Typically, European OEMs demand integrated industrial automation solutions that give greater flexibility. High IP-rated drives are more common in Europe, as are open fieldbuses like EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP. PLCopen (based on the IEC 61131-3 standard) also has a much larger market share than in Asia, where local programming environments are more common. Emerging market OEMs often prioritize ready-made applications and less integrated components with faster delivery.

There is an increasing observance of European norms and directives in Asia which increases the compliances of products coming from Asia. In Europe, the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)has been formulated for European machinery to deliver higher safety levels. It is an ongoing development as machines become more complex and Inovance is responding with next generation products. At Inovance, we have local expert teams across Europe and an R&D base in Germany. We invest heavily in R&D and our advanced solutions are tailored to European customers to meet all relevant standards and requirements.

Inovance is at the SPS in Nuremberg for the third time. What can visitors expect at your stand?

We are launching our range of industrial robots in Europe at SPS, showcasing our new six-axis and SCARA robots at our stand. These robots are equipped with collision detection, vibration reduction, high precision, synchronised I/Os, and a dynamic following function.

Other new products at SPS 2024 include the compact, cost-effective MD630 AC general-purpose drive and the MV33, our first industrial AC motor in Europe, which has an IE5 rating. Both products have been designed for European customers and will be displayed alongside our portfolio of industrial automation solutions, including AC drives, PLCs, and motion control systems. We will also showcase the SV680N EtherCAT servo with advanced FSoE and eight safety functions as per IEC 61800-5-2 SIL 3: STO, SS1, SS2, SOS, SSM, SBC, SDI, and SLS. The SV680N also supports linear and direct drive motors.

You will use the trade fair as the start for the market launch of your industrial robots on the European market. Why the SPS in particular?

SPS is the leading industrial automation show in Europe and focuses on drives and controls, which is our core range. We have been attending for years, so it’s the logical show for us to launch our industrial robots.

What robot integration solutions do you offer?

We are a total solutions provider, and launching a range of industrial robots is part of this commitment. Currently, we have more than a thousand robot integration cases, covering SCARA and articulated robots across a wide—and growing—range of industry sectors, from electronics and new energy to lithium battery manufacturing, automotive, injection moulding, and packaging.

Our industrial robots handle diverse tasks such as pick-and-place, screwing, assembly, sorting, palletising, and more, reducing error rates and accelerating production in each application scenario.

What are your next steps in Europe?

Inovance has global ambitions, but we also believe strongly in local teams. Our offices in Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Hungary provide industry solutions and expertise to the machinery OEM market, with plans to expand our European network even further. Inovance has a long-established R&D capability in Europe and will continue to invest in technology that meets the needs of European customers.

Inovance at SPS 2024: Hall 3A, Booth 466