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Konrad Technologies counts on montrac®

Interruption-free power supply for maximum test efficiency

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Conveyance | by CMCO Conveyance Solutions | 31 Aug 2026

Automated testing and manufacturing processes can place special demands on material flow, power supply, and plant layout. For Konrad Technologies, a shuttle transfer system called montrac® was implemented to transport sensitive test objects between process stations while ensuring a continuous power supply.

The Company

Innovation in Testing and Automation

Konrad Technologies is an innovative measurement and control technology organization with a strong focus on automated test and manufacturing systems. More than 3,500 of the company's systems are in use worldwide. Konrad Technologies offers a wide range of solutions, such as development, hardware, software integration, and after sales support. These solutions serve industries such as automotive (including ADAS), semiconductors, medical electronics, and aerospace.

‘Thanks to this project, I would recommend montratec – and in particular the modular, flexible and extremely reliable montrac® system – to other companies at any time.’  

Augusto Mandelli, Konrad Technologies,
Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing

Headquarter of Konrad Technologies in Radolfzell

The Initial Situation

Complex requirements for power supply and material flow

Konrad Technologies received an enquiry from Mexico for an automated test system. The special feature of this enquiry was that the DUT (Device Under Test) had to remain permanently powered throughout the entire cycle and could not be switched off. This was the only way to avoid long boot times and ensure an efficient material flow.

At the same time, the DUTs must be transported over distances of several thousand meters in an energy-efficient and gentle manner to protect the sensitive electronics. Conventional belt conveyors quickly reach their limits in this context.

Furthermore, the limited space available on site required utilization of the ceiling area, including a lifting height of 3.5 meters, which became a further challenge because of the requirement of on board power supply. 

The challenge

Continuous power supply for the DUT

Ensuring a continuous power supply for the DUT, overcoming long transport distances and a height difference of 3.5 m – all in a facility with limited space. Classic inclines would have been technically possible but could not be implemented due to the spatial conditions.

The Solution

Efficient Testing, Safe Transport

Konrad Technologies collaborated with montratec to develop an innovative testing and automation solution, integrating Konrad Technologies' testing systems with the montrac® transport solution. The result is a seamless system that fully meets the customer's requirements.

Power is provided by the montrac® shuttles, which supply the DUT with electricity along the entire transport route. This eliminates long boot times and ensures high throughput. Another advantage of the shuttles is their energy-efficient motors, allowing even long transport routes to be handled reliably and resource-efficiently. Additionally, the shuttles enable smooth, vibration-free transport, ensuring maximum product safety.

Height differences are overcome with lifts, with no interruption to the power supply, of course. A ceiling construction allows transport to take place below the hall ceiling, freeing up valuable floor space for other purposes. The rails require no maintenance, eliminating the need for steel construction, which is necessary with other systems.

A combination of testing and automation solutions from Konrad Technologies and CMCO Conveyance Solutions
With an integrated power supply via the montrac® shuttles, the DUT remains active throughout the entire transport process. This reduces downtime, increases throughput, and ensures a seamless test sequence.
More space for value creation: With the montrac® overhead rail system, floor space remains unobstructed while lifts bridge height differences without interrupting the process and ensure a continuous power supply.

Project Timeline

From concept to commissioning

The teams worked closely together from the initial presentation of the montrac® system through layout development and simulations to final approval. Several concepts were developed and tested jointly in close cooperation. 

After successful test runs in Radolfzell, the system was dismantled, installed in Mexico, and thoroughly tested. Future on-site assembly will be accompanied by training sessions and formal acceptance procedures.

Measurable results

Shorter cycle times, higher throughput, and sustainable energy savings

For the end customer, this results in an efficient production line with short cycle times, high throughput, and increased cost-effectiveness. The new solution eliminates 30 seconds of boot time at each station, which significantly reduces the overall throughput time. Thanks to the maintenance-free rail of the montrac® transport system, there is no need for a walk-in steel structure, as is required for maintenance in other systems. In addition to increasing the output volume of the line, there is no need for additional parallel stations that are relevant to cycle times.

The modular design also allows for future expansion without lengthy downtimes. Thanks to the high transport speed, the system requires very few shuttles relative to the total transport distance. Apart from the lift, these shuttles are the only electrical consumers, which has a significant positive impact on the overall energy efficiency of the system.

Conclusion

Innovative solution for complex testing requirements

The project impressively demonstrates how technical challenges can be solved through a combination of innovative layout, intelligent energy supply, and modular conveyor technology – and how CMCO Conveyance Solutions impresses as a partner for precision, flexibility, and efficiency.

 

Would you like to learn more about montrac®?

Contact us: automation@cmco.com