Danfoss, a global leader in engineering solutions, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its groundbreaking PLUS+1® platform, a pioneering technology that has revolutionized mobile hydraulics and electrification. Since its launch in 2004, the PLUS+1® platform has become a cornerstone of innovation in the off-highway vehicle industry, enabling smarter, more efficient, and sustainable machinery.
The milestone was marked with a special event at Danfoss’ headquarters in Nordborg, Denmark, where industry leaders, customers, and employees gathered to reflect on the platform’s impact and explore its future potential. The celebration also highlighted Danfoss’ commitment to driving the transition toward electrification and digitalization in the mobile machinery sector.
The Birth of a Game-Changing Platform
The PLUS+1® platform was introduced in 2004 as a flexible, user-friendly solution for integrating electronic controls into mobile hydraulic systems. At a time when the industry was dominated by complex, proprietary systems, PLUS+1® stood out for its open architecture, modular design, and ease of use.
“PLUS+1® was a game-changer,” said Kim Fausing, President and CEO of Danfoss. “It empowered manufacturers to develop smarter, more efficient machines while reducing development time and costs. Over the past 20 years, it has become the gold standard for mobile hydraulics and electrification.”
Key Innovations and Milestones
Over the past two decades, the PLUS+1® platform has evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry, incorporating advancements in electrification, connectivity, and automation. Key milestones include:
- 2004: Launch of the PLUS+1® platform, offering a range of electronic control units, software tools, and components for mobile machinery.
- 2010: Introduction of the PLUS+1® GUIDE software, simplifying the programming and configuration of complex systems.
- 2015: Expansion of the platform to support hybrid and electric vehicles, enabling manufacturers to transition to cleaner, more sustainable technologies.
- 2020: Integration of IoT capabilities, allowing real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance.
- 2024: Launch of next-generation PLUS+1® EV solutions, designed to meet the growing demand for fully electric off-highway vehicles.
Impact on the Industry
The PLUS+1® platform has had a profound impact on the off-highway vehicle industry, enabling manufacturers to develop machines that are more efficient, productive, and environmentally friendly. Today, the platform is used in a wide range of applications, including construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling, and forestry vehicles.
“PLUS+1® has been instrumental in helping us bring innovative products to market faster,” said Sarah Johnson, Chief Engineer at a leading construction equipment manufacturer. “Its flexibility and scalability have allowed us to adapt to changing customer needs and regulatory requirements.”
Driving the Electrification Revolution
As the industry shifts toward electrification, the PLUS+1® platform has emerged as a key enabler of this transition. Danfoss’ PLUS+1® EV solutions provide a comprehensive suite of components and software for electric and hybrid vehicles, including motor controllers, battery management systems, and power electronics.
“Electrification is the future of mobile machinery, and PLUS+1® is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Eric Alström, President of Danfoss Power Solutions. “Our platform provides manufacturers with the tools they need to develop high-performance, zero-emission machines that meet the demands of a sustainable future.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Collaboration
The 20th anniversary celebration also highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. Over the years, Danfoss has worked closely with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders to develop solutions that address real-world challenges.
“The success of PLUS+1® is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Lars Stenqvist, CTO of the Volvo Group, a long-time partner of Danfoss. “By working together, we have been able to push the boundaries of what’s possible and create value for our customers.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of PLUS+1®
As Danfoss looks to the future, the company is committed to building on the legacy of PLUS+1® by continuing to innovate and adapt to the needs of the industry. Key focus areas include:
- Advanced Connectivity: Expanding IoT capabilities to enable smarter, more connected machines.
- Artificial Intelligence: Integrating AI to enhance automation and optimize performance.
- Sustainability: Developing solutions that support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
“The next 20 years will be just as exciting as the first,” said Fausing. “We are committed to driving innovation and helping our customers succeed in a rapidly changing world.”
A Legacy of Innovation
The 20th anniversary of the PLUS+1® platform is a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and progress. From its humble beginnings as a pioneering control system to its current role as a leader in electrification and digitalization, PLUS+1® has transformed the mobile machinery industry and set the stage for a sustainable future.
As Danfoss continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the PLUS+1® platform will remain at the heart of its mission to engineer solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.