Spark Connected, Dallas, Texas, United States, a global leader in developing advanced and innovative wireless power technology and system level solutions, announces a partnership with gapcharge GmbH, Duisburg, Germany, to bring the Titan wireless charging solution to LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles), AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Automated Mobile Robots).
The transition to Lithium-ion batteries in automated factory logistics and eMobility has continued to accelerate in recent years. Forklift manufacturers have vehicles in the market today with lithium-ion. Driverless transport systems and mobile robots, AGVs, AMRs and LEVs utilize powerful lithium-ion technology. However, battery charging using plug-in cables is a significant challenge in automating these emerging applications. The ground-breaking 2.4kW Titan solution takes the next step toward effective, convenient, safe and cost-effective wireless charging.
According to Ruwanga Dassanayake, COO at Spark Connected, “eMobility and factory automated robotics are undergoing unprecedented changes. The ability to wirelessly charge these applications is becoming critical in order for these to be truly automated. The 2.4kW Titan solution helps accelerate this paradigm shift in the automated factory and electric mobility markets”.
Spark Connected is a Co-chair with the Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) High Power LEV standard group. Spark is driving innovation within the committees while working with key LEV and AGM manufacturers to advance and improve charging technology for small and medium sized electric vehicles and mobile robots. The Titan solution was developed to simultaneously take advantage of new component technologies while building on Spark’s robust industrial wireless power solutions and flexible Pantheon™ software architecture.
According to Gregor Schmid, CEO at gapcharge, “The current wireless charging systems do not reach the target costs and the stringent and high-performance requirements for today’s automated logistics vehicles. gapcharge and Spark Connected are collaboratively driving this change in the market.”
The Titan is a complete transmitter and receiver solution and provides a flexible platform for 2.4kW one-to-one wireless battery charging. Applications include LEVs and AGVs, e-bikes, autonomous robots, drones, and factory mobility.
Titan solution highlights include:
- Superior performance at >95% efficiency and fast charging
- Supports custom coil designs
- Transmitter powered directly from 85VAC – 264VAC
- 20V – 60V receiver output voltage for direct battery charging
- Built-in safety features ensure a safe and simple user charging experience
- Supports future products and standards with a field-upgradeable software
According to Florian Knobbe, COO at gapcharge, “The cooperation between gapcharge and Spark Connected shows the feasibility of this breakthrough Titan technology for automated logistics applications. We are looking forward to extending the scope of cooperation. The future of logistics is wireless.”
About Spark Connected
Spark Connected is a global leader specializing in multiple advanced and safe wireless power technologies that benefit a wide variety of applications in the Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, Medical, Robotics, Security, Factory Automation, IOT, Smart Home, and Consumer markets. Spark Connected is transforming wireless power delivery and intelligent battery charging with innovative platforms, disruptive technology and breakthrough products enabling an enhanced user experience for all.
Spark Connected is a Regular Member of the Wireless Power Consortium, with multiple committee leadership positions, including the group driving the Light Electric Vehicle charging standard.
About gapcharge
gapcharge was founded in 2020 as a spin-off of the University Duisburg-Essen in Germany. The idea of the young company is to combine wireless charging with a smart fleet management system for logistic fleets. The system of gapcharge makes logistics more efficient and can save costs during the whole life cycle. The high level of data transparency extends the lifetime of batteries and optimizes charging cycles regarding the usage profile and operating times.