Flux Power® Holdings, an innovator in advanced lithium energy storage systems, has agreed with Penguin Automated Systems to deliver a lithium motive power solution for a large unmanned robot that Penguin is developing for underground use. Flux will design and produce a 46-kW, 48-V lithium iron phosphate battery pack to power Penguin’s robot that will be deployed for subterranean uses including mining and inspecting sewer systems. Development of the robot is scheduled for completion by mid-2014, to be followed by initial testing in mining and civil construction in South America.
Greg Baiden, Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Penguin, stated, “We chose Flux for their technical expertise and responsiveness to our unique design needs for run time, charge time and hazardous environment requirements. Innovations in energy storage are allowing Penguin to bring to market new advanced telerobotics solutions for more demanding applications across multiple industries.”
Codelco, is collaborating with Penguin in the development of robotics technologies for underground mining. Hector Cerda, Project Manager of Emerging Technologies and Codelco’s leader in the joint project, commented, “the benefits of the Flux battery technology, in terms of size, capacity and safety, should enable better operating performance and acceptance by mine operations and unions.”
Acting Flux CEO, Ron Dutt, commented, “We are pleased that Penguin selected Flux to collaborate on such a groundbreaking project that demonstrates the scalability of our LiFT Pack storage solutions. Supporting advances in robotic technology is an exciting new avenue of opportunity for Flux and consistent with our core strengths in developing safe, reliable storage solutions across a range of performance characteristics and form factors.”
Penguin is a research, development and prototyping company focused on underground, underwater, in space and on surface applications. It is a leading force in telerobotics with a comprehensive approach to software development, systems integration and field-testing to meet clients’ needs.
Flux Power designs, develops, and markets advanced energy storage systems (batteries) offering improved performance, extended cycle life and greater return on investment. Flux sells direct and through a growing base of distribution relationships. Products include batteries, packaged modules, advanced energy storage systems and components such as stand-alone battery management, stackable chargers, programming software and display systems.
