As industries increasingly embrace industrial automation and AI, drive technology and automation specialist SEW-EURODRIVE is well-positioned to support its clients with a suite of advanced technologies.

The company continues to invest significantly in next-generation technologies, playing a key role in advancing industrial automation.

Many companies across various sectors have already integrated SEW-EURODRIVE’s offerings, enhancing efficiency and productivity in line with the evolving demands of Industry 4.0, says SEW-EURODRIVE business development electronics manager Willem Strydom.

The company’s solutions and support drives efficiencies across multiple industries, and what sets SEW-EURODRIVE apart is its holistic approach to system efficiency rather than just optimising individual components, products, applications or machinery.

“Instead of focusing solely on a more efficient motor or gearbox, we aim to optimise the entire system,” explains Strydom.

When considering total system efficiency, there is much value that SEW-EURODRIVE can add to plants and manufacturing facilities, potentially unlocking savings of between 18% and 25%, without clients having to invest significant capital expenditure.

“We evaluate older equipment and plant applications to identify opportunities for renewal with advanced technology, improving efficiency and performance,” he explains.

SEW-EURODRIVE’s MOVI-C modular automation system plays a key role in automation, bringing a new level of flexibility, integration and efficiency to a range of sectors.

The MOVI-C portfolio incorporates a range of technologies, such as the MOVILINK digital data interface (DDI), which delivers real-time information indicators, such as energy efficiency, application performance and condition monitoring, across a plant’s applications.

The MOVILINK DDI technology simplifies installation, eliminating the need for external sensors, and uses a single hybrid cable, which integrates power, communications and condition monitoring functionalities – offering far more functionality, flexibility and real-time feedback.

MOVI-C’s condition monitoring capabilities are game-changers for plant operations.

Through SEW-EURODRIVE’s DriveRadar Internet of Things application, users can monitor motor conditions, such as temperature, vibration, brake lining, estimated brake lining lifespan, oil analysis and estimated oil lifetime, besides others, in real-time.

The system alerts operators immediately if any abnormal variations occur, whether by WhatsApp, email, or even by automatically shutting down the application to prevent damage, Strydom notes.

This predictive maintenance system also allows for timely replacements while avoiding premature or overdue servicing.

Strydom adds that customisation and scalability are vital in automation, concluding that the flexibility of the company’s product range provides an advantage in the market.