With more exhibitors and a growing conference platform, the iVT Off-Highway Vehicle Technology Expo promises two educational-filled days August 20-21 in Chicago.
Registration is now open for iVT Off-Highway Vehicle Technology Expo, taking place on August 20 & 21, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago. This event, now in its fourth year in the U.S., showcases the latest advancements in off-highway vehicle technology, including hydraulics, motors, sensors, switches, joysticks, robotics, actuators, HMI and more.
More than 150 exhibitors will exhibit at the event, with about one-third of those being fluid power manufacturers, distributors and system integration companies.
Education at the core
The two-day event offers educational sessions, industry updates, live product demonstrations, and networking opportunities with professionals in the off-highway vehicle industry. For the second year in a row, the National Fluid Power Association is producing a conference track.
While NFPA is still developing the program, seven sessions have been confirmed and more will be finalized in the coming weeks. They include the following:
Optimizing Packaged Electrification Systems for Mobile Equipment, presented by Andy Cailteux, Product Management and Business Development and Justin Hernan, Project Engineer, Parker Hannifin. They will explore examples of packaged system solutions for the electrification of mobile equipment, including ePumps and ePTOs, and explore typical component breakdowns. They will also examine how packaged solutions can help to optimize motor sizing, provide higher efficiencies using variable versus fixed hydraulic pumps, and reduce system noise. Finally, they will also explore smart control solutions and describe how advanced laboratory testing can be a key component of the design process.
Off Highway Power Transmission Methods, presented by DJ O’Konek, Engineering Manager, Nott Company. He will discuss various power transmission designs used to transmit energy from the prime energy source, such as an ICE engine or a battery, to the vehicle location where work is performed, such as work functions or propulsion, in an off-highway system. The talk will examine details of each methodology, explore their benefits and challenges and use case examples. Four methodologies will be explored: an ICE Hydraulic system, an ICE hydraulic/electric hybrid system, a battery electrohydraulic system, and a battery electric system.
Efficiency Improvements in a Mini-Excavator Using a Distributed Independent Metering Valve System, presented by Aaron Jagoda, Systems Engineer, Danfoss Power Solutions. Conventional hydraulic systems impose efficiency penalties on electrified off-highway equipment, increasing battery costs and reducing run-time. This presentation covers the development and testing of a distributed independent metering valve (dImv) system on a mini-excavator designed to mitigate these losses. Efficiency improvements come from minimizing meter-out losses, leveraging intelligent regeneration and gravity lowering, implementing electronic flow sharing, and eliminating hose burst valves. IMUs enhance load status detection, enabling more efficient control strategies. A comparison to the baseline machine will be presented, with measured efficiency gains of 12–25%, with simulation results showing dIMV’s synergy with multi-pump architectures and energy recuperation strategies.
Unlocking Efficiency in Electrified Hydraulic Systems, presented by Chase Younker, Electronics Product Manager, HAWE Hydraulik. Can batteries replace the combustion engine for hydraulic work functions? The answer is complex and multifaceted, but a direct swap of engine for battery to run the same old hydraulics is not practical. Hydraulics are unique and favorable in off-highway machinery, a significant portion of the energy consumed is wasted. But what if current technology could enable a smarter working hydraulic system? Could less battery be used to do the same amount of work? From load-sense systems to active independent metering valves and the help of AI, he’ll explore real solutions for efficiency.
Remote Diagnostics & Support Using Connected Devices, presented by Cory Fisher, Director of Engineering Shared Services, Sun Hydraulics. The integration of connected devices in hydraulic systems revolutionizes monitoring, diagnostics, and efficiency. By leveraging an IoT device with analog sensors and monitored cartridge valves, you can continuously track performance, predict failures, and optimize maintenance schedules. This proactive approach enhances uptime, reduces unplanned downtime, and streamlines technical support through remote diagnostics and automated alerts. Data-driven insights improve energy efficiency and system optimization, reducing operational costs.
Hydraulic Data from the Heart of the Circuit: Pump Output Digitization, presented by Mark Preissig, General Manager, Casappa Corp. Recent research and development has produced a new on-board data digitization solution for hydraulic pumps. Currently applied to field-proven, variable displacement piston pumps, the system is equipped with embedded electronics and sensor technology, able to measure, utilize and transmit hydraulic performance information. Principles of operation are described, with features such as predictive maintenance calculation, detection of eminent failure through anomalous conditions, analysis of duty cycle severity, and data conditioning and transmission capability supporting cloud-based telematics. Technology in contamination sensing and fluid condition monitoring will be previewed.
Fully Digital Electro-Hydraulic Systems: Integrating Real-Time Control, AI-Enabled Safety, and MISRA-C Compliance, presented by Michael B. Terzo, P.E., Founder and CEO, Xirro LLC; Director and Board Member, HeavyTech Inc. Terzo explores the transformative integration of digital electro-hydraulic systems in off-highway applications with real-time operating systems and advanced AI-driven safety features that adhere to rigorous MISRA-C standards while also meeting stringent defense certification requirements. He will illustrate how the convergence of digital sensors, smart actuators, and deterministic control architectures not only enhances efficiency and reliability but also fulfills the high-security standards demanded by defense applications.
Although not part of the NFPA Conference, Danfoss will also present an additional talk on the iVT Conference side. Recharging the future: Charging infrastructure for high-powered machines, presented by Sam Jones, Application Engineer, Editron/Danfoss. This presentation explores grid connection options available globally, highlighting their roles in the adoption of electrified machines and vehicles. It delves into the contrasting charging methods, comparing dc fast charging and ac charging, and examining their efficiency, speed, and accessibility. Additionally, the presentation discusses the different charging ports used worldwide, emphasizing the importance of standardization and compatibility. It also investigates the integration of multifunctional components in charging infrastructure, focusing on how they enhance the overall functionality and convenience of electric vehicle charging.
Exhibitors prepare for machinery of the future
Fluid power exhibitors will be highlighting innovations for electrified, digital machines well as more traditional technologies.
“Parker Hannifin will showcase the relaunch of Pneumatics Virtual Engineer, a powerful online tool for pneumatic product selection, and the FORCE Command electro-hydraulic actuator built for demanding mobile applications,” said Juanita McGowen, Marketing Communications Manager – Motion Systems & Fluid Connector Group. “Our modular ePTO systems, including the GVM Power Series motor and GVI Gen 2 inverter, that provide high efficiency and easy integration for electric and hybrid vehicles will be on display. Visitors will also learn about Parker’s Steer-by-Wire technology and the new 48V Adaptive ePTO from Parker Chelsea, designed to enhance control and sustainability in work trucks.”
Sam Thompson, Marketing Communications Manager, Webtec Products Ltd., said they will be highlighting their CTA hydraulic flow monitor which now features a 4-20 mA output. “While this device can already monitor and transmit oil flow and temperature data via a J1939 CAN-bus interface, the addition of a 4-20mA (3-wire loop) analog output for flow reporting facilitates easy permanent installation on industrial and on/off-highway machines,” Thompson said.
The new 4-20mA output supports easy integration with existing systems, taking advantage of the M12 connector for the electrical port. It requires less wiring and connections than other signals, for simple configuration.
IC-Fluid Power will be showcasing a full lineup of compact and efficient hydraulic solutions. This includes its IC Series rotary actuators, engineered for high torque in compact spaces. For weight savings, they also offer ultra-lightweight carbon fiber cylinders, up to 80% lighter than conventional steel without the compromise of strength or durability. IC Fluid’s Hytorc series (including butterfly valves, rubber compensators, and high-performance check valves) enhance system efficiency and control.
At the Danfoss booth, the focus will match their presentations on eHydraulics said Lindsay Schleisman, Head of Global Public Relations. The eHydraulic Power Module will be on display, highlighting the benefits of packaged solutions for electric machinery. The eHydraulic system integrates a Danfoss Editron synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet motor with a Danfoss variable displacement axial piston pump to maximize performance and efficiency. The compact package also offers mechanical advantages, simple installation, and high reliability. Supplying the electric motor and hydraulic pump as an integrated system eliminates the risk of noise, vibration, and component damage that can arise when using a flexible coupling to join the components. It also simplifies and accelerates installation as there’s no need for the OEM to connect the components.
Bailey International will demonstrate its solutions for industrial and off-highway vehicles, with a focus on advancing efficiency, reliability, and operator comfort, said Brianna Henderson, Marketing Manager. “For the first time, Bailey Electronics and Bailey Hydraulics will be unified within a single exhibitor booth, presenting a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance products. These include precision-engineered joysticks, armrests, ergonomic controls, and advanced hydraulic components, all designed to meet the demands of next-generation work trucks and specialized applications in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and transportation,” Henderson said.
Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce will showcase customized compact hydraulic solutions, including live demonstrations of compact hydraulics products, including Rexroth’s compact load-holding valves, HydraForce’s EHBL digital boom control valve, new Bosch Rexroth series of EDG-OBE piloted compact directional valves, HydraForce’s Oil Condition Sensor in partnership with Tan Delta Systems, its HF-Impulse 2.0 Configuration and Programming Software for HydraForce electronic controllers, and Compact Power Modules for mobile and light industrial applications.
Visit ivtexpo-usa.com to learn more and register.
