2007 IUV Technology Conference

2007 IUV Technology Conference

by Anne K. Richter, IUV Magazine Contributor

Industry experts, engineers and executives from across the globe gathered in Louisville, KY on September 25 - 26 for the 2007 IUV Technology Conference. The annual event, which took place at the historic Seelbach Hilton hotel, featured several renowned keynote speakers, twenty-two presentations, and a full exhibit hall.

“Our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to network with others in the business,” said Peter Armour, President of Long Pond Publishing (publisher of IUV Magazine). “It’s a chance to share ideas, innovations, and developments taking place across the industry.”

Andrew McCauley, Vice President of Marketing for Danaher Motion, gave the opening keynote speech. His discussion around hybrid vehicles emphasized how Danaher seeks to address the growing need for energy conservation within an increasingly stringent regulatory environment. And according to Mr. McCauley, the so-called “Electric Revolution” is likely to intensify as the supply and demand of oil approaches a critical imbalance and the government’s regulatory power increases in scope.

“It’s here, it’s coming – whether we like it or not, hybrid technology is here to stay,” he concluded.

Following Mr. McCauley’s presentation, there was a panel discussion on the subject of AC Controls. Moderated by Bill Fussell (Senior Service Engineer for MCFA-Mitsubishi), the panel included Gus Baldini (Raymond Corporation), John Cochoy (Curtis Instruments, Inc.), Wayne Mabry  (MCFA-Mitsubishi) and Peter Taube (Danaher Motion). The interactive format of the panel discussion gave audience members a chance to have their questions answered (and discussed) on the spot by the four industry experts. Topics addressed ranged from the basic (What exactly is the difference between AC and DC?) to the forward-thinking (What is on the horizon that could make AC technology better and more cost-effective?).

The exhibit hall was open to all attendees in between presentations and breakout sessions. A total of fourteen exhibitors participated in this year’s Conference, many showcasing new products and technology introduced over the past year.

Danaher Motion: Danaher Motion (Platinum Sponsor of the IUV Technology Conference) presented several examples of its electric vehicle systems. Danaher develops customized solutions designed to reduce costs and increase flexibility: all features and functions of the Danaher Motion electric vehicle systems can be added or modified to meet the specific needs of the customer. Peter Taube, Engineering Manager for Danaher Motion, highlighted the importance of application in the development of Danaher’s different technologies.

Curtis Instruments: Curtis Instruments (Gold Sponsor of the IUV Technology Conference) is an industry leader in electric vehicle technology, manufacturing instrumentation and controls for off-road electric and hybrid vehicles of all types. Most recently, Curtis introduced the enAble® mobility-chair control systems, which offer an unprecedented degree of control, customization and power to users.

ABM: ABM Drives, Inc. is the world leader in gearboxes and AC motors for battery powered material handling vehicles. At this year’s Conference, ABM showcased its state-of-the-art gearbox technology; specifically, the new bevel gearbox type TDB254 WR, which boasts the tightest swing radius in the industry for wheel widths up to 5” without offset.

Floyd Bell: Floyd Bell, Inc. manufactures and distributes the industry’s largest selection of piezoelectric alarms. Featured at the IUV Technology Conference was the Announcer: an IUV alarm solution with preprogrammed/customized messages that can more effectively alert users to potential hazards. This system boasts a convenient two terminal device and does not require any external speaker or driver.

Maval Manufacturing: Maval manufactures custom-fit rack and pinion steering systems for a variety of vehicles. Maval’s newest technology (which made its debut at this year’s Conference) is a “plug and play” steering system that can be built into any existing vehicle. It offers an alternative to hydrostatic systems and increases ease of use while maintaining feedback and feel. Explained Maval Sales Manager Don Berish, “When it comes to developing these new solutions, we like to put the concept in front of the customer, give them options, and let them use it however it works best for them.”

Semikron: Semikron, Inc. is a long-time supporter of IUV Magazine, having participated as an exhibitor at every Conference to date. Semikron is one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers of power electronics. While unable to disclose any of the new products currently in development, Semikron’s reputation for innovation and quality ensure the company’s continued contributions to the IUV industry.

Sevcon: Sevcon manufactures motor controllers and system components for battery powered vehicles. Most recently, Sevcon introduced HypAC™: a new AC Pump Motor with integrated controller.

Trombetta: Trombetta is a leader in customized Industrial Work Solenoids and DC Contactors. Trombetta products featured at this year’s Conference included the Defender DC Contactor Family; designed with built-in TVS and able to handle currents ranging from 350 milliamps to 200 amps. 

Warner Electric: Warner Electric has been a leader in clutch/break technology for more than 70 years. Warner Linear provides rugged-duty linear actuators for utility vehicle applications, which are built on modules that allow for custom-designed solutions.

U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Program: Representatives from the U.S. DOE Hydrogen Program participated as exhibitors for the first time this year. Central to their exhibit was the program’s research and development around hydrogen production, delivery and storage technologies. Stacey Young, Outreach Coordinator for the DOE Hydrogen Program, said that they were particularly interested in hearing discussions around the various applications of fuel cell technology within the IUV industry.

Nbb Controls: Nbb Controls, Inc., a market leader in radio control systems, exhibited remote technology used in industrial vehicles. According to Sales Manager Ralf Weiss, the company recently obtained two new patents – products featured at the Conference included transmitters with innovative surface-mounted joystick (SMJ) technology.

Speaker Exhibits: This year, several speakers had the opportunity to exhibit at their own booths during the Conference. This arrangement allowed for further networking, follow-up discussion on the speakers’ presentations, and the ability for speakers to distribute materials and promote their respective organizations. Exhibiting speakers included A. Charles Hoffman, National Sales Manager for ZNRG; Douglas LeRoy, Market Manager for Lord Corporation; Dr. Markus Plankensteiner, Consortium Coordinator for TTA-Group; and Larry Mahan, CEO of Sky-Trax, Inc.  

Lunch was held in the Rathskellar Room at the Seelbach, where attendees were treated to a presentation by Dale Aspy, Environmental Engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr. Aspy’s remarks focused on the importance of reducing vehicular emissions. Voluntary programs, he explained, that seek collaboration between the public and private sectors, appear to be most effective toward this end. “It’s all about the public-private partnership,” he stated. “We serve as a source of information and leverage our joint resources toward the ultimate goal of continued innovation and development.”

Many of the common themes introduced during the earlier presentations were touched upon in the breakout sessions that took place throughout the afternoon. Certainly, “green initiatives” and concerns over the potential impact of future environmental regulations played a large role in many of the discussions this reporter was able to attend. Bill Hodge, Category Manager for Club Car, gave an overview of the costs/benefits associated with different alternative energy technologies. According to Mr. Hodge, fuel cell technology is the “blue sky” for the utility vehicle industry – although he admits that “no one solution is likely to replace oil; ultimately, it will have to be a combination of solutions that speak to different needs and applications.”

Ken Ehrman (President and COO of I.D. Systems, Inc.) transitioned the discussion from manufacturing to operations during his session on RFID-based resource management. His presentation dealt with “asset management” and the different solutions available to help businesses monitor “how equipment is used” in order to improve efficiencies. “Engineering standards are used to calculate and allocate resources,” he said. “But we found that the standards that were being used hadn’t changed in over thirty years…despite substantial technological advancements across the industry.” I.D. Systems has since provided solutions for customers ranging from Wal-Mart to the U.S. Postal Service.

A breakout session led by Larry Mahan (CEO of Sky-Trax, Inc.) also addressed the need for “smart” application of technology. His emphasis was on improving safety and streamlining operations within the fork-lift industry. Similar to Mr. Ehrman, he highlighted the importance of consistent, accurate data and how the availability of such data is a necessary component of good business decision-making. “The ROI associated with these solutions is incredibly compelling,” he stated. “So the technology is bound to happen.”

Day One wrapped up with a cocktail hour in the exhibit hall, where Conference attendees enjoyed an abundance of refreshments, lively conversation, and even a few joy rides courtesy of John Triolo, owner of Mountain Top Golf Cars, who let lucky bystanders take his two golf carts for a spin around the block in front of the Seelbach.

The next morning, following a breakfast buffet sponsored by AmSafe (also the sponsor of Tuesday’s breakfast), two keynote speakers took the stage: Richard Sadler, Vice President of European Operations for Curtis Instruments, Inc., and Richard Tam, Chicago Director for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Mr. Sadler began by giving the audience insight into how Curtis Instruments strategically meets its customers’ demands. “The most successful designs,” he said, “are innovative yet market-driven.” A challenge facing component suppliers, he believes, is the difficulty in building volume of scale while still maintaining the ability to customize solutions for a diverse customer base. One of the ways Curtis Instruments has approached this challenge is through careful, strategic selection of clients. “We choose our customers just as much as our customers choose us as suppliers,” he said.

Mr. Tam, whose Chicago-based office helps American businesses expand into the Chinese market, explained how Hong Kong serves as an important intermediary in facilitating that expansion. Hong Kong is in a unique position to do this – having a background that differentiates its business operations from those of mainland China in several key ways; yet also having important ties to the Chinese government that enable collaboration and provide funding for infrastructure and tech support. Mr. Tam encouraged those interested in the China market to utilize the services of the not-for-profit trade bureau.

Breakout sessions continued throughout the morning. Presenters included Don Vanderbrook (COO of Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc.), who took an in-depth look at the barriers and enablers associated with hydrogen fuel and what developments are currently underway that could create a more favorable balance between the two. “To play in the market,” he said of the new technologies, “it has to play from a cost perspective.” While hydrogen engines may never be the most cost-effective solution, Mr. Vanderbrook emphasized the potential payoff: “IC engines can run cost-effectively at nearly 0% emissions.”

Offering another perspective on alternative fuel was Fred Henderson, Education Consultant for the National Biodiesel Board. Following a tax incentive introduced by the government in 2005, the biodiesel fuel industry has witnessed a spike in demand – and according to Mr. Henderson, this demand is likely to increase as expanding production facilities make biodiesel fuel more readily available (and affordable) to consumers.

To conclude the Conference, Stephen Metzger (Editorial Advisor for IUV Magazine) presented his research on the Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle industry (STOV). As attendees enjoyed a Tuscan-themed luncheon, Mr. Metzger described the long-term outlook for STOVs. In his analysis, he combines macro-level economic data, specific industry trends, and potential risk factors to provide a comprehensive picture of the future of the STOV market. To maximize opportunity and counteract potential risk within this market, Mr. Metzger concluded, two broad strategies must play an important role: self-sufficiency and diversification.

The forward-thinking tone of the final presentation served as a fitting end to the 2007 IUV Technology Conference; underscoring the many exciting changes and developments occurring across the industry. Looking forward to 2008, one can only imagine the new ideas and products that will be brought to the table.

“Having this event every year gives us a chance to look back and share our experiences – and to look forward and share our ideas,” said Peter Armour. “Ultimately, it’s this collaboration and communication that will continue to propel advancement and innovation within the industry.”

Stay tuned for information on the 2008 IUV Technology Conference – we hope to see you there!

If  you are interested in reaching any of our speakers or exhibitors, please contact Terry@IUVmag.com.