New approaches in drive technology
Nabtesco develops physical AI solutions
Nabtesco is working on intelligent drive systems for industrial applications. The focus here is on the use of physical AI, the combination of artificial intelligence with real physical systems.
The aim of such systems is to continuously record operating conditions, detect deviations and adapt processes in real time. Unlike purely digital AI applications, machines and robots must be able to react to changing conditions such as loads, temperatures, friction or wear.
According to the company, data acquisition plays a central role here. To this end, Nabtesco is developing a digital shaft gearbox that can be integrated into existing systems without requiring additional installation space. The solution is being developed and produced at the subsidiary Ovalo in Limburg an der Lahn.
Among other things, the gearbox records torque and temperature during operation and analyzes the data directly in the system. This should allow system conditions to be continuously monitored and overloads or unsuitable operating points to be detected at an early stage. The service life of gearboxes can also be calculated more accurately on the basis of the data.
"We want to contribute to an industrial ecosystem that is increasingly self-optimizing, detects faults early, makes maintenance plannable and continuously evolves through data. The goal is production that is so resilient, intelligent and efficient that it virtually finances itself - through minimized downtime costs, reduced energy consumption and higher, more predictable productivity," says Daniel Obladen, Director Sales & Marketing at Nabtesco Precision Europe GmbH.
Large amounts of reliable data are necessary for the development of physical AI applications. The quality of the information and its technical classification are crucial.
"We know exactly how our gearboxes behave under load, wear or under the influence of temperature and lubricant. This enables us to classify the measured values correctly and translate them into usable information," explains Daniel Obladen.
Nabtesco is supported in this by the mechatronics expertise of its development partner adcos, in which the Group holds a stake. The development of Physical AI will be gradually integrated into industrial applications.
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