Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are becoming increasingly important across a broad range of industries, playing a key role in enhancing personnel safety, productivity, and efficiency. These units contain motor wheel drives, which provide reliable and precise movement for transporting objects and equipment.

As a leading innovator in motion control solutions, Pelonis Technologies, Inc. offers agile autonomous systems, such as the XR15-W for light-duty tasks and the AgroWheel Drive for heavy-duty applications. With over 25 years of manufacturing and product development expertise, our wheel drive products meet current demand for electrification, automation, and streamlined operations.

Learn more about our electric motor wheel drives, the key benefits of each, and why partnering with Pelonis is a smart choice.

The Transformative Benefits of Electric Motor Wheel Drives in Automation

Electric motor wheel drives allow autonomous vehicles to travel smoothly under loads, and eliminate the need for additional gears or transmission components.

  • Enhancing Productivity, Efficiency, and Automation
    Enhancing Productivity, Efficiency, and Automation

    Enhancing Productivity, Efficiency, and Automation

    Incorporating an autonomous vehicle or robot into the workflow and tasking them with errands reduces time spent on low-value tasks. Advances in wheel drive technology make it possible for AMRs and AGVs to carry heavier loads and travel at higher speeds.

  • Key Advantages
    Key Advantages

    Key Advantages

    Wheel drives offer a compact and reliable solution for autonomous vehicles. Some of their many advantages include:

    • Power. Wheel drives offer substantial peak torque and high power output for carrying heavy loads, navigating obstacles, and increasing range.
    • Precision. Advanced control mechanisms and sensors ensure highly accurate positioning for navigation and control.
    • Reliability. Durable integrated thermal sensors, sealed gearboxes, high IP ratings, and maintenance-free operation boost uptime and productivity, even in challenging environments.
    • Efficiency. Compact, contained wheel drive units offer “plug and play” set up, and low-voltage design ensures high energy efficiency.
    • Value. Reduced maintenance needs and overall durability help to reduce the total cost of ownership of wheel drive units, for a greater return on investment.

Pelonis AgroWheel Drive: The Robust Solution for Heavy-Duty Applications

The AgroWheel Drive from Pelonis is designed for reliable performance in challenging environments, such as construction and agriculture.

Core Features

The AgroWheel has a rugged design for heavy duty uses. Features include:

  • Compact design (290 mm x 145 mm).
  • Delivers up to 215 Nm peak torque and 1.5kW power at low voltages, reaching up to 120 RPM.
  • Holding brake.
  • Integrated a high-performance, brushless DC motor.
  • Low-backlash gearbox.
  • Position sensor.
  • Sealed gearbox with a high IP rating for environmental protection.

Key Advantages

The AgroWheel Drive offers these benefits for farming and other outdoor applications:

  • Performance in harsh conditions. The AgroWheel Drive from Pelonis is 100% electric and is suitable for powering heavy equipment or agricultural automation machinery. It is designed for heavy, outdoor use. Its enhanced rigidity and damping improve durability and stability.
  • Operational advantages. The AgroWheel is engineered for a 20,000-hour lifespan with zero maintenance. It features excellent positioning accuracy, superior motion control, quick setup, and the ability to handle large inertial loads.
  • Tailored design. AGVs powered with an AgroWheel help to extend field work windows, steer machinery with accuracy, and improve agricultural propulsion in harvesters and tractors, particularly on unstable or soft ground.

AgroWheel Drive Technical Specifications Summary

Dimensions 191mm in length and 147mm in diameter
IP Rating IP54 or IP65
Lifespan 15,000 operating hours
Maintenance Designed to require zero maintenance
Maximum Speed Up to 120 RPM
Operating Voltage Options 24 VDC, 48 VDC & 72 VDC
Peak Torque Up to 200Nm (147.5 ft/lb)
Power Output Up to 1kW at low voltages

Pelonis XR15-W Wheel Drive: The Compact and Versatile Solution for Light-Duty AGV/AMR

The Pelonis XR15-W Wheel Drive has a compact design and integrates seamlessly with light-duty AGV and AMR applications.

Key Features

From warehouses to food delivery and beyond, the XR15-W has the features that count, including:

  • Compact design (151mm x 140mm x 50mm).
  • Delivers 450 PM with 8 Nm continuous torque.
  • Direct drive with integrated high-resolution encoder for precise feedback.
  • Frameless motor design with an integrated thermal sensor for reliable, maintenance-free operation.
  • IP54-rated for moisture and dust protection.
  • Plug and Play integration.
  • Streamlined deployment.
  • Supports multiple drives for higher speeds and payloads.

Advantages of the Peloins XR15-W Wheel Drive

There are many advantages to powering autonomous vehicles and robots with an XR15-W from Pelonis:

Operational Benefits Operational benefits

This drive reduces maintenance needs and equipment complexity, which means it is up and running quickly. Its IP54 rating makes it suitable for various industrial settings.

Optimized for Agile Automation Optimized for agile automation

The Pelonis XR15-W Wheel Drive has been developed for agility and maneuverability in a variety of settings and in close proximity to humans.

Specific Applications Specific applications

The XR15-W can be used in a variety of settings including automated delivery, automotive manufacturing, food and beverage, hospital transport, indoor farming, logistics, material handling, pharmaceuticals, retail, security, and warehouse picking.

Choosing Your Pelonis Motor Wheel Drive: AgroWheel vs. XR15-W

The details of the application will determine which motor wheel drive is the best fit. Considerations include operating conditions, payload, travel distance, frequency of use, and power requirements, along with any other application-specific requirements.

Below, we’ve laid out a comparative guide to the features and capabilities of both the AgroWheel and the XR15-W, to help you make an informed choice.

Comparative Features & Applications of the AgroWheel vs. XR15-W

Feature / Category Pelonis AgroWheel Drive (Heavy Duty) Pelonis XR15-W Wheel Drive (Light Duty / Versatile)
Application Focus Heavy-duty agricultural automation, large equipment, outdoor use Agile automation for light to medium-duty AGVs/AMRs, typically indoor/controlled environments
Peak Torque Up to 215 Nm 13.0 Nm
Max Power Output Up to 1.5 kW 486 W
Dimensions (Approx.) Larger (Up to 290mm L x 145mm D) Ultra-Low Profile (151x140x50mm)
Environmental Prot. High IP rating (sealed gearbox for dust, water, contaminants) IP54-rated (protection against dust and water ingress)
Integration Easy integration with farm control systems; extensive customization options Direct drive with integrated encoder; plug-and-play integration
Maintenance Zero maintenance, 20,000 operating hours lifespan Maintenance-free operation, long life expectancy
Key Applications Agriculture (tractors, harvesters), soft/unstable ground operations Warehousing, Logistics, Healthcare, Retail, Automated Delivery, Indoor Farming

Partnering With Pelonis Technologies, Inc. for Custom Solutions

At Pelonis Technologies, Inc., we have the experience and knowledge to develop custom solutions for individual applications to meet your AGV/AMR needs.

Our Engineering Design Services and Tailored Product Development

Our Engineering Design Services and Tailored Product Development

We are committed to providing motion control solutions that are optimized for situations where a standard product simply won’t do. Our engineering design team will evaluate your application and bring a robust and suitable solution to life. We work closely with customers to understand all specifications and performance requirements. In addition to design, we aim to provide a complete solution and value-added services.

Ensuring Optimal Performance for Your Unique Requirements

Ensuring Optimal Performance for Your Unique Requirements

Our customer-centric approach is valuable for AGV/AMR projects because no two applications and challenges are the same. As new uses for these vehicles are discovered and they appear in new settings, customized solutions will be vital. At Pelonis Technologies, Inc., we serve this rapidly evolving market with electric motor drives that are up to the challenge in any industry.

Empowering Autonomous Systems with Pelonis Motor Wheel Drives

For over 25 years, Pelonis Technologies, Inc., has provided exceptional product innovation, quality, and service at competitive prices. We continue to improve our existing products, and to develop new ones that meet our customers' changing needs.

Our AGV/AMR Motor Wheel Drives, the versatile XR15-W and the heavy-duty AgroWheel, are user-friendly and feature precision motion, energy efficiency, and robust construction. These advanced drives are critical for using autonomous and robotic vehicles to increase productivity in warehouses, medical facilities, delivery applications, agricultural operations, and more.

Choose Pelonis Technologies, Inc. for our engineering expertise, flexible manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to customer service. Contact us to learn more about our motor wheel drives, or request a quote for your project today!

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