Sense and impact are the starting point
of every development.

The Hatz Concept Cube demonstrates the potential that arises when machines are completely redeveloped as part of electrification instead of merely replacing existing drive concepts. The goal was to develop a demonstrator that combines new movement functions, high connectivity, and a future-oriented machine concept.

Our Approach

Akovis took on central engineering services and combined expertise from electrification, mechanics, electronics development, embedded software, and system integration. All disciplines were considered together from the start, resulting in a comprehensive overall system consisting of drive, control, software, and networking. The basis was a purpose-design approach that fully exploits the possibilities of electric drive technology.

The Result

The result is an electrically powered vibroplate with extended movement capabilities, including curved and oblique travel. Digital functions and connectivity are integral parts of machine control and not added later. For Hatz, the Concept Cube serves as proof of innovation and demonstrates the potential of modern electric machine concepts. At the same time, the project illustrates Akovis's strength in implementing complex development tasks holistically and realizing innovative solutions through the interaction of engineering, electronics, software, and system integration.

Akovis is developing the complete control and power electronics for a novel honing machine to precisely control piezoelectrically mounted honing stones. By continuously adjusting the honing bars during rotation, workpieces with freely definable inner contours can be machined.

The Challenge

A particular challenge was integrating all the technology into the available space and developing a power-optimized output stage architecture for high voltages and currents. The highly dynamic control of the honing stone position was implemented using an FPGA-based (Field Programmable Gate Array) control and ensures the highest temporal precision and maximum machining accuracy.

For the customer Hatz, Akovis developed a modular test stand software that consolidates the entire measurement technology of an engine test stand into one system.

Flexible Test Stand

From brake and speed control to exhaust, particle, fuel, and air mass measurement to cylinder pressure indication and integration of engine control units. The test stand is deliberately designed to be flexible. New measuring devices can be added as modules, and channels and measurement tasks can be freely configured. This allows the system to adapt to a wide range of test tasks, rather than prescribing a fixed procedure.

Stable and Precise Processes

An automated sequence control executes entire measurement series, runs operating points reproducibly, and reliably records measurement data. Time-critical real-time control and operation are separate—for stable and precise processes.

For engine development, this means: Many different measurement tasks on a single test stand, shorter setup times, reproducible results, and reliable data as a basis for informed decisions.