Lubrication-free linear axis for automated and maintenance-free cocktail mixers

A drylin ZLW linear unit reliably moves the glass in this cocktail mixer.

With the "CocktailAvenue", a start-up company in Friedrichshafen has invented a completely new way of mixing cocktails, leaving this task to a machine. Automation technology thus opens up a new, albeit rather exotic, field of application. Also included: Drive systems and energy chains from igus®.

They vacuum the dust, clean windows and mow the lawn: Robots – or, generally speaking, automated systems – not only work in industry, but increasingly also in the home. At Motek 2014, a unique automation system that performs a very special task was presented for the first time: It mixes cocktails – in a short time and with high precision.

Cocktails by touchpad

The way the "CocktailAvenue" – as the system is called – works is easy to explain. The operator selects a cocktail on the touchpad and places a glass in the holder, which is assembled on a linear axis and moves under one of nine bottles. A lifting ball stud moves upwards from the holder, opening a dosing unit that pours the desired amount of drink. The process is repeated depending on the number of ingredients in the cocktail. The linear unit then moves to a separate station where the glass is topped up with one or more juices – and the drink is ready.

The entire process is clearly visible, as is the drive unit. A real eye-catcher, not only for industrial trade fairs for automation technology, but also for other events, private parties and, of course, for the catering trade, because cocktails are clearly "in".

The idea for the "cocktail machine" came from Robert Becsei in Friedrichshafen. He founded the start-up company AlphaInvent and is now working with his business partner Wilhelm Merker to further develop the business idea, which has met with great interest from catering companies and bar operators, for example. This is not surprising. Robert Becsei: "It does create a 'wow effect' to watch the machine preparing cocktails."

Design challenge: Selecting the linear drive

But there are also practical and economic reasons in favour of the CocktailAvenue, as Becsei explains: "The machine is maintenance-free, changing bottles is also easy. There are no dispensing losses and the operator can use the control system's documentation function to quickly determine which cocktails are selling well at which time of day or night."

As far as the control system and its software are concerned, the development of CocktailAvenue was no problem: Robert Becsei is an IT specialist and Wilhelm Merker an electrical engineer. The project planning of the components was more of a challenge. This applies in particular to the dosing system and the linear drive.

Also ideally suited for moving cocktail glasses

The system was developed for industrial drive elements, but is also ideal for moving cocktail glasses. The axis requires no lubricant and is therefore the first choice for hygiene-sensitive applications. The material combination of aluminium and high-performance polymers with incorporated lubricants ensures maintenance-free operation. The drive is also vibration-free, which is important when full cocktail glasses need to be conveyed. And the system is insensitive to contamination – even syrup drops and other cocktail ingredients that might get onto the profile or the toothed belt. Last but not least, the linear axis also cuts a fine figure in the "CocktailAvenue" in terms of design.

Basic version is sufficient

As the axis moves back to the starting and reference point after each mixed cocktail, the drive system does not need to work with great precision. Therefore, the basic version of the drylin® ZLW, which is supplied by igus® to AlphaInvent ready for installation in the desired length, is sufficient here.

The linear axis also proves itself in practice in this atypical application, and AlphaInvent is satisfied with both the technology and the advice. Wilhelm Merker: "igus has the flexibility that a start-up company needs." This is another reason why the energy chain on the axis also comes from igus. It transports energy and signals to the crank pin, which is integrated into the glass holder and actuates the dosing system. And it supplies the sensor that checks whether a glass is in the holder – the machine only starts when the operator selects a cocktail on the touchpad.