It combines the advantages of electro- and permanent magnets by being able to switch between the on-state and off-state on demand (like an electromagnet) while consuming zero power in either state (like a permanent magnet). The magnet is very strong — the holding force approaches 25 kgf — while being quite compact (4x4x2 cm, or about 1.5x1.5x1 inches) and lightweight (70 g). Multiple magnets can be arranged to operate in lockstep to increase the total holding force.
The device is IP69-rated and can operate submerged out of the box (however, long-term use in saltwater may cause pole corrosion; a protective coating is recommended to prevent this). Only one thin cable needs to be connected to provide power supply, control input, and status feedback output; either CAN bus, RC PWM, or a simple voltage level control can be used.
Yours truly have recently showcased the product at an expo (apologies for the poor sound quality; expos tend to be noisy):
In an ROV, it can be used to attach payloads (especially those that require deposition and retrieval to/from the seafloor, like environmental sensors or sample containers), station-keeping at precise positions (like platforms, offshore wind turbines, shipwrecks, etc.), and emergency recovery of lost equipment (provided that said equipment has ferromagnetic surfaces for the magnet to latch on).
Remember that the magnet does not require power to hold the payload; this is not an electromagnet!
More info about the product (incl. datasheet) is available on the website: FluxGrip - Zubax Robotics
The product is already in mass production. We ship worldwide from Europe (barring trade restrictions). We are also looking for distributors, although that would probably be considered an off-topic here.
I would be happy to answer questions if there are any!
No, neither; you just get the device itself, as pictured, with ordinary silicone-insulated AWG #22 cables. If there is significant interest from the ROV domain, we could introduce an off-the-shelf revision optimized for these applications, equipped with submersible wiring and possibly even penetrators (although why would you want penetrators to be included by default? They are separate parts).
Btw, we could also produce customized models on demand.
The unit itself, excluding the wiring, is rated up to at least 300 meters. The body of the device is manufactured from a vacuum-molded polymer composite (a rather expensive process) which is very hard — 70 units Shore D — and is mechanically robust as it bears the load of the payload. There are no voids or air pockets inside the device.
The stock silicone-insulated wiring, however, should not be expected to retain integrity beyond 20 meters. This is the main limiting factor in the stock model and is the first candidate for improvement for ROV applications specifically.
Typically customers want a product that comes with everything you need to use right away!
It sounds like you would need to update your design to package those 22 AWG cables into a single jacket, so they could use a WetLink Penetrator…
If it is plug and play with the subsea cable so we can terminate a subsea connector om it, and tested to at least 300m, I would put in an order straight away!
