Electric monorail

An electric monorail (EMS) is a rail-bound conveyor with individually driven vehicles . The vehicles can move autonomously on the rail system.

The rail system usually consists of one or more support rails that are either suspended from the hall ceiling or from a steel structure . A monorail solution is also referred to as an overhead monorail .

Route-related, horizontal changes of direction are implemented via curves, branches via switches . If height differences have to be overcome, lifts or inclines or slopes are used.

The individual EMS carriers are supplied with energy and control signals via conductor lines on the mounting rail. However, there are also systems that work with inductance in which there is a power and a data loop.

The vehicles mostly have self-sufficient controls which, depending on the complexity of the task or route, can communicate with one another or with one or more higher-level "route" or "head controls " ( implemented as programmable logic controllers , for example ).

Overhead trolley systems are especially in the automotive industry , but also in mail centers used the mail. Systems are also being built to move goods between buildings.

The Wuppertal suspension railway is an electric monorail for passenger transport.