Düsseldorf / Waldkirch – “We Create Digital Transformation” – this is the central theme under which SICK will be presenting its comprehensive range of solutions in the areas of robotics and smart data solutions at the Automatica 2022 trade fair from June 21 – 24 in Munich. The focus will be on sensor solutions for safe human-robot collaboration as well as 3D ToF technologies for robotics guidance applications and new digital services based on sensor data.
Intelligent sensors are shaping automation and robotics as key components. With sensor solutions for robot visual guidance, gripper monitoring, and for Safe Motion applications, SICK offers a comprehensive portfolio in the areas of Safe Robotics, robot guidance, and process control.
Solution for safe human-robot interaction
The sBot Speed Safe Robotics system from SICK is an integration-friendly solution for the performance-optimized protection of robotics applications. The complete system comprises a safety laser scanner and a Flexi Soft safety controller. These ensure an adaptive perception of the surroundings and thereby allow unhindered and safe interruptions to the robot system by humans. The closer a person approaches the working range of the robot, the slower the robot moves – until it comes to a complete stop. Once the person exits the protective and warning field, the robot starts up again automatically - initially at a safely-reduced speed until it is able to return to its original working speed. The sBot Speed safety system is available in variants for integration into the eco-systems of the robot manufacturers Universal Robots, KUKA, FANUC and Yaskawa.
Robot guidance using a high-resolution 3DToF camera
Even when the installation space is tight, the Visionary-T Mini 3D ToF camera solves tasks in stationary and mobile robot applications where distance maps and environment scenarios for robotics guidance are required. With its 3D ToF imaging module, which achieves a resolution of 512 x 424 pixels and allows high image dynamics, the sensor continuously generates precise intensity and depth values for its surroundings. Even in poorly lit environments and over larger distances, the pixel density as well as the illumination unit in the Visionary-T Mini ensure a high surface-independent depth of field as well as ambient light immunity. The 3D ToF camera provides the robot controller with a live image of the work scene as well as the surroundings at a frame rate of up to 30 Hz. Using the raw data output, software specialists such as OEMs and integrators can incorporate the measured values of the Visionary-T Mini into their own robotics solutions and applications. A number of industry standard programming languages, software interfaces and libraries are supported for this purpose.
Cost savings thanks to efficient material supply
Data and information from smart sensors provide the basis for robotics-oriented solutions in the area of process control. The Filling Level Monitoring digital solution, which is designed for packaging machines, monitors the levels of cardboard. The Filling Level Monitoring solution can also be used in other applications to detect the level of liquids or granulates. This information is processed in a machine manufacturer agnostic manner. Handling or process sequences become transparent, thereby enabling them to be optimized. This ensures smooth production processes and helps avoid machine downtimes.
SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With more than 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. In the 2021 fiscal year, SICK had more than 11,000 employees worldwide and a group revenue of around EUR 2 billion. Additional information about SICK is available on the Internet at http://www.sick.com or by phone on +49 (0)7681202-4183.