In a world where automated logistics is evolving at high speed, manufacturers of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) are constantly seeking solutions that are more compact, powerful, and easy to integrate.
It is precisely with this goal in mind that Kinco developed the iWMC, an integrated wheel motor module that redefines the standards of mobile motorization.
An all-in-one, compact, and intelligent module
Kinco’s iWMC (Integrated Wheel Motor Controller) is much more than a simple motor. It is a complete propulsion system that combines in a single module the brushless motor, driver, controller, encoder, and electromagnetic brake.
This total integration eliminates the multitude of components and wiring required in traditional systems, where each element had to be installed and configured separately.
The result: a compact, lightweight, and reliable unit, perfectly suited to the modern architectures of AGVs and AMRs.
The space savings inside the chassis not only lighten the mechanical design but also optimize mass distribution and reduce cooling requirements.
A major simplification for designers
Until recently, powering an autonomous vehicle required a complex combination of multiple elements: a motor, an external drive, a position encoder, and a holding brake, all connected through often cumbersome wiring.
This type of architecture not only increased the risk of assembly or compatibility errors but also raised production costs and integration times.
With the Kinco iWMC, that complexity is a thing of the past.
The module mounts directly onto the drive wheel, connects via a simple industrial communication bus (CANopen), and becomes immediately operational.
This “plug & play” approach dramatically reduces installation and commissioning time while simplifying maintenance: just one module to replace, with no complicated recalibration.
Performance that meets robotic application demands
The iWMC is not only compact, it’s also highly efficient.
Thanks to its Field Oriented Control (FOC) current vector control, it offers extremely smooth torque and speed regulation, even at very low speeds, a key advantage for mobile robots requiring precise and silent movement.
The integrated high-resolution encoder ensures accurate position detection, essential for fine maneuvers, autonomous navigation, and safe motion control.
The module’s mechanical robustness and IP54 protection rating guarantee optimal reliability, even in demanding industrial environments.
Open communication and easy integration
Kinco designed the iWMC to fit naturally into modern industrial architectures.
Standard protocols such as CANopen are natively supported, allowing direct communication with AGV PLCs and controllers without the need for external gateways or converters.
This universal compatibility makes the iWMC ideal for manufacturers looking to develop or modernize their autonomous vehicle fleets while maintaining maximum software flexibility.
Significant economic and technical benefits
Integrating all functions into a single module not only simplifies design, it also reduces overall costs.
Fewer components, fewer cables, less installation time, all of which directly translate into a lower total cost of ownership and improved system reliability.
Integrators and manufacturers also benefit from simplified maintenance: in case of failure, only one module needs to be replaced, with no system-wide reconfiguration required.
It’s a modern, pragmatic approach that speeds up time to market and ensures production continuity.
A Complete Range of Integrated Drive Solutions for AGVs and AMRs from 600 kg to 2 Tons
The Kinco iWMC range covers a wide spectrum of drive solutions for autonomous vehicles, from compact AGVs weighing around 600 kg to heavy-duty mobile robots exceeding 2 tons. Each model integrates a brushless motor, driver, controller, encoder, and optional brake into a single high-efficiency module.
The iWMC05606 models (00450 and 00850) are designed for light to medium-duty applications, delivering nominal torques of 3.6 to 7.2 Nm and linear speeds up to 5.2 m/s, ideal for agile AGVs using 150 mm polyurethane wheels with a 73A hardness rating.
The iWMC05710 series targets heavier payloads, offering 12 Nm nominal torque and 36 Nm peak torque with wheels ranging from 130 to 165 mm, 85A hardness, providing strength and precision for vehicles of around 1 ton.
At the top of the lineup, the iWMC104 models, including 02222, 04023, 05417, and 07512, are engineered for industrial applications up to 2 tons, delivering nominal torques from 22 to 75 Nm and peak torques up to 200 Nm. Equipped with 180 mm wheels (hardness up to 93A), they can withstand radial loads of up to 7000 N.
With this extensive selection, the iWMC series provides a unified, high-performance solution for all AGV and AMR configurations, ensuring power, compactness, and reliability at every load level.
A solution built for the future
The iWMC perfectly embodies Kinco’s vision: to offer compact, intelligent, and durable solutions that support the rapid growth of mobile robotics.
Its integrated design, dynamic performance, and ease of installation make it a key reference for the new generation of AGVs and AMRs.
Thanks to its energy efficiency and compatibility with modern navigation technologies, the iWMC stands out as a forward-looking solution, designed for connected factories and automated warehouses.