New Schneider SBS Energy Solution for Mining Sector
Global leader in energy management and manufacturing automation Schneider Electric has previewed its 2025 solutions, including those for the mining industry.
The SPS Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, showcased Schneider's Programmable Logic Control (SPS) solutions, highlighting cutting-edge innovations set to reshape automation and digital solutions in mining and manufacturing.
Schneider Electric displayed solutions focused on boosting system performance and enabling open interfaces for seamless next-gen software integration.
Central to these is the company’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform, which supports IT/OT integration, enhances digital continuity and offers manufacturing clients an agile and efficient approach throughout the asset lifecycle.
Chief among the solutions for the mining industry is the Altivar Process ATV6100. This is a new addition to Schneider’s medium voltage drives. The ATV6100 targets sectors such as mining, energy and water industries.
With a compact design, it optimises energy management and process efficiency, promising up to 20% lower total cost of ownership and a 10% improvement in operational effectiveness. The drive is engineered for space savings and energy efficiency, adhering to low harmonic standards. Complementing this is the Altivar Predict technology, which provides sensor-less monitoring for improved fault detection and energy optimisation.
Other Schneider Electric SBS product highlights
Modicon M660 Motion Controller
A high-performance Industrial PC (IPC) that fuses motion control, safety and edge computing into one versatile device. This controller is essential for real-time applications where precision and low latency are paramount. It integrates seamlessly into Schneider’s scalable industrial automation environment, facilitating advanced functionalities such as AI, machine learning and digital twin technology. The M660 also streamlines data exchange and reduces workflow complexity, enhancing efficiency with modular build, runtime and hardware capabilities.
Modicon Edge I/O NTS
This innovative, IP20-rated I/O solution is designed for data aggregation across various applications within a single I/O family. The Modicon Edge I/O NTS supports open IP Ethernet protocols, advanced cybersecurity and diverse configurations, making it adaptable and future-ready. It significantly cuts design time and wiring costs while enhancing diagnostics and start-up processes, ultimately leading to greater operational efficiency and profitability.
Lexium 38i Integrated Drive
A compact motion control solution that combines a drive and motor in one unit. Using servo and stepper technology, the Lexium 38i offers high power density and integrated safety features. It supports up to 1.2 kW of output power and simplifies commissioning and deployment through standardised interfaces, significantly reducing installation costs.
Lexium Scara Robot
A compact, high-speed industrial robot ideal for assembly, material handling and packaging. The Lexium Scara is 40% smaller than comparable robots, conserving valuable floor space. It integrates seamlessly with Schneider Electric’s unified control system and utilises EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert Twin for virtual design and testing, accelerating time-to-market and lowering overall costs.
EcoStruxure Edge Compute Ecosystem
This ecosystem, including the Edge Manager, offers centralised monitoring and deployment across devices. With a Linux-based Edge Runtime and support for AI-driven applications, it enables rapid data collection and computation at the machine level, boosting ROI and supporting industries like Food & Beverage and Life Sciences.
CONNECT Platform Enhancements
The AVEVA-powered CONNECT platform now includes expanded use cases for data sharing, digital twin visualisation and AI-powered analytics. It facilitates real-time collaboration and streamlined design processes, helping teams move from linear workflows to dynamic data-sharing environments. CONNECT’s new write-back feature enhances communication between operations and data experts, boosting productivity and operational insights.
SEE Electrical 3D Panel Software
This ETAP Software innovation revolutionises the design and manufacture of electrical cabinets, enhancing integration and production automation through user-friendly interfaces and streamlined functions like automatic wire routing.
"We are excited to provide a glimpse into our future-ready innovations at the SPS Fair," says Ali Haj Fraj, SVP Digital Factory at Schneider Electric.
"Our 2025 offerings embody our dedication to empowering businesses with automation solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also help them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Visitors to the SPS Fair will have the chance to see Schneider Electric’s innovations up and running, including the Gollman Storage and Retrieval System, which automates pharmacy operations for enhanced efficiency and the Flying Gears demo which showcases the Modicon M660 and Modicon Edge I/O NTS integration.
Press activities at the event include guided tours and interactive sessions, providing in-depth insights into these inspiring developments.
The SPS Fair presents an exclusive platform for the manufacturing industry to experience Schneider Electric’s vision for the future and gain firsthand knowledge about the transformative potential of their automation solutions.
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