REFORM’s Metron P48 RC is the first radio remote-controlled equipment rack
The Metron P48 RC is the first radio remote-controlled equipment rack with a real plug-in hybrid drive.
The vehicle concept is based on a battery pack with 8.5 kWh capacity, a Kubota gasoline engine with 48 hp, a directly flanged on the flywheel generator and four electric wheel motors. This drive guarantees a very efficient operation with significantly less power losses than conventional hydraulic drives. Hydraulic components were completely omitted in the design of the Metron P48 RC. Thus, both the steering and the lifting cylinder are equipped with electric servomotors instead of hydraulic cylinders. The risk of contamination by oil loss is therefore a thing of the past.
The hybrid drive also makes it possible to work with the Metron P48 RC emission-free and all-electric. If more power is needed, the gasoline engine can be added easily and quickly if necessary.
The Metron is a flexible and universally applicable equipment carrier – built to work 365 days a year. Thanks to the remote control, the operator of the Metron never has to enter a dangerous situation and can operate and monitor the vehicle from a protected location.
Testregion Digitrans
REFORM is a shareholder of DigiTrans GmbH, who are building a model range for automated freight traffic, city logistics and the use of autonomous commercial and special vehicles, which is intended for automotive companies for testing their developments.
Managing Director Dr. Ing. Clemens Malina-Altzinger, commented: “For REFORM as a recognized specialist in the development, production and marketing of specialist vehicles, the participation in DigiTrans GmbH is an important step for the future. In an environment of changing customer needs, a shortage of skilled drivers and the desire to automate a wide range of urban and municipal logistics work, DigiTrans is an important development platform for us. Together with the various research institutions, technology partners and companies, we want to develop solutions for the future.”
Project Autility
The Autility project is developing new possibilities for automated transport and work processes. The project will be launched with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, FH Upper Austria, blue danube airport Linz, TTTech and the reform plants and will last until the end of 2020.
The aim of the AUTILITY project is to research, develop and demonstrate key technologies that enable automated transport and workflows.
The project aims to provide the Metron P48 RC as a platform to demonstrate and evaluate the project’s results with the technology components arising in the project. One application for this is provided by Linz Airport in the form of an automated transport process for air freight between the terminal and the aircraft. Above all, the challenges lie in the detection and coordination of the most diverse vehicles, buildings, obstacles and aircraft on the route.
For the second area of application – automated work tasks – automated site management is enabled in the project. The Metron P48 RC should automatically clean a predefined area with a sweeping brush.
The project originated from the context of the DigiTrans test region – with the aim of using the test region for test and evaluation purposes.
