WiTricity licenses wireless charging technology to Delta’s industrial applications

WiTricity, the industry pioneer in wireless power transfer over distance, has licensed its wireless charging technology to Delta Electronics Thailand, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions. The agreement enables Delta to build and sell wireless charging systems for a broad range of industrial equipment, such as automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), mobile robots and electric forklift trucks.

“Delta remains focused on promising technologies that can improve the competitive edge of its products and solutions,” said Roger Ogden, General Manager, Industrial and Medical Business Unit, Delta. “Wireless charging is expected to bring substantial benefits to factory automation in regard to improved equipment productivity, safety and reliability, and reduces the total cost of ownership for equipment. Access to WiTricity technology will help Delta to provide efficient and versatile systems in the market.”Delta’s solutions serve global customers in various manufacturing and service industries such as automotive, telecom and IT, food and beverage, textiles, building systems, plastics and rubber, printing and packaging and machine tools. Delta has global sales, product development and manufacturing capabilities.

WiTricity’s wireless charging technology enables efficient, hands-free, and connector-free charging. With WiTricity technology, charging occurs automatically — without any human intervention or physical docking. As traditional electrical connectors for robotic docking stations are known to be failure prone and a safety hazard, wireless charging improves system reliability and safety.

Wireless charging stations can be deployed throughout a factory or warehouse, enabling “opportunity charging” as mobile systems move through a facility. Wireless charging products based on WiTricity technology can be deployed in systems over a wide range of power levels, from a few hundred watts for small mobile robots, to tens of kilowatts for forklift trucks, even to hundreds of kilowatts for heavy machinery.

“Wireless charging and autonomy are critical components of electric mobility—whether deployed on city streets or in factories and warehouses. For full scale factory automation, people must be taken out of the charging process,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO, WiTricity. “Delta is at the forefront of this movement, providing industrial customers with benefits that no plug-in charging system could realize. We’re proud to work with Delta on the future of factory automation.”