Drive technology for intelligent strength and rehabilitation training

The Q+ devices from milon industries offer a wide range of applications in fitness studios and rehabilitation centres - for example, for targeted strength training or to support therapeutic applications. The integrated drive technology enables precise dosing and control of the motions. In addition, digital networking allows individual adaptation of training and therapy programs.

Inside the fitness equipment, you can find precise drive technology from STOBER. The helical bevel gearboxes used are compact and, thanks to their helical gearing, also particularly smooth-running - a crucial requirement, especially in the studio and therapy sector.

If you train on milon equipment, you hardly notice the drive technology behind it. This is a deliberate quality feature of the device architecture, as Wolfgang Zech, Head of Supply Chain Management at milon, points out. milon industries is one of the pioneers of digital training. The company has been developing and producing intelligent equipment for fitness and health facilities for over 50 years. These include strength and endurance equipment.

The milon Q+ series combines digital functions with individually adjustable training control and modern chip technology. Each device automatically recognises the user, saves the relevant training data and provides adaptive resistance and immediate feedback for the individual programs. After the resistance level is selected by pressing a button, the control unit automatically adjusts the load over the entire range of motion. The result is a smooth, controlled motion sequence - with both eccentric and concentric loads.

Integrated sensors record reps, resistance and load, analyse the training progress and adapt the programs accordingly. Depending on personal requirements, the series is suitable for different areas of application - from performance-oriented strength training to weight reduction and therapeutic applications - and supports training at a wide range of performance levels.

From conventional mechanical engineering to the fitness industry

The requirements placed on drive technology in different operational environments differ significantly. While the general noise level plays a less important role in traditional fitness studios, quiet motion sequences and low-noise operation are expected in rehabilitation and healthcare facilities, as these support low-stimulus training and therapy. "That's why we were specifically looking for a drive solution with very smooth operation," explains Wolfgang Zech.

The motors and gearboxes are supplied by drive specialist STOBER from Pforzheim. "We are one of the few manufacturers that produce helical bevel gearboxes," says Florian Sonnenberg, Sales Engineer at STOBER. "This allows us to achieve particularly smooth operation and high power density" - a unique selling point that convinced milon. In combination with the motors used, compact drive units are created that can be easily integrated into the limited installation space of the devices.

Nevertheless, the application was unusual for STOBER. "At first, we found it hard to imagine that our motor/gearbox combination, which was actually designed for conventional mechanical engineering, could now also be used in a completely different industry - and fit into these quite compact devices," recalls Florian Sonnenberg.

Drive technology improves training

With its solution, STOBER is helping its customer milon to provide targeted improvements in training conditions for users and to position itself in a highly competitive market environment. "There are some competitors who offer cheaper alternatives," says Wolfgang Zech. For training and health applications, however, the quality of the technology used and its reliability in continuous operation are crucial.

Another important point in favour of the STOBER solution is the durability of the components used.

The gearboxes and motors are designed for continuous operation and are lubricated for life. Since only a small amount of heat is generated during operation and the internal pressure in the gearbox barely increases, the wear on the shaft seals is also low. This contributes to high operational reliability and long maintenance intervals in studio and therapy operations.

Potential for further applications

STOBER's gearboxes have impressed milon. In the future, the company is planning to launch another series of equipment that is geared more toward the younger generation of weight training enthusiasts. In this segment, the focus is on efficiency, load capacity and additional degrees of freedom, while acoustic requirements play a lesser role.

If this planned equipment series becomes a reality, STOBER will be happy to continue supporting milon as a technical partner - with ideas and efficient drive solutions for demanding applications.