-1300-01, including a stand and polycarbonate guard, CMP motors, MOVI-C® Modular; MOVI-C® Controller, a Human Machine Interface (DOP), and MOVIKIT® Robotics software.

The system provides for an end-to-end automation solution, from planning to commissioning, operation and diagnostics software, electronic control and monitoring devices, mechanical drives, and gearmotors. What’s more, it features an open communications topology from PROFIBUS and Industrial Ethernet to Modbus.

While the MOVIDRIVE® B Drive Inverter and MOVIAXIS® Multi-Axis Servo Inverter have been available for some time, the MOVI-C® modular automation system sets SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. on a path to embrace Industry 4.0. “This requires products that are both open and flexible,” Maleka stresses. “Our focus is to provide our customers with a fully modular and customisable solution.”

The unit on display will be a high-speed pick-and-place solution, including a tracking function, applicable to a range of industries.

It will be showcased at the Africa Automation Fair 2019 as a ‘teaser’ of what customers can expect in the near future from SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd., which is already developing new technologies with a three- to four-year window period in response to both industry trends and customer requirements.

“Our main theme at the exhibition will focus on energy-efficiency,” Maleka notes. Three segment conveyors about 1 m to 1.5 m in length will feature IE2, IE3, and IE4 motors, with the different energy consumption displayed on a screen.

Apart from its motor range, the MOVIGEAR® mechatronic drive system will also be showcased. This technology is making inroads into the food-and-beverage industry due to its ease of use and quick installation, and the fact that it is easy to clean and meets strict hygiene standards, for which an optional smooth surface is available.

Other energy-efficient products that will be on display include Variable Speed Drives and the LTP-B Eco HVAC drive, which is ideal for applications as diverse as large buildings, hospitals, and even mills. Features include an advanced ‘sleep’ and ‘wake’ function that maximises energy efficiency by only switching on a pump, for example, when it is required.

Maleka concludes that SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. will use the Africa Automation Fair 2019 as a platform to interact with existing and potential customers about Industry 4.0-ready technology such as its MOVI-C® modular automation system. “Our aim is not only to stay ahead of the technology curve, but to be in a position to ensure our customers always have access to the latest complete solutions that are flexible, adaptable, and cost-effective.”

Visit SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. at Stand H07 at the African Automation Fair 2019 from 4 to 6 June at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. For more information, go to www.africaautomationfair.com