Marcus Reifenstahl, key account manager for building automation at Dunkermotoren, explores how the company’s software-supported drive technology for access gates ensures an efficient and reliable passenger experience, even in the face of aging infrastructure and vandalism.
Tell us more about Dunkermotoren
For over 75 years, Dunkermotoren has been pushing the boundaries of motor technology. It offers a comprehensive selection of brushless and brushed DC motors, linear systems, stepper motors and fans, each meticulously crafted to deliver unmatched performance from 1W to a powerful 5,000W. All are precisely engineered and fully customizable with gearheads, encoders, brakes, integrated or external electronics and more. Reliability and performance are paramount in the demanding world of building automation. Vandalism or excessive force applied to access gates can result in significant damage to both the gates and their components. However, this isn’t a concern with Dunkermotoren and its intelligent software solution.
How does software-supported drive technology enhance the efficiency and reliability of access gates in airport terminals?
With Dunkermotoren’s motion control platform integrated into our internal or external motor controllers, we are offering a wide range of functionalities that make the access gate solution run smoothly, offer various safety features and protect the gate’s mechanics – even in cases of vandalism. All these considerations together make Dunkermotoren customers’ products more efficient and reliable. This, in turn, leads to a more comfortable travel experience for airport passengers.
What specific challenges do you face when integrating such solutions with existing airport infrastructure, and how do you overcome them?
A common challenge we encounter is integrating new technologies and mechanics into an existing infrastructure. To jump over these hurdles, Dunkermotoren offers various options. Our numerous drive solutions, which come from the well-established modular system, fit into almost all shapes and designs of access gates. Furthermore, the open software platform, which is the basis for the motor controllers, can help customers control their complete infrastructure. With our external control units, it’s even possible to run existing motors from different manufacturers.
Can you provide examples of how the technology has improved passenger flow and security at airports?
Dunkermotoren drive solutions can be found in a large number of access gates installed in airports all over the world. With the Nexofox brand, we offer concepts to use the motor as a smart sensor. That helps customers to predict the remaining lifespan in real time. Through early failure detection, proactive maintenance planning is possible. Furthermore, optimized maintenance intervals help customers reduce unnecessary costs and increase uptime. All this leads to a reliable and continuous operation. As a result, Dunkermotoren helps to create a safe environment and makes each passenger’s journey smooth and comfortable.
How do you ensure the durability and longevity of your systems, given the high usage rates and demanding conditions at airport access gates?
As the European market leader for drive solutions in all kinds of door applications, Dunkermotoren brings decades of experience to its customers. The products have been developed and produced to fulfill the highest quality standards – the design and the materials used for the product portfolio are the basis for fulfilling the customer’s requirements. For access gates, Dunkermotoren’s focus is on reliability during the complete lifecycle, a low noise level of the drive solution and the maximum availability of the gate during operation. Software features help to round up the perfect match to the customer’s application.
Additionally, Dunkermotoren offers various services to carry out durability tests to prove the product’s capabilities. If requested, we are also prepared to offer special hardware solutions, for example, IP protection or different kinds of connectivity.
In related news, Dunkermotoren recently exhibited at PTE World 2025. Click here to discover more of the show’s highlights.