A fully electric compact wheel loader has been developed by Moog and Komatsu, according to Green Car Congress. The partnership will show off the battery-powered, zero-emission, networked, and automation-ready machine at Bauma 2022 from October 24 to 30.
Moog Inc. creates, manufactures, and integrates precision control systems and components on a global scale. On the other hand, Komatsu, a market-leading manufacturer, and provider of equipment, technology, and services, serves the construction, forklift, mining, industrial, and forestry markets.
Going back, an electric traction motor, lift, tilt, steering electric cylinders, power electronics, a system control computer, a battery, and a battery management system are all components of Moog’s innovative machine electrification system.
While the all-electric actuators and motors supply the power, the integrated software connects and automatically regulates operations across the equipment.
In addition to structural configurations that use Moog’s intelligent machine electrification technology, Komatsu contributed to the vehicle-level design and assembly.
Seiichi Fuchita, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President of the Development Division Komatsu stated, “To achieve our CO2 emission reduction targets from products in use 50% by 2030 from 2010 levels, to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2050, we are looking for promising technologies from suppliers to accelerate our electric machine development. The machine, built together with Moog, combined the strengths of both companies and was finalized within a short period. We expect the joint testing will show the advantages of a fully electric machine and will prove collaboration is beneficial for both sides.”
Remarkably, the Moog technology permits clients to create their own unique offers and realize their concept for next-generation machines by seamlessly integrating several subsystems. This includes power management, motion control, communication, and automation. Additionally, this occurs as product development costs and time to bring products to market are reduced.
After Bauma 2022, Moog and Komatsu intend to test the all-electric loader to validate the concept further. Efficiency, operational time, and comfort are expected to increase to a new level per the partnership.
Notably. the companies’ combined test will demonstrate that they have increased the machine’s operating cycle. Additionally, it offers cutting-edge support features that give operators a restful and fatigue-proof environment to handle the machines and their days.
For applications such as air, sea, and land vehicle simulators, Moog has a record of switching hydraulic systems to electric in the aerospace, defense, and industrial machinery sectors.
That said, Moog’s intelligent machine electrification system will assist Komatsu in managing the loader’s motion and energy consumption, extending run-time and lowering maintenance costs compared to diesel options.
Remarkably, the intelligent machine electrification system from Moog is engineered with connectivity, automation, and production scaling in mind. The sensor and control features required for automation are present in the system. The integrated software framework, meanwhile, has capabilities built-in to regulate torque, velocity, position, and force, as well as numerous axes of motion.
Customers of Moog will be able to create and implement useful automation functionality through over-the-air (OTA) technology updates owing to the advanced features mentioned above and the system’s connectivity.
