Haworth, a leading office furniture manufacturer, sought to automate its wrapping and shipping area to improve material flow and reduce manual handling. The application required an accumulation conveyor system with transfer carts moving product between multiple wrapping stations. By partnering with SEW-EURODRIVE, Haworth implemented a contactless power transfer system using MOVITRANS® technology. This approach eliminated the need for overhead power, enabling a safer, cleaner, and more flexible automation layout. Challenge: Eliminating Overhead Power While Maintaining Safety Haworth needed to automate its sorting and transfer area without introducing safety risks or limiting system flexibility. Traditional power methods would have required overhead cables or bus bars, creating hazards and restricting product height. At the same time, the facility relied on existing AGVs and had concerns about potential interference with their guidance signals from a new power system, so that the new system would require a performance test before launch. Avoid overhead electrification across moving transfer carts Maintain safe operations for personnel & equipment Prevent interference with existing AGV guidance systems Handle tall, delicate furniture loads without damage MOVIMOT advance Drive Unit with MOVITRANS AGV Carts Installation SEW-EURODRIVE delivered a complete solution centered on MOVITRANS contactless induction power transfer, combined with decentralized drive technology. This approach provided reliable power delivery from the floor while enabling safe and precise motion control. Contactless power transfer: Energy supplied from a floor-mounted system, eliminating overhead wiring Flexible layout: Transfer carts move freely between multiple stations without routing constraints On-site proof of concept: Live demonstration validated performance, confirmed no signal interference Decentralized motion control: MOVIMOT® drives with encoder feedback enable precise positioning Integrated system solution: Combined power transfer, gearmotors, and controls from a single supplier "From a maintenance standpoint, Haworth has seen major improvements in safety, reliability, and uptime by eliminating cords and trip hazards — especially wires draped across the floor in high-traffic areas." - Phillip Falstrom, Haworth, Sr. Electrical Technician The implementation of MOVITRANS enabled Haworth to successfully automate its wrapping and transfer system while improving safety and flexibility. By opting for a floor-level inductive power system over traditional overhead power, Haworth eliminated key safety, design, and operational concerns. Results included: Verified no AGV interference through on-site proof of concept Enabled smooth, controlled handling of delicate loads Created a flexible, scalable system for future growth "SEW-EURODRIVE helped us rethink how power is delivered on the floor as well as simplify the overall setup. Demonstrating the solution in our own environment prior to installation gave us the confidence it would hold up day to day. With fewer failures and less time spent dealing with power-related issues, we’re now able to focus our efforts on improving reliability elsewhere in the operation while moving forward with a safer, more flexible case goods transferring system." - Phillip Falstrom, Haworth, Sr. Electrical Technician Decentralized power supply (8Kw)TES31A080-EF8-5B3-A SOLUTION: Founded in 1931 in Bruchsal, Germany, SEW-EURODRIVE is a global leader in Industrial Automation, with operations in over 50 countries, 17 manufacturing plants, 92 assembly facilities, and more than 21,000 employees. The company holds over 1,000 patents, continuously driving technological advancements in gearmotors, frequency inverters, servo drives, and Industry 4.0 solutions. SEW-EURODRIVE provides engineered solutions in countless industries, including automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, steel, logistics, energy, and more, providing customized automation solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Despite its global reach, SEW-EURODRIVE remains family-owned, ensuring long-term vision, strong values, and a commitment to excellence. SEW-EURODRIVE. Driving the World™