Our interview partner: Hans-Joachim Müller, Market Manager at SEW-Eurodrive in Bruchsal

What new fields of application do you see in drive technology against the backdrop of digitalization?

Hans-Joachim Müller: By increasingly upgrading the drivetrain with electronics, ever more efficient drive units can be created that are optimized for the specific task. Shorter downtimes are possible thanks to predictive service and early warnings in the event of critical conditions. The operating behaviour can be made transparent and thus further optimized.

Do you already have intelligent drive solutions for networked production with regard to Industry 4.0 in your product range or in development?

Hans-Joachim Müller: With intelligent drive solutions, it's no longer just about the individual drive, but rather about the interaction between the components through to the corresponding services. Data must be recorded and communicated so that appropriate conclusions and actions can ultimately be drawn from the information provided. SEW-Eurodrive is constantly working on such solutions: From the robust and extremely high-performance DDI single-cable solution, which transmits data from encoders and sensors installed in the motor. From the control technology, which offers an open interface for communication with a higher-level system in the form of OPC-UA, to our service, which offers software and services for processing and evaluating data under the name DriveRadar®.

In your opinion, what challenges will drive technology have to face in the near future?

Hans-Joachim Müller: The higher level of digitalization means that more and more data is available from the drivetrain. More sensor technology is being integrated into the drivetrain and provides data that can be made available to a higher-level control system and evaluated there. The infrastructure must first be provided for this. The drive system must be appropriately prepared to transfer the large volumes of data. In addition, more and more interdisciplinary tasks need to be solved. It is not enough to design a stand-alone product or service. Instead, the divisions must work in a much more networked way and develop holistic solutions. SEW-Eurodrive can offer the customer everything from geared motors to control technology and software solutions that are closely interlinked and therefore offer the customer considerable added value.