Automation Mag | 03 - June 2021

03 - AUTOMATION Mag - JUNE 2021

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INNOVATIVE, NEW WIRE ID SOLUTION BRADYGRIP™ PRINT-ON HOOK MATERIAL

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SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS DEPLOYS A FLEET OF ROBOTS FOR LINE-SIDE AUTOMATION AT FPT INDUSTRIAL

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COBOTS ENABLE EFFECTIVE HIGH-MIX, LOW-VOLUME PRODUCTION PREVENTING ASSET FAILURE, PRODUCTION LINE SHUTDOWNS, AND FIRES THROUGH THERMAL AUTOMATION CAMERAS

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IN THIS ISSUE…

4 Innodisk Releases CAN Bus Modules for Unmanned Smart Systems 6 Wider Widths Now Available on Dorner’s New 2200 Series XL Conveyor 7 Dunkermotoren is first drive technology manufacturer to integrate certified PROFINET with PROFIdrive in servo motor

8 FLIR A50 and A70 Thermal Cameras Offer Turnkey Solutions for Efficient Data Analysis

10 Cobots enable effective high-mix, low-volume production 12 Conveyor Sensor System ready to go 13 Lanner Network Appliance and Edge AI Computer Now Officially Validated as NVIDIA GPU Cloud-Ready Platforms

14 Innovative, new wire ID solution – BradyGrip™ Print-on Hook Material 16 Security for Industrie 4.0 18 Fischer UltiMate™ Series: new field-ready solutions for unparalleled functionality and ruggedness in extreme environments

20 Maintaining our Large Pumps is now Simpler than Ever 22 Seeq Announces $50 million Series C Funding Round led by Insight Partners 24 FPT Industrial Engines at Your Fingertips Away: Introducing the MyFPT App 26 Cap closed 28 Continued growth for industrial networks despite pandemic - Industrial network market shares 2021 according to HMS Networks

30 Sherpa Mobile Robotics deploys a fleet of robots for line-side automation at FPT Industrial

32 From cad to control with one software 34 Link by link: The benefits of seeing the full chain 36 Moxa Demonstrates Its Commitment to Securing Industrial Networks By Becoming IEC 62443-4-1 Certified

38 The Award Winning MPW gets a 500 lb. Upgrade!

39 Appealing to the senses – SXTA silicone actuators by Sateco 40 Innovative 3D vision system opens up new possibilities for automated inspection 42 Emerson Introduces Magnetic Target Switch for Position Sensing in Standard-duty and Extreme-duty Operation Environments

43 Red Lion Introduces NT4008 Gigabit Layer 2 PROFINET Switches 44 Rohde & Schwarz and IHP first to characterize D-band frequencies in over-the-air test setup for 6G and automotive radar

46 Insights from the Field: Preventing Asset Failure, Production Line Shutdowns, and Fires Through Thermal Automation Cameras

48 Delta Launches M125HV Gen2 Solar PV String Inverter for Large Ground-mounted Solar Power Plants

49 Container and Tray Identification Made Easy

automation mag

Send your press releases to: editor@ipmediaonline.com AUTOMATION Mag is the ultimate source for automation engineers: industry 4.0, IA, motors, sensors, controls, software… Our international team covers product developments, application stories, and technical articles, as well as offering comprehensive analysis of the latest engineering trends.

AUTOMATION Mag edits its articles with the greatest of care, however we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information presented in them. Our teams disclaim all responsibility concerning the content of this media or how it might be used.

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INDUPORTALS

MEDIA PUBLISHING

INNODISK

INNODISK RELEASES CAN BUS MODULES FOR UNMANNED SMART SYSTEMS Innodisk recently released their latest CAN Bus modules. With a complete line of form factors and strict industrial quality, these products have proven themselves indispensable in the success of unmanned systems.

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he demand for unmanned systems has seen marked growth since 2020, with a report from Fortune Business Insights estimating a CAGR of 12.23% for the UAV segment. Many industry verticals have felt the impact of unmanned systems, such as agriculture, logistics, transportation, and aerospace, which have all begun to leverage the benefits of unmanned vehicle technologies.

Unmanned aircraft are at the heart of all unmanned systems, but at the heart of all unmanned systems is the CAN Bus. With this continued expansion, rising complexity, and the increased efficiency

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requirements of new applications, it is critical that the CAN Bus module can operate in harsh conditions, like extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference. Innodisk CAN Bus modules all support wide temperature, 2.5KV isolation protection, and the high-layer protocols SAE J1939 and CANopen needed to ensure optimal performance in extreme conditions without degrading.

Amongst the latest popular adopters are unmanned flight application, which has utilized Innodisk CAN Bus modules in the latest aircrafts. Innodisk’s USB to CAN module has successfully built into autonomous commercial drones,

INNODISK

as well as agriculture machine, robot operating system (ROS), Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) that for all kinds of smart applications. CAN Bus is enabled to control the system, interact with the onboard computer and various CAN devices, and diagnose issues in ground stations.

“We think it’s pretty cool that Innodisk’s CAN modules are successfully supporting our customers’ projects of different smart applications,” said Johnny Wu, Senior Manager of Innodisk’s Intelligent Peripheral Application Department. He further added, “Using Innodisk products for their unmanned devices reaffirms our commitment to providing the most durable products on the market. We’re proud to have played a small but crucial part in their developments.”

CAN Bus solutions sufficiently capable of handling the strain of these harsh environments have, until now, been a major roadblock for reliable systems development. Innodisk CAN Bus modules provide complete hardware and software integration and offer different form factors to fit diverse demands. For integrators and engineers looking to introduce their products into the unmanned systems space, it is tantamount that their hardware solution will meet the rigors of these industrial environments. https://www.innodisk.com

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DORNER

WIDER WIDTHS NOW AVAILABLE ON DORNER’S NEW 2200 SERIES XL CONVEYOR The new 2200 XL Series conveyor has widths up to 914 mm wide for more robust applications.

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orner is expanding its 2200 Series Conveyor offering with a wider width version specifically designed for the European market. Dorner is an industry leader in the design, application, manufacturing and integration of precision industrial and sanitary conveyor systems.

The new 2200 XL Series, now available in widths up to 914 mm wide and 3,500 mm long, is designed to carry heavier loads up to 50 kg, depending on belt speed.

A wider conveyor opens up the low profile 2200 XL Series to more diverse, heavier applications within industries such as material handling, metal working, packaging, automated and manual assembly, medical, pharmaceutical and others.

Features and performance specifications of the new 2200 XL Series conveyor include:

Belt tracking is a critical component of any conveyor, which is why the 2200 XL Series comes with V-guided belting for positive belt tracking. This “V” guide fits into a “V” groove that is cut into the end roller and the bed plate of the conveyor – thus holding the belt in place across the length of the conveyor and keeping it properly tracked. Additionally, the conveyor comes with a patented rack-and-pinion belt tensioning system for quick and accurate belt maintenance.

Options and accessories include:

• Conveyor widths: 660 mm and 914 mm wide • Conveyor lengths: 650 mm to 3,500 mm long • Belt speed: up to 37 meters per minute

• Fixed and adjustable height and singlepost support stands • Top of belt heights ranging from 310 to 2,250 mm, with fixed foot and castertype stands • Low side, aluminum side, adjustable guiding and tool-less adjustable guiding available All 2200 Series standard and specialty belting options, along with standard and heavy load gearmotor options are available on the 2200 XL Series.

The 2200 XL Series is manufactured from Dorner’s Jülich, Germany, location, enabling fast and efficient delivery. www.dornerconveyors.com Connect with Dorner on Facebook at h t t p s : // w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / Dornereurope/ Subscribe to Dorner on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCJbrRugp-agWittxmW1lq5A Follow Dorner on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ dornergmbh/

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DUNKERMOTOREN

DUNKERMOTOREN IS FIRST DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURER TO INTEGRATE CERTIFIED PROFINET WITH PROFIDRIVE IN SERVO MOTOR Since the end of February 2021, Dunkermotoren’s fully integrated PROFINET solution has been officially certified by the PROFIBUS user organization.

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his means another important feature is fully integrated into the motor, which is a milestone in terms of cabling, commissioning and IIoT capability. Dunkermotoren, the world leader in brushless DC motors with integrated electronics from 1 to 4000 watts, is the first drive technology manufacturer to fully integrate its certified PROFINET solution with PROFIdrive into a motor.

The certification assures Dunkermotoren that the high standards of stability, even under extreme bus conditions, are always maintained. Currently the products BG 95 dPro, BG 75 dPro, BG 66 dPro and the BGE 5510 dPro are available with PROFINET interface, covering the output power from 1 to 4000 W. https://www.dunkermotoren.com/en/

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TELEDYNE FLIR

FLIR A50 AND A70 THERMAL CAMERAS OFFER TURNKEY SOLUTIONS FOR EFFICIENT DATA ANALYSIS When decision makers seek to integrate new hardware into their automation process, they are often looking at a few key areas – the ease of use, price point, features, and the ability to utilize the hardware at multiple points throughout their system. The new A50 and A70 thermal cameras come in three options – Smart, Streaming, and Research & Development to fit the needs of professionals across a variety of industries – from manufacturing to utilities to science. The new cameras offer improved accuracy of ±2 °C or ±2% temperature measurement, compared to the previous accuracy of ±5 °C, or ±5% temperature measurement. The cameras all include an IP66 rating, along with a small, compact size with higher resolution options compared to previous versions.

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eaturing a thermal resolution of 464 x 348 (A50) or 640 x 480 (A70), professionals can deploy the A50 or A70 cameras in a variety of capacities. These include condition monitoring programs to maximize uptime and minimize cost through planned maintenance, or when used in early fire detection applications to safeguard the lives of workers and secure the profitability of the business by protecting materials and assets. With improved temperature measurement accuracy of ±2 °C, professionals can rely on consistent readings over a period of time, or through varying environmental factors, eliminating any guesswork from data analysis.

The IP66 rating for both the A50 and A70 provides protection from dust, oil, and water, making the cameras ideal for tough, industrial environments. This ruggedness is especially helpful when the camera is being moved from one application to the next. Whether the camera is fix-mounted inspecting a production line or when required for bench testing, professionals benefit from its versatility.

A50/70 Smart Designed for condition monitoring programs to reduce inspection times, improve production efficiency, and increase product reliability, the A50 and A70 Smart cameras introduce “on camera / on edge” smart functionality.

This means temperature measurement and analysis can be done on the camera,

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TELEDYNE FLIR

easily and effectively without the need for a PC. These cameras allow automation system solution providers to hit the ground running with a camera that is easy to add, configure, and operate in HMI/ SCADA systems (with REST API, MQTT and Modbus master functionality).

A50/70 Image Streaming Built for process and quality control, the A50/A70 Image Streaming cameras improve through-put time and the quality of what is being produced, all while reducing operating costs. With its GigE Vision and GenICam compatibility, professionals can simply plug the camera into their PC and choose their preferred software. In most cases, the addition of A50 or A70 Image Streaming cameras complement machine vision systems that looks at defects such as size, with the A50 or A70 providing temperature variance in these products.

A50/70 Research & Development Kit Primarily used as a research and development solution, the A50 and A70 Research & Development Kit provides an easy entry point into thermal imaging analysis for applications within academia, material studies, and electronic and semi-conductor research. The Research & Development Kit include the Advanced Image Streaming versions of the A50 and A70 cameras and FLIR Research Studio software for camera control, live image display, recording, and post-processing for decision support.

The A50 and A70 thermal cameras, with Smart, Streaming, or Research and Development options, offer professionals, in a variety of industries with a turnkey solution, to efficiently and effectively inspect and analyze data, ultimately saving time and money.

Expert Viewpoints “In addition to its small, compact packaging, which makes it easier to mount these cameras inside of machinery with tight spaces, we are excited about the A50/A70’s IP66 rating, a feature that eliminates the need to add an enclosure around the camera when it is deployed

it in tough environments. Another added benefit is having the ability to inspect and analyze data through the camera’s Wi-Fi capability, eliminating the need for users to run wires through a manufacturing facility from a computer to the piece of equipment that is being inspected.”

- Roy Ray, vice president, Emitted Energy “The launch of the new A50/A70 camera is really exciting for FLIR customers. Its new software capabilities now allow for dual functionality with two different spectrums - thermal temperature monitoring and visual inspection - within the same camera. This adds an extra level of functionality to new and existing integrated FLIR systems. Users can combine thermal functionality, to check packaging seals for example, with visual inspection of the packaging itself. This can now be completed by one camera without the need for any additional hardware just a simple software change.”

- John Dunlop, founder and chief technical officer, Bytronic Vision Automation “We are excited about the launch of the new FLIR A50/A70 thermal imaging camera and the value it will add for our customers. With its expanded communication capabilities, ViperVision can do more with the camera information

we’ve always had. The more data and more ways to access that data the customers have, the better. We are now able to take the same critical data that has always been provided by FLIR cameras and make it more available and thus more useful to our customers. Whether this means integration with VMS and security systems or more plant control networks (DCS, PLC, SCADA), we are now able to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously and more efficiently.”

- Andy Beck, co-founder and co-owner, Viper Imaging The FLIR A50 and A70 are available globally today through FLIR authorized distributors and will ship in Q2 2021. For more information on the new A-Series cameras, please visit: https://www.flir.com/products/a50_ a70-smart-sensor/ https://www.flir.com/products/a50_ a70-image-streaming/ https://www.flir.com/products/a50_ a70-research-amp-development-kits/

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MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

COBOTS ENABLE EFFECTIVE HIGH-MIX, LOW-VOLUME PRODUCTION

Cobots are proving a key enabler for high-mix automation while offering the maximum return on investment. (Image source; Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.)

With increased competition, often on a global scale, manufacturers need to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand. This, of course, carries with it an implicit reduction in batch sizes and has seen the rise of ’high-mix, low-volume production. Cobots can enable manufacturers to effectively meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in smaller batches. Oliver Giertz, Product Manager for Servo/Motion and robotics for the EMEA region at Mitsubishi Electric, Factory Automation, explains how collaborative robots are helping manufacturers to increase flexibility, boost quality, and drive down operational costs.

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hile high-volume production, with its repetitive tasks, has seen increased adoption of traditional industrial robots, we have to think differently in a high-mix production environment where the programming and reconfiguration effort to change from one product to the next can impact on productivity. In high-mix production, there might be several line changeovers needed in a given shift.

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For many manufacturers, this has meant an increased reliance on manual labour.

But that, in turn, increases operational costs when compared with high-volume production – and the greater the mix, the higher the emphasis on manual labour, and the greater the production cost for a given volume.

Further, high-mix, low volume (HMLV) production requires more stringent quality

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Cobots are proving a key enabler for high-mix automation while offering the maximum return on investment.

(Image Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.)

capability to evaluate performance, the digital twin can simulate cobot interaction to ensure that it can safely and predictably fulfil the desired task before deployment.

This ease of programming and redeployment is one of the main enablers of HMLV production and holds the key to reducing operational costs. At the same time, the increased accuracy of the latest cobots is an important contributor to improving quality in a high-mix environment. As an example, Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA ASSISTA cobots can provide a repeat accuracy of ±0.03mm, making them ideal even for the most delicate and precise tasks.

control processes to be put in place, with the opportunity for production errors increasing as the batch sizes reduces. At the same time, the levels of changeovers between different products can often become a bottleneck.

However, the new breed of collaborative robots (or cobots) is responding to the trend of HMLV production, delivering the required flexibility and the ability to reconfigure processes quickly as well as easily.

Improved flexibility, consistency and reliability Designed to assist human operators on the shop floor, cobots can take on simple, repetitive and physically strenuous tasks.

This offers improved consistency and reliability in manufacturing while enabling humans to concentrate on more complex jobs. A cobot is also flexible and can quickly

learn to adapt to a variety of tasks, from picking and placing to machine tending.

A key benefit of cobots is their ease of programming, enabling frequent redeployment and fast set-up without a d va n ce d ro b ot i c p ro g r a m m i n g expertise. One recent development which can improve the ease and speed of configuration is hand-guided teaching, where the cobot arm is simply moved to the desired position and added to the operational sequence at the press of a button. This technology means that no complex programming is required, and it can also be combined with touch-screen graphical interfaces to implement more sophisticated operations.

By moving towards HMLV production, manufacturers are finding that they can differentiate themselves from their competitors, with the ability to tailor products to specific customer requirements, even in the smallest of batches. Further, with the ability to quickly switch production to a different product, manufacturers can become more responsive to changes in the market, delivering an additional competitive advantage.

Cobots are proving a key enabler for high-mix automation while offering the maximum return on investment. In an HMLV production environment, cobots drive up flexibility and reduce operational costs. https://emea.mitsubishielectric.com/ en/

A digital twin can also be used to enhance the speed of set-up and redeployment.

Employing a digital representation of the physical cobot, including the virtual 03 - AUTOMATION Mag - JUNE 2021

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LEUZE

CONVEYOR SENSOR SYSTEM READY TO GO Leuze is launching an innovative mounting bracket for their 25C sensors that saves conveyor system manufacturers both time and money.

The BXT motors deliver considerably higher torques than those usual in this drive class.

New special mounting brackets for the sensors of the 25C series for pallet detection. Innovative, factory integration of the special mounting bracket with sensor for pallet detection in the inner area of the conveyor.

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esigned for reliable pallet detection, the sensor and bracket are supplied as a pre-assembled set to enable the conveyor system manufacturer to pre-mount to the conveyor in the factory, which is traditionally done on-site during the installation and commissioning phase of the system.

A perfect fit inside the conveyor The innovative new mounting brackets are designed specifically to fit the 25C series sensors. This means that the conveyor system manufacturer can install the sensor and bracket set inside the conveyor thus protecting it from potential damage. The integrated sloping front screen of the bracket deflects any dirt or debris that may fall onto it ensuring that the all-in-one solution requires less cleaning and maintenance than systems

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that rely on standard retro-reflective photoelectric sensors.

In addition, the special ambient light configuration of the 25C sensors ensures that they are insensitive to high-frequency LED illumination used that is often found in production and logistics buildings and can cause unreliable operation of other types of diffuse sensors. Pallets are notoriously difficult to detect with diffuse optical sensors due to the differences in colour and surface. However, thanks to the detection performance and outstanding function reserve of the 25C sensors from Leuze these issues are easily overcome and reliable detection of different pallet types is ensured. https://www.leuze.com

LANNER ELECTRONICS

LANNER NETWORK APPLIANCE AND EDGE AI COMPUTER NOW OFFICIALLY VALIDATED AS NVIDIA GPU CLOUD-READY PLATFORMS

Lanner’s first NVIDIA NGC-ready Platform for Accelerating Deployments of Network Edge Virtualization and 5G Edge Cloud Computing.

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anner Electronics (TAIEX 6245), a global leader in SDN/NFV network appliances and rugged applied computing platforms, announces that its hyper-converged infrastructure appliance, the FX-3420, and Edge AI Appliance, LEC-2290, have been officially validated as NGC-Ready Server for Edge computing platforms. In a configuration with NVIDIA® T4 GPUs, Lanner network appliances have been tested for functionality, performance, and ease of deployment to AI frameworks and virtualized, disaggregated 5G ready network architecture.

“NGC-Ready validation of Lanner network appliances helps our customers across industries accelerate their hyperconverged AI-enabled application deployments at the edge,” said Jeans Tseng, CTO of Lanner. “In the case of telecom for instance, customers can bring Edge AI to advance an array of applications – from 5G Open RAN to edge data centers, private networks, and MEC.”

The NGC-Ready validation process included extensive testing on the FX3420 and LEC-2290 for a wide range of applications for on-premise, cloud and edge deployments. Lanner’s validated network appliances can help customers leverage the extensive range of NVIDIA GPU-accelerated software available for real-time intelligent decision making.

Customers can easily migrate workflow compute environments including both hybrid and multi-cloud implementations, run GPU-optimized software on bare metal servers or on virtualized environments, and maximize utilization of GPUs and network interoperability.

Lanner will be taking part in the NVIDIA GTC 2021 Conference as a 2021 PLATINUM partner (April 12-16).

Don’t miss out on this amazing event.

Registration is free and gives you access to all the live sessions, interactive panels, demos, research posters, and more.

GTC21 Registration Link: https://www. nvidia.com/en-us/gtc/?ncid=ref-spo95198&sfdcid=undefined#cid=gtcs21_ ref-spo_en-us 03 - AUTOMATION Mag - JUNE 2021

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BRADY

INNOVATIVE, NEW WIRE ID SOLUTION – BRADYGRIP™ PRINT-ON HOOK MATERIAL Brady, a global leader in industrial and safety printing systems and solutions, announced today the launch of a new print-on hook material designed to identify wire and cable bundles.

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s data centers increase in size and complexity, the challenge to correctly identify cable bundles, efficiently, has become more important.

When installing and updating cables, a misidentified cable can interrupt data, cause outages and make troubleshooting more difficult, limiting overall productivity.

Since hook and loop solutions are already used heavily in the datacom industry (as they are less like likely to damage cable insulation), Brady partnered with VELCRO® Brand to create an innovative solution: BradyGrip Print-on Hook Material featuring VELCRO® Brand Hook.

This exclusive new product combines high-performing Brady materials with

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VELCRO® Brand technology. It can be printed on, then placed on Velcro® Brand ONE-WRAP® Ties to identify wire or cable bundles.

“Today there’s a focus on greater efficiency in the wire and cable industries,” said Adam Meaux, senior global product manager at Brady. “And faster application and identification are key. We developed BradyGrip to improve the way identification is done in the field, saving both time and money. And by offering a product that can be both printed on and placed, we’ve done just that. Truly, there’s nothing like BradyGrip on the market. It transforms the way people work.”

BRADY

This innovative new material allows Brady to reach a variety of markets that rely on markers to identify wire and cable bundles: datacom, telecom, electrical, medical and construction work.

A key feature of BradyGrip is its print-on capabilities. Barcodes, text, graphics – all can be printed on this durable, highquality material. This replaces errorprone or illegible handwritten markers with faster, clearer printed ID. Something a busy data installer only dreams of, until now.

BradyGrip is the newest addition to Brady’s well-established line of identification solutions. Additionally, the company offers an extensive line of labeling materials, ribbons, printing systems and software to fully establish itself as a worldwide leader of complete printing solutions. www.bradyeurope.com/bradygrip https://brady.widen.net/s/hsgsswglbt

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SOFTING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

SECURITY FOR INDUSTRIE 4.0 Seamless, secure data exchange for the integration of production and management levels.

The BXT motors deliver considerably higher torques than those usual in this drive class.

Data exchange in Industrie 4.0 applications Data exchange is an important issue to look at when integrating the production (operational technology, OT) and management (information technology, IT) levels. This is due to the large number of variables and non-standardized interfaces, as well as the need to support access privileges and specific security requirements. Although OPC UA has now established itself as a standard technology for achieving these goals, the devil is in the details when it comes to implementing successful Industrie 4.0 applications.

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Interface abstraction, data aggregation and security The dataFEED Secure Integration Server product from Softing Industrial works as an abstract interface between the worlds of OT and IT, offering users a set of key functionalities for efficient data exchange in a single component. In its role as an aggregating server, this middleware makes use of OPC UA’s address space modeling, especially for interface abstraction and data aggregation. In the process, this interface abstraction handles changes or extensions within one domain (OT/IT) without any modifications then being needed in the other. Advantages here include the ease with which new IT applications can be integrated into the overall solution, to exploit short innovation cycles in IT or make targeted changes to the production environment.

SOFTING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

dataFEED Secure Integration Server works as an abstract interface between the worlds of OT and IT.

With data aggregation, data from multiple sources can be consolidated on a single OPC UA server, so the IT application now only needs to access this one server. This simplification to the communications infrastructure cuts configuration effort for users.

Another key feature of the dataFEED Secure Integration Server is its in-built security model, with filters available to restrict the address space for individual OPC UA client applications plus definable access types. Apart from full implementation of OPC UA security functions, whitelists and blacklists can also be defined to control data access from specific IP addresses, and detection of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks targeting OPC UA authentication is also included.

Direct benefits for customers Whether customers are retaining existing setups or are planning a new plant installation, deciding to deploy the dataFEED Secure Integration Server offers a significant set of advantages when running Industrie 4.0 applications.

In one recent example, integrating 1.5 million variables into an overall system was the challenge faced by a leading provider of power station process control systems. However, accessing such a large number of variables is a major stumblingblock for many OPC UA clients. Because of this, the power station application instead chose to use the variable filtering option to achieve targeted variable access restrictions for individual OPC UA clients.

In addition, only read access is granted to the individually configured variables. This

prevents the unauthorized overwriting of assigned data values.

A major automotive parts supplier likewise chose dataFEED Secure Integration Server specifically to handle variable aggregation and filtering from multiple, heterogeneous OPC UA servers, giving the OPC UA clients a standard, harmonized interface for accessing all variables. In this case, the customer’s need to implement a state-of-the-art security standard was another key reason for choosing this solution. https://industrial.softing.com/

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FISCHER CONNECTORS

FISCHER ULTIMATE™ SERIES: NEW FIELD-READY SOLUTIONS FOR UNPARALLELED FUNCTIONALITY AND RUGGEDNESS IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS The global connectivity solution provider Fischer Connectors has extended its flagship series of ultra-rugged and harsh-environment connectors with two new products: the Fischer UltiMate™ 80, a field-ready NATO STANAG 4695-compatible connector offering unparalleled functionality and ruggedness in comparison with similar harsh-environment quick-release connectors; and the standard Fischer UltiMate™ connector now available in size 15 with various pin layouts of up to 27 signal and power contacts.

With the new Fischer UltiMate 80, Fischer Connectors has been able to design a highly reliable and cost-effective product offering best value for money. The new Fischer UltiMate in size 15 features up to 27 signal and power contacts.

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FISCHER CONNECTORS

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ntermateable with other NATO STANAG 4695 connectors, the fieldready Fischer UltiMate 80 connector comes in two layouts featuring 6 or 7 signal and power contacts (size 08) with up to AWG 22. Engineered in Switzerland, it offers an ultra-rugged, lightweight and IP68-sealed connectivity solution for any harsh environment, especially for defense & security applications and soldier modernization programs.

Its design is exceptionally rugged by any market standards and compliant with MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-202, providing environmental and mechanical performance and endurance that outperform by far other suppliers’ similar connectors: • R uggedness: high resistance to corrosion (500h salt mist), up to 10,000 mating cycles for the plug / 5,000 for the receptacle, random vibration 7.7 Grms, shock resistant (100 G), cable bending resistance (+/-45° for 5000 cycles), temperature (-55 °C to +135 °C), triple key coding • L ight weight: housing material in aluminum: 2.7 g

These new connectors are part of the world-renowned rugged, compact, and lightweight Fischer UltiMate Series used to ruggedize technology for field operations in extreme environments.

Environmentally sealed to resist extreme shocks and vibrations, these durable and reliable connectors are ideal to interconnect devices, equipment, hubs and embedded electronic systems where weight matters, for example in defense & security, industrial, instrumentation, marine & underwater, as well as robotics and unmanned vehicles.

The Fischer UltiMate connectors’ resinsealed contact block offers extreme sealing (up to IP68 / IP69 even unmated, gastight, CBRN decontamination), high shock and vibration resistance, as well as superior cable resistance in terms of traction.

More info: Fischer UltiMate 80 (PDF) Fischer UltiMate Series: www. fischerconnectors.com/global/en/ products/ultimate

• E nvironmental sealing: connector Ingress Protection mated and unmated: IP68 sealing 2m/24h.

The Fischer UltiMate 80 connector comes as a pre-cabled plug, and a pre-cabled and/or panel receptacle.

As for the new Fischer UltiMate connector in size 15, it meets special power and high-speed data requirements for further design and technology developments with various contact layouts (2, 4, 8, 4+12 or 27 signal and power contacts).

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SEEPEX

MAINTAINING OUR LARGE PUMPS IS NOW SIMPLER THAN EVER The Rotor and Drive Joint Access from SEEPEX for large standard pumps saves up to 80% in maintenance time.

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EEPEX creates direct access at the beginning of the second quarter of 2021. With the so-called Rotor Joint Access (RJA) and Drive Joint Access (DJA) for the new BNM range, the Bottropbased company has ensured that, from now on, one wrench will suffice for the maintenance of large standard pumps with an individual component weight of up to 300 kg. Due to the size of larger pumps, inspection and maintenance can be challenging requiring special tools, piping to be dismantled, and even the pump to be moved out of place in some instances. The pump specialist and expert in digital solutions now has a remedy: RJA and DJA for large standard pumps allows access to both the rotor and drivesided joint. The often time-consuming disassembly or even complete removal for maintenance is now a thing of the past.

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Rotor Joint Access and Drive Joint Access for hopper pumps were the inspiration The individual components for large pumps often weigh several hundred kilos.

From the piping to the pressure branch, stator and suction casing, almost the entire pump has had to be taken apart for the maintenance of our “giants” until now. Often it has even been necessary for them to be transported to a workshop.

The maintenance could therefore extend over several days, meaning high costs and an enormous amount of work for the system operator.

RJA and DJA for the new BNM range from SEEPEX provide a solution with userfriendly and cost-saving maintenance technology for the large models with an individual component weight of up to 300 kg. The maintenance solutions were developed on the basis of the already

SEEPEX

well-established Drive Joint and Rotor Joint Access solutions, which make the maintenance of hopper pumps easier and provide easy access to the joints and seals.

Technically, however, the maintenance solution for large standard pumps is different from that of hopper pumps. In the case of hopper pumps, two sliding housing elements at the beginning and end of the hopper provide access to the rotor- or drive-side joint. For the considerably shorter block pumps, RJA and DJA make do with only one sliding housing element at the rotor connection.

Access to the drive-side joint and the seal is made possible by the foot that is additionally attached to the suction casing. The entire rotating unit can therefore be removed without the need for an additional sliding housing section on the drive side.

Loosening the Rotor with a Wrench “RJA and DJA will make things immensely easier for mechanics on site in the future.

Even non-professionals can maintain the pumps. With a simple wrench, the rotating unit can be loosened to change the rotor and stator,” promises Jörg Brune, Head of Mechanical Development and Innovation Strategies at SEEPEX. For standard maintenance situations such as a rotor, stator or mechanical seal replacement,

SEEPEX expects a drastic reduction of 80% in the time required. The reason for this is that flanges and joints can remain mounted. This increases the operating time, while the regular, simple inspection and maintenance of the wearing parts with standard tools ensures trouble-free operation.

Unique Patented Solution Previously, with standard pumps, the retaining straps of the sleeves had to be cut open and the joint dismantled for inspection and maintenance. During reassembly, the joint parts had to be reinserted, the sleeve pushed over the joint with a lot of force and the sleeve filled with grease again. New retaining straps would have to be fastened again with a special tool. SEEPEX’s special rotor connection makes it possible now for the joints of the pump to remain mounted for the replacement of the rotor. This solution is unique; until now, other manufacturers have performed the separation process behind the joint or in the middle of the coupling rod, requiring the joint to be dismantled to replace the rotor. RJA and DJA for large standard pumps are already patented in Germany, France, Great Britain and Denmark.

again underlining its market leadership in the field of innovative maintenance solutions. These include the Smart Conveying Technology (SCT), which was introduced in 2008 and still sets standards in the maintenance of smaller standard progressive cavity pumps. While RJA and DJA is a tubular stator-based maintenance solution for large pumps, SCT relies on a two-part stator that allows the pump to be assembled and disassembled in a space-saving manner with just a few hand movements. SEEPEX is one of the world’s leading specialists in the field of pump technology. The product portfolio comprises progressive cavity pumps, pump systems and digital solutions. SEEPEX also offers innovative solutions for the conveyance of aggressive or abrasive media with low to high viscosities. The company was founded in 1972 and has more than 800 employees at locations in 70 countries, with 423 of them working at the company’s headquarters in the German city of Bottrop. h t t p s : // w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=ShkAZrOahHQ

Innovations for Maintenance With this solution, which will be available from the spring of 2021, SEEPEX is once 03 - AUTOMATION Mag - JUNE 2021

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SEEQ

SEEQ ANNOUNCES $50 MILLION SERIES C FUNDING ROUND LED

BY INSIGHT PARTNERS Insight Partners joins Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, Cisco Investments and Second Avenue Partners to fund Seeq product and market expansion.

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eeq Corporation, a leader in manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, announced today it has closed a $50 million Series C funding round, led by global venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners. The round includes participation from existing investors Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, Cisco Investments and Second Avenue Partners. This round brings Seeq’s total funding since inception to approximately $115 million.

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Seeq enables engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly analyze, predict, collaborate, and share insights to improve production and business outcomes. Seeq customers include companies in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, mining, food and beverage, and other process industries. This funding will accelerate Seeq’s expansion of development, sales, and marketing resources, and help increase the company’s presence in international markets.

“We are pleased to close our Series C funding efforts with the support of Insight Partners to scale our business and enable manufacturing organizations to make data-driven decisions,” said Steve Sliwa, CEO and Co-Founder of Seeq. “By leveraging big data, machine learning, and computer science innovations, Seeq is enabling a new generation of softwareled insights.”

SEEQ

“Seeq has established themselves as the leader in process manufacturing and IIoT analytics, and we believe they will continue to transform the way companies find and share insights and make faster decisions,” says Matt Koran, Vice President at Insight Partners. “The company has achieved incredible growth to date, and we are excited to partner with them to help execute their vision for a new generation of machine-learning enabled analytics.”

Seeq’s comprehensive set of applications for analyzing and sharing insights on process manufacturing data includes Workbench for easy to use advanced analytics, Organizer for publishing reports and dashboards, Data Lab for accessing Python libraries, and Cortex for IT governance, data connectivity, and calculation features.

Seeq was recognized in 2020 by Inc. Magazine as #261 on their 2020 list of the Fastest Growing Companies, #76 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500, and chosen as a Red Herring Top 100 North American winner.

Seeq’s rapid growth is being fueled in part by its partnerships and commitment to cloud-based computing. Seeq is available in the AWS Marketplace and is an AWS Industrial Competency Partner. On Azure, Seeq has been available in the Azure Marketplace since 2019 and was recently recognized as a 2020 Microsoft Energy Partner of the Year Finalist.

Solutions, Inductive Automation, AVEVA, AspenTech, Yokogawa, and others.

Seeq is available worldwide through a global partner network of system integrators, which provides training and resale support for Seeq in over 25 countries, in addition to its direct sales organization in North America and Europe. www.seeq.com

In addition to cloud partnerships, Seeq connects to an extensive set of automation vendor data storage platforms for on premise engagements including OSIsoft, Siemens, GE, Honeywell, Emerson Automation

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FPT INDUSTRIAL

PT INDUSTRIAL ENGINES F AT YOUR FINGERTIPS AWAY: INTRODUCING THE MYFPT APP For all FPT Industrial engine users, and there are millions all over the world, great news is on the way: it’s called MyFPT and it is the smartphone application that not only places all the data, user’s manuals and service schedules for FPT Industrial engines and machinery equipped with the brand’s engines, literally in the hands of the user, but it also provides the operating status of the power unit in real time (such as the RPM, temperature, consumption, etc.) and it lets you request assistance with a simple “tap”.

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n fact, MyFPT offers two types of service: connected and not connected.

The latter includes all engine data, such as technical and specific information on emissions, complete technical documentation with user and service manuals, and a section dedicated to replacement parts, detailing the most frequently replaced parts. From the non-connected services section you can also contact the FPT Industrial Customer Center to request assistance or information on the engine, as well as find the nearest dealer.

The services provided when connected, using a Bluetooth dongle connected to the engine diagnostics socket, enable the customer to monitor the operation and status of all their registered FPT engines in real time. In fact, the customer can view “live” data relative to engine RPM, operating temperature, fluid levels and fuel consumption. Any anomaly is immediately detected, and the relative codes are sent directly to the Customer Center in order to reduce diagnostics times. In fact, the customer can follow the correct procedure to get back to operation as quickly as possible, where necessary activating the assistance service.

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FPT INDUSTRIAL

Launched in July 2020 on the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/it/app/ myfpt/id1513628544) and Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.fpt.engineapp) for smartphones with iOS and Android technology, it is now available in new markets and with new connected features. MyFPT enriches the range of post-sales services FPT Industrial offers its customers, significantly facilitating the work and lives of those who need to constantly monitor a high number of engines simultaneously, such as fleet managers. Designed and developed leveraging the expertise of the CNH Industrial Digital Hub, MyFPT underwent extensive testing with end users, resulting in extremely positive feedback.

MyFPT enriches the range of after-sales services the brand offers its customers thanks to the AMS (Aftermarket Solutions) team. Characterized by the centrality of the customer the approach seeks to humanize the connection and relationship between the brand, the after-sales organization and end users, and services include listening to customer requirements with the Voice of the Customer and Customer Satisfaction Measurement. The proactive services, dedicated to guiding the customer to

solving and preventing problems, include the toll-free number, active 24/7, remote electronic monitoring and control services – the findings of which flow into the Control Room – and Product Support which, along with the Dealer Network, guarantees quick resolution of any critical issue. Given the vast range of engines manufactured by FPT Industrial and their many different uses, AMS provides customers with personalized solutions that include original replacement parts, service and overhaul kits, refurbished components, warranty extensions and services dedicated to OEM products.

“Placing the customer at the heart of our business is our mantra as well as being the concept on which we based the development of the new app”, said Riccardo Rebora, Marketing & Customer Care manager for FPT Industrial Aftermarket Solutions. “We aim to be the ideal partner for any daily mission our customers may have and their satisfaction is our driving force. We want to give our customers the best possible support at all times.” https://cloudfront.cdn.fptindustrial. com/global/en/pages/home.aspx

MyFPT is free, but users must register in order to take advantage of the services and to have all their FPT Industrial engines constantly monitored. The Bluetooth dongle, required to access the connected services, is available for purchase through the FPT Dealer Network. The Dongle is available in 25 countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgary, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherland, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and USA.

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IDS IMAGING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS

CAP CLOSED Camera-based cap control with artificial intelligence.

40 different colours and shades are reliably detected

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trong price pressure combined with high quality requirements - the beverage and bottle industry faces the classic dilemma of many industries.

This is also the case in the quality control department of a French manufacturer of plastic caps. Reliably detecting cracks and micro-cracks on plastic caps in 40 different colours and shades running at high speed on a production line is a real challenge. APREX Solutions from Nancy, France has successfully achieved this goal with the help of image processing technology and artificial intelligence. The basic images are provided by a USB 3 industrial camera from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH. SOLOCAP is a subsidiary of La Maison Mélan Moutet, “flavour conditioner since 1880” and manufactures all types of plastic caps for the food sector at its

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industrial site in Contrexéville. Among them, a top-class screw cap suitable for any glass or PET bottle. Thanks to a clampable lamella ring arranged around the bottle collar, it enables simple, fast, absolutely tight and secure seal. However, the slats must be reliably and extremely carefully checked for cracks, tears and twists during production. This is the only way to guarantee absolute tightness.

The previous inspection system could not meet these high requirements. APREX Solutions realised the new solution with artificial intelligence individually on the basis of in-house software algorithms.

The necessary specifications were developed in advance in cooperation with the customer. This also included several inspection stages, one of which, for example, was the reject control to avoid

IDS IMAGING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS

The APREX inspection system checks plastic caps for defects running at high speed on a production line.

false reports. The introduction took place in two phases: First, the specific “SOLOCAP application” was trained with the help of the intelligent APREX Track AI solution. The software includes various object detector, classifier and standard methods that operate at different levels. Networked accordingly, they ultimately deliver the desired result tailored to the customer. Four control levels with several test points guarantee a reliability rate of over 99.99%.

In the second step, this application was implemented in the production line right after the first assembly run with APREX Track C&M. The latter was specially developed for the diverse image processing requirements in the industrial sector. This includes, among other things, the control and safeguarding of a production line up to the measurement, identification and classification of defects in the production environment.

The software suite delivers the desired results quickly and efficiently, without time-consuming development processes.

After a short training of the AI methods, the complete system is ready for use at the customer. In the case of SOLOCAP, it combines an IDS UI-3280CP-CHQ industrial camera, powerful ring illumination and a programmable logic controller (PLC) to provide comprehensive control over all inspection processes. At the same time, it records all workflows

in real time and ensures complete traceability. Only one camera is needed for this. However, APREX TRACK C&M could handle up to 5 cameras.

“The difficulty of this project consisted mainly in the very subtle expression of the defects we were looking for and in the multitude of colours. With our software suite, it was possible to quickly set up an image processing application. Despite the complexity,” explains Romain Baude - founder APREX Solutions. The image from the camera provides the basis for the evaluations. It captures every single cap directly in the production line at high speed and makes the smallest details visible to the software.

One crucial component: the camera The UI-3280CP-C-HQ industrial camera integrated into the system with the 5 MP IMX264 CMOS sensor from Sony sets new standards in terms of light sensitivity, dynamic range and colour reproduction. The USB 3 industrial camera provides excellent image quality with extraordinarily low-noise performance at frame rates up to 36 fps. CP stands for “Compact Power”. This is because the tiny powerhouse for industrial applications of all kinds is fast, reliable and enables a high data rate of 420 MByte/s with low CPU load. Users can choose from a large number of modern CMOS sensors from manufacturers such as Sony, CMOSIS, e2v and ON Semiconductor with a wide range

of resolutions. Its innovative, patented housing design with dimensions of only 29 x 29 x 29 millimetres makes it suitable for tasks in the fields of automation, automotive, medical technology and life sciences, agriculture, logistics as well as traffic and transport, among others.

Screwable cables ensure a reliable electrical connection. Thanks to the IDScharacteristic plug & play principle, the cameras are automatically recognised by the system and are immediately ready for use, as Romain Baude confirms: “The excellent colour reproduction of the UI3280CP-C-HQ and its high resolution of 5 MP were decisive factors for us in choosing the camera. At the same time, the model enabled a quick, uncomplicated integration into our system.”

Outlook Anthony Vastel - Head of Technology and Industry at SOLOCAP - sees a lot of potential in the new inspection system: “APREX’s AI-based approach has opened new doors for our 100% vision-based quality control. Our requirements for product safety, but also for reject control, especially in the case of false reports, were quickly met. We are convinced that we can go one step further by continuing to increase the efficiency of the system at SOLOCAP and transferring it to other production lines.” AI offers quality assurance, but also all other industries in which image processing technology is used, new, undreamed-of fields of application. It makes it possible to solve tasks in which classic, rule-based image processing reaches its limits. Thus, high-quality results can be achieved with comparatively little effort - quickly, creatively and efficiently.

APREX Solutions and IDS have recognised this and offer solutions with intelligent products that make it easier for customers to enter this new world. Image processing and AI - a real dream team on course for growth… https://en.ids-imaging.com/

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FPT INDUSTRIAL

CONTINUED GROWTH FOR INDUSTRIAL NETWORKS DESPITE PANDEMIC - INDUSTRIAL NETWORK MARKET SHARES 2021 ACCORDING TO HMS NETWORKS Every year, HMS Networks carries out a study of the industrial network market to analyze the distribution of new connected nodes in factory automation. This year’s study shows that, despite the Corona pandemic, the industrial network market is expected it to grow by 6% in 2021. Industrial Ethernet still shows the highest growth and now has 65% of new installed nodes (64% last year), while fieldbuses are at 28% (30). Wireless networks continue to climb and are now at 7%.

PROFINET passes EtherNet/IP at the top of the network rankings with 18% market share compared to 17%.

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MS Networks now presents their annual analysis of the industrial network market, focusing on new installed nodes within factory automation globally. As an independent supplier of solutions within Industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology), HMS has a substantial insight into the industrial network market. The 2021 study includes estimated market shares and growth rates for fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet and Wireless technologies.

The study concludes that the industrial network market is showing signs of regained stability and HMS expects the total market to grow by 6% in 2021.

Anders Hansson, Chief Marketing Officer, HMS Networks

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Industrial Ethernet is growing steadily Growing by 8%, Industrial Ethernet continues to take market share. Industrial Ethernet now makes up for 65% of the global market of new installed nodes in Factory Automation (compared to 64% last year). EtherNet/IP and PROFINET are fighting for first place, but this year PROFINET passes EtherNet/IP at the top of the network rankings with 18% market share compared to 17%. EtherCAT continues to perform well globally and now matches the leading fieldbus PROFIBUS at 8% market share. Modbus TCP is next at 5% market share and together with fieldbus brother Modbus RTU, these Modbus technologies now account for 10% of the market, confirming their continued importance in factory installations globally.

FPT INDUSTRIAL

Market shares 2021 according to HMS Networks – fieldbus, industrial Ethernet and wireless.

Fieldbus decline halted The ongoing fieldbus decline reported

by HMS in recent years is almost halted with a fieldbus decrease of only -1% in 2021, as factories tend to stick to existing technologies to a higher degree in uncertain times, such as during the pandemic. Fieldbuses are now at 28% market share of the total amount of new installed nodes (30% last year). PROFIBUS is still the clear fieldbus leader at 8% followed by Modbus-RTU at 5% share and CC-Link at 4%.

Wireless is here to stay Wireless continues to grow rapidly at a rate of 24%. Wireless now has 7% market share but the market still awaits the full impact of 5G in factories. With ongoing global activities about wireless cellular technologies as enablers for next level smart manufacturing, HMS expects that market demand will increase for wirelessly connected devices and machines to be included in the less cabled and flexible automation architectures of the future.

Smart and sustainable manufacturing requires networking “Industrial network connectivity for devices and machines is key to obtain smart and sustainable manufacturing, and this is the main driver for the growth we see in the industrial networking market,” says Anders Hansson, Chief Marketing Officer at HMS Networks.

“Factories are constantly working to optimize productivity, sustainability, quality, flexibility and security. Solid industrial networking is key to achieving these objectives.”

Scope The study includes HMS’ estimation for 2021 based on number of new installed nodes within Factory Automation. A node is defined as a machine or device connected to an industrial field network. The presented figures represent HMS’ consolidated view, considering insights from colleagues in the industry, our own sales statistics and overall perception of the market. https://www.hms-networks.com

Regional network variations EtherNet/IP and PROFINET are leading in Europe and the Middle East with PROFIBUS and EtherCAT as runners up.

Other popular networks are Modbus (RTU/TCP) and Ethernet POWERLINK. The U.S. market is dominated by EtherNet/ IP with EtherCAT gaining some market share. PROFINET and EtherNet/IP lead a fragmented Asian market, followed by strong contenders CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT and Modbus (RTU/TCP).

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SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS

SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS DEPLOYS A FLEET OF ROBOTS FOR LINE-SIDE AUTOMATION AT FPT INDUSTRIAL News from Sherpa Mobile Robotics, who have announced their first installation with fleet management. For a several weeks now, six SHERPA-B AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) have been co-working in total safety in the midst of humans, AGVs, forklifts and other industrial machines at FPT Industrial.

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he FPT Industrial plant in BourbonLancy, in the Saône-et-Loire region, assembles 35,000 high-powered gas and diesel engines per year, destined for agricultural machinery, buses and trucks.

adapt to their environment with its constraints and constant evolution. SMR proposed a complete reorganization of the assembly line with the support of a fleet of six robots managed by its Fleet Management System software.

These parts are large and heavy, and with the specific tools needed for their assembly, the pallets were taking up too much space in the assembly line.

Parts flow management and operator movements were not optimized. “We wanted to improve the logistics flow and the working conditions of our operators,” explains Ms. Faivre, Logistics Product Manager at FPT.

Objective: one piece flow The assembly was reorganized into two parallel lines separated by a central aisle.

To achieve its objectives, FPT called on Sherpa Mobile Robotics and its mobile and collaborative robots. Unlike AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), these AMRs do not rely on dedicated paths.

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One line is dedicated to the preparation of the sub-assemblies and the other to the assembly of the 150 engines to be produced each day, working in two shifts.

The six robots are deployed in twos, two each for the three assembly stations for motor supports, motor flywheels and basins.

At the robot’s departure point, one person prepares the parts. When the robot

SHERPA MOBILE ROBOTICS of the work area showing the robots’ movements, with mission indicators (time, movement, charge, etc.) for each robot along with their battery status. A Shercom module indicates the traffic in the area of the robots.

loads. Because the flow is managed more smoothly, this increases productivity. The robots are used 20 hours a day. In total, 450 robot missions are carried out daily.”

“By increasing our productivity and getting closer to one piece flow, these robots are fully in line with our 4.0 strategy,” says Faivre.

arrives at the assembly line, another person is there to receive the parts.

The robots have three programmed missions for each of the assembly stations. Each robot brings a prepared and assembled sub-assembly from the preparation area to the assembly area and then returns.

Central to this organization is line side management that is both automated and mobile. The operators stay in their work area. The Sherpa robots come to them, carrying the parts and specific tools.

The parts are prepared elsewhere, in the preparation line, where they are unpacked and laid out ready for assembly, along with the necessary tools. “The robot arrives at the right time with the right part,” explains Damien Winling, Technical Director at SMR. Using this fleet makes assembly tasks less arduous and reduces the risks associated with transporting

Flexible paths thanks to AMR technology The advantage of Sherpa robots is that they can move about in the midst of operators, trucks and AGVs. The AMRs do not use laser guidance or ground markers but rely on their intelligence and ability to create maps of the space and predefined routes, unlike AGVs which do not deviate from their routes.

They offer maximum safety with regard to people, obstacles, and transported material. Each robot is equipped with a Lidar (360° laser navigation sensor), a robust and reliable localization system and safety sensors to detect obstacles on the ground. The sensitive edges stop the robot if it touches an obstacle. Their safety electronics provide the means of verifying that the various instructions given to the external elements (motors, sensors, etc.) are correct.

“Because of their ease of use, these robots were readily accepted by the operators,” says Ms. Forat, WCM logistics coordinator at FPT. “Their intuitive interface and controls are made easier by the Follow Me mode, where the robot moves in interaction with the operator” adds Mr. Figueira, Logistics Method Technician.

An advanced fleet management assistant Sherpa Mobile Robotics has developed its own Fleet Management System (FMS).

The software offers a mapped view

The FMS communicates with each robot which has previously defined mission.

The operator on the preparation side dispatches the robot when it is loaded and ready. The FMS is notified when the operator indicates the end of the mission on the robot screen (HMI). The FMS manages the sequence of the robots and can put them on hold in a dedicated area.

The same principle applies to the assembly side: the FMS is informed when an assembly is completed, it returns the robot to the preparation area and inserts it into the next sequence.

Managing the fleet of Sherpa robots meant that they had be able to operate in the midst of an existing flow of AGV robots. For this purpose, SMR developed a barrier system with virtual doors which open or close depending on the AGV traffic. When the AGV has passed, and with the help of reliable communications, it opens the door again to the SHERPA robots which continue their mission.

Customers can always change the configuration of the robots themselves or change their missions. The FMS functions in alternation with Follow Me mode: when the robot is in the assembly area, it switches to Follow Me mode and follows the operator’s movements thanks to the on-board sensors. The fleet manager is a hardware independent system, which works with all the robots in the SHERPA range. The robots and the FMS are plug and play modules, they do not require any modification to the client’s infrastructure or IT. “Integrating these six robots has allowed us to acquire substantial experience of fleet management in an existing environment. We will be able to deploy these new skills at other customers looking for this type of technology” concludes Damien Winling, Project Manager at SMR. www.sherpa-mr.com 03 - AUTOMATION Mag - JUNE 2021

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FUZZY LOGIC ROBOTICS

FROM CAD TO CONTROL WITH ONE SOFTWARE Fuzzy Logic Robotics, Paris, March 25th 2021 is announcing the first release of Fuzzy Studio™ during Hannover Messe Industry 2021, a game changer for unlocking flexible robotic production.

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rag and drop CAD parts into the 3D digital twin, automatically generate complex trajectories and deploy to the production robot in one click - all with one universal software platform.

With two clicks, swap between any make and model of robot to find the right one for the application - no need to switch softwares and redo time-intensive design work.

From offline simulation to real-time control, Fuzzy Studio removes the gap between simulation and reality to reduce downtime and streamline the robotics workflow.

Handles even the most complex robotic applications and accessible to any size of company.

Designed from the ground up to drastically reduce the need of robotics expertise thanks to no-code real-time digital twin technology.

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The problem until today Both industrial and collaborative robotics are too costly for truly flexible production due to the complexity of software and integration.

Today, only a few handling applications, such as pick-and-place, have been made

FUZZY LOGIC ROBOTICS

truly accessible to non-experts and thus cost-effective for flexible production.

The vast majority of robotic and cobotic applications, however, require complex and heterogeneous software tools and brand experts.

These tools require significant training and expertise. As a result, more than 75% of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a robot are related to software training and services in standard mass production.

In flexible production, this number can skyrocket to over 90% of the TCO and kill the potential return on investment of the robotic system.

Solution: one intuitive platform for all steps Fuzzy Studio is an easy-to-use and universal software platform which reduces robotics programming costs by 10!

With Fuzzy Studio any factory can automate with robotics quickly, simply and cost-effectively - even for complex applications in processing, dispensing and welding.

Select robots from an extensive library Browse through a comprehensive collection of robot models from the supported brands and filter by specification.

entire application with one click to the production robot and bridge the gap between simulation and reality. Monitor and adjust processes directly and in realtime.

Import cad and 3d files easily Quickly construct a robotic system with high fidelity and interactive CAD and 3D objects. Formats supported: 40+ formats including industrial CAD STEP and IGES.

About Fuzzy Logic Robotics Born out of the top robotics research institutes in France, Fuzzy Logic Robotics was founded by a Franco-American team of robotics experts who saw a new way to control and program the next generation of robotic applications.

Find the right end-of-arm tooling Select from multiple tooling options from top manufacturers or import custom designed tools. All supported tools are plug and play compatible.

Visually create and modify trajectories No more confusing lines of code or coordinate systems. Visually construct tool trajectories. Modify trajectories in real-time, see the changes in 3D, and execute them directly on the real robot.

• One standard interface for all brands of robots.

Drag and drop automatic trajectory generation Drag and drop 3D CAD objects into the design and proprietary algorithms automatically generate tool trajectories, which avoid collisions, save time, enhance performance, and reinforce safety. Turn hours of meticulous labor into a few easy clicks.

• I ndustrial grade precision and performance for real time control of the robot.

Create a full process without code Orchestrate trajectories, tools, sensors, and synchronize I/O. No code to write.

Fuzzy Studio covers all of the steps in the integration of a robotic workcell: from pre-project, design, and commissioning to real-time production control, inline reprogramming and maintenance.

Swap any robot and keep working Thanks to proprietary algorithms, users can easily swap any robot with two clicks in their design to find the right one for the job. All trajectories and processes are automatically re-computed and incompatibilities can be fixed easily.

• Intuitive and simple like a video game.

Designed to accelerate robotic uptake and usage for all stakeholders, from major manufacturers to small and mediumsized businesses, to systems integrators and even robot OEMs.

Thanks to an early client in the audiovisual industry, the founders cracked a radically new paradigm for untrained users to interact with, control and program industrial robots for complex applications for any robot. Their backgrounds enabled them to transpose this innovation to industry.

Fuzzy Logic Robotics provides a pure software solution, to go from CAD to real-time control of robots, making a clear difference in demanding applications such as Grinding, Painting, Welding, and Gluing.

Mission Enable the next revolution in robotic automation by crushing complexity and transforming the way people interact with and use robots. https://youtu.be/CBG1qFjdHDk www.flr.io

Deploy with one click Thanks to deterministic real-time control algorithms: “what you see in simulation is what you get in reality”. Deploy an 03 - AUTOMATION Mag - JUNE 2021

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NORELEM

LINK BY LINK: THE BENEFITS OF SEEING THE FULL CHAIN Design engineering and industrial automation need to work hand in hand to maximise efficiency and reliability – and decisions regarding pulleys, chains and sprockets are critical to making this happen.

Here, Marcus Schneck, CEO of norelem, looks at why seeing the full chain around these products is invaluable…

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ngineering relies on cause and effect. A chain of action and reaction, where desired aims lead directly to desired outcomes. In this chain, every link is crucial – every link needs to play its part, which is why decisions about tensioning solutions, pulleys, sprockets and roller chains are so vital.

These are standard components: products within belt or chain drives that most engineers would be forgiven for paying little attention to. However, even the smallest solution plays a big role, from the reliability and efficiency of these drives to simplifying and speeding up industrial automation. Because even the simplest sprocket is one link in a wider chain of cause and effect that delivers productivity and potential. So, let’s begin by looking at the core links in this chain.

Getting it right: Components and considerations For every chain drive or belt, it’s important to get the basics right. Which means designing custom tensioning solutions that are right for each specific application, with particular consideration given to seemingly the simplest components – such as sprockets and tensioning pulleys.

These components within chain-driven machinery are subjected to extremes of temperature, friction, vibration and corrosion, all of which can hamper performance and long-term reliability. So, it’s critical when designing this machinery to factor in the forces and environments surrounding them. Making the right decision on the sizes, types and forms of tensioning solutions can be the key

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to minimising vibration and extending equipment lifespan and productivity.

Tensioning devices from norelem, for example, comprise chain tensioners, sprocket sets and tension pulleys that can be adapted for individual needs. Built around a clamping element, each unit provides cushioning, support, tensioning and dampening through multifunctional spring bodies composed of highly elastic and dimensionally stable natural rubber.

This effectively safeguards against tearoff and the need for maintenance, while delivering high chemical resistance – a ready-to-install solution with long-term benefits, thanks to customisability and multi-component thinking.

For heavier-duty chain drives, even stronger solutions are required – such as duplex or triplex roller chains and steel sprockets. These are commonly used to drive heavyweight equipment in challenging applications, such as packaging, materials handling or agriculture, delivering power transmission under uniform, non-uniform or impulse conditions.

Whether it’s pulley systems or chains, we need to retain this focus on power transmission, without slippage or failure.

When designing a solution, this should remain at the forefront, as well as the need to mitigate the risk of corrosion or wear. The smoother a chain drive’s operation, after all, the more efficient it remains now and in the long term.

Linking it together: Ancillaries and support Designing an effective, efficient chain drive solution goes beyond thinking about sprockets, pulleys and chains. We need to factor in the ancillary products and support that link everything together.

Firstly, in choosing ancillary products, it’s important to look at the bigger picture of your chain drive solution: its operational requirements and loads, its environment, and longer-term plans for expansion or adaptation. Answering these will lead to more intelligent and effective choices for the standard components that will complete your solution.

Again, there’s a wide range of these available in THE BIG GREEN BOOK from norelem, from toothed belts and stepper motors to tension levers, roller elements and guide rails. Making the most of this, however, depends on our second consideration: support.

NORELEM measuring unit and handling system. They can all be created, quickly and flexibly, using standard components – controlled through a stepper motor, a combination of toothed belt drive and ball screw drive can convey components horizontally, while the addition of an electrical positioning table can feed components across the vertical axis. Pneumatic handling modules fitted with parallel gripper and rotary modules can be used to pick up and pass components, while position indicators and magnetic strips and sensors ensure precision measurement.

This means having access to accurate CAD information, drawings and product datasheets – data which should be core to any design solution. Minimising time, cost and wastage also means securing rapid access to components, efficient delivery and clear communication. All things that, from experience, we at norelem know are integral to the success of any project – to keep the chain moving.

Setting it in motion: Simplifying industrial automation Keeping projects and equipment moving is one thing – but considering the full chain of components and support in design solutions has another, potentially

more impactful, benefit: streamlining and speeding up industrial automation.

Automated production lines are the gold standard of efficiency and cost savings but adopting them can be daunting. Yet it doesn’t need to be. As the global workforce begins to embrace automation, with 72% of workers viewing it as a technology that can actively help them do their jobs better, there’s a clear opportunity to make adoption easier.

Take, for example, a pick-and-place machine. These machines work using a combination of motors, linear and rotary guides and positioning units, and a

The key to this example is the speed and simplicity of creating automated machinery using readily available and quick-to-source standard components, made possible by the use of detailed CAD data to aid in design and manufacture.

Given the typical lead time of a traditional pick-and-place machine is up to three months, designing, installing and commissioning these systems can cut that time to as little as two to four weeks.

Considering the full chain of tension solutions, from pulleys and belts to sprocket sets and steel chains, while also considering the requirements and operating conditions of those solutions, is a major way to design in efficiency and reliability. Working link by link, taking a logical approach at the outset, can cut lead times and deliver immediate and long-term benefits. A clear example of cause and effect.

To learn more about norelem and its range of over 60,000 components, and order your copy of THE BIG GREEN BOOK, visit www.norelem.co.uk

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MOXA

MOXA DEMONSTRATES ITS COMMITMENT TO SECURING INDUSTRIAL NETWORKS BY BECOMING IEC 62443-4-1 CERTIFIED Moxa Inc., a leader in industrial communications and networking, with a focus on securing industrial networks, is delighted to announce it has obtained the IEC 62443-4-1 certification pertaining to cybersecurity standards.

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he certification testing and audit was performed by LCIE Bureau Veritas and issued by the IECEE certification body. Moxa has always been involved in the cybersecurity industry and was one of the first companies globally to become IEC 62443-4-1 certified by the world-leading conformity assessment and certification services provider.

The IEC 62443 standard Part 4-1 defines a secure development lifecycle for the purpose of developing and maintaining secure products used in industrial automation and control systems. The

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MOXA

IEC 62443-4-1 certificate confirms that Moxa has implemented a secure by design methodology from the first day of the product development process, which includes complete security lifecycle management and patch management.

This certificate also demonstrates Moxa’s capability to identify and respond to vulnerabilities and work with customers to mitigate their risks.

According to IDC’s latest worldwide IT and OT Convergence survey in 2020, the key motivations for IT/OT convergence are enhancing operational safety and performance, reducing costs, and improving quality. Another important observation from the report is that globally, 48.8% of IT and OT management owners consider security to be the top barrier to IT/OT convergence. This point highlights the importance OT enterprises place on security when embracing Industry 4.0 or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in order to significantly enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

“In response to our customer’s concerns, Moxa has been actively looking into the security requirements of IEC 62443 standards dating back to when they were still under development in 2016,” said Samuel Chiu, General Manager of Moxa Networking Co. Ltd. “By adhering to the strict verification process of IEC 62443 standards, Moxa not only provides industrial-grade solutions, but also ensures that security is part of the DNA of its reliable networking solutions throughout the product development process. We provide our customers with the assurance that they can connect their valuable assets with Moxa’s solutions and be confident that they can keep their operations running smoothly.”

with the latest technological innovations of edge devices while mitigating the latest cyberthreats. One of the best practices is shared in Enhancing ICS Cybersecurity in the Software Development Lifecycle.

This article, which features on the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance blog, was contributed to by SZ Lin, Assistant Project Manager at the Technology and Research Corporate Division of Moxa. Lin was the first person in Taiwan to be awarded the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert Certificate. In addition to Lin, Felipe Sabino Costa, whose current roles include ISA cybersecurity instructor and Moxa LATAM Industrial Cybersecurity Expert, also pointed out some key criteria in his article Can a Solution Provider Handle Industrial Cybersecurity? 8 Questions to Ask. His article can also be found on the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance blog, and has helped guide business owners to develop mission-critical solutions that include cybersecurity by design.

Before obtaining the IEC 62443-41 certificate in May 2020, Moxa has been following the development of the standard for five years and has designed our products in accordance with its guidelines. In addition, Moxa has spent considerable resources on educating the market about not only the importance of the standard, but how we embed its principles throughout all stages of our hardware and software development.

Only when cybersecurity awareness is increased can industrial network security be enhanced by joint forces. Bearing this in mind, Moxa will continue investing in cybersecurity and work closely with our customers to ensure that “secure by design” solutions can be implemented successfully. www.moxa.com

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ELECTROCRAFT

THE AWARD WINNING MPW GETS A 500 LB. UPGRADE! ElectroCraft, Inc., the global fractional horsepower motor and motion solutions provider, has expanded its award winning MobilePower™ wheel drive family with the MPW86.

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he MPW Wheel Drive features a high torque-density brushless DC motor with a heavy duty integrated planetary gearbox mounted inside the hub of a lightweight aluminum wheel with custom tread. Designed for mobile robot applications, the MPW combines optimum performance with highefficiency, quiet operation and long life.

ElectroCraft MobilePower MPW series wheel drives feature an integrated design that provides increased performance and reliability compared to traditional motor/ gearbox/wheel combinations.

-The MPW52 (150 mm Wheel), provides a best in class peak torque of 12.4 Nm (110 lb.in) at 2.4 meters/second, while carrying up to 68 Kg load (150 lbs.) per wheel.

-The newly released MPW86 (200 mm Wheel), provides a robust peak torque of up to 35 Nm (310 lb.in) at up to 4.3 meters/second, while carrying up to 227 Kg (500 lbs.) per wheel.

Most impressive is the small, lightweight form factor of the wheel drive assembly, while producing industry leading performance. “The result of the integrated design of the MPW featuring ElectroCraft’s high torque density brushless motor technology is in the overall efficiency and performance of the robotic application”, notes Scott Rohlfs Director of Product Marketing. “Robotic OEMs can save space and reduce weight, without sacrificing load capacity and speed.”

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“The MPW86 broadens the ElectroCraft MobilePower lineup. This new model is ideal for larger size Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), motorized carts and tuggers, or practically any battery powered application designed to transport heavy loads. Available with 8 different motor and gearing combinations, the MPW86 offers a variety of speed-torque configurations to match a wide range of application requirements.”

The MPW provides a complete motorized wheel-drive solution for mobile platform OEMs, eliminating the need for the OEM to design a solution using disparate components from several different suppliers. h t t p s : // w w w . e l e c t r o c r a f t . c o m / resources/video/?video=MobilePowerWheel-Drive#MPW86

SATECO

APPEALING TO THE SENSES – SXTA SILICONE ACTUATORS

BY SATECO

The SXTA silicone actuators are available in many different sizes, and their dimensions are customizable for specific projects.

Through its subsidiary, Sateco XT AG, Sateco is breaking new ground and adding the SXTA silicone actuators to its portfolio of established keypad systems.

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he dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA), also known as artificial muscles or electroactive polymers (EAP), can create both haptic and tactile feedback. They are quiet, light, and suitable for many different applications such as automotive, VR, AR, gaming, robotics and general industry.

The base of the stack actuators is freely selectable and can be customized to the available space. Its soft material flexibly adapts itself to curved surfaces and enables its seamless integration between the substrate and surface.

Based on the electrostatic operating principle, the silicone actuators require little energy to maintain their positions.

This allows for long-lasting battery operation, which is an important point for wearable devices.

The actuators’ elastomer material enables a large deflection of 4.5% of its length. It saves on additional damping and preload elements, thereby simplifying the design and reducing manufacturing costs. The actuators can perform both fast pulses and slow deformations while continuously starting and stopping any desired deflection. As a result, the component can simultaneously assume several functions and reduce system complexity.

Thanks to their monolithic design, the actuators are robust, shock and impactresistant, and also ensure high durability, even in rough environments at high (+85°C) and low temperatures (­ 40 °C). https://youtu.be/WjeiJuq_ctU https://www.satecogroup.com/

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COGNEX

INNOVATIVE 3D VISION SYSTEM OPENS UP NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR AUTOMATED INSPECTION An exciting new 3D vision system now makes inspecting parts in 3D as easy as using a 2D smart camera. While optical inspection in 3D previously required a great deal of programming but offered few benefits, Cognex’s new technology brings better image quality, simplified application development, and a wide range of true 3D inspection tools - significantly expanding the range of applications in industrial automation.

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hen it comes to inspecting parts, users can choose from several established technologies. If the decision is made in favor of machine vision, the question arises: Do you need an inspection in 2D or 3D and how much effort is required to implement the respective solution?

Depending on the application, a proven 2D system is then often the first choice, even if the (theoretical) advantages of 3D image processing may be obvious.

There are two reasons for this. The first: Until now, there was no 3D vision system that met the requirements of most inspection applications in terms of ease of use and cost. Threedimensional vision inspection was simply too expensive and complicated for most companies, and there were also few vision tools that worked with true 3D images. So, an additional PC had to be installed to actually solve the application, resulting in significantly more space and programming requirements. The second reason: 2D inspection with a smart camera works very robustly and with great ease of use. Therefore, in many cases, there is or was no real need to make the costly and difficult transition to a 3D inspection system.

All in one: The In-Sight 3D-L4000 simplifies 3D inspections by having image processing already integrated in the system.

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New possibilities for automatic 3D inspection This situation is now changing with the introduction of the In-Sight® 3D-L4000 vision system from machine vision specialist Cognex. This unique smart camera enables engineers to solve a range of inline inspection, guidance and measurement applications on automated production lines quickly, accurately and cost-effectively. It offers a comprehensive suite of true 3D vision tools that are as

easy to use as Cognex’s industry-proven 2D vision tools, thanks to the familiar and robust In-Sight spreadsheet environment.

In addition, the patented speckle-free blue laser optics are an industry first, enabling the capture of high-quality 3D images.

Blue laser optics make the difference Users of 3D image processing are probably familiar with this: Typically, 3D imaging systems struggle with speckle - light effects that occur when laser light is scattered from the surface of the part back to the imaging system. Speckle is a problem in existing 3D vision systems because it changes the appearance of the part and reduces image accuracy. The system can only estimate where the laser is located. To date, no 3D system has been able to eliminate speckle and thus produce good enough images to perform reliable inspection applications in 3D. However, the type of laser used in the InSight 3D-L4000 is a significant technical advance in laser-based imaging - and a reason for the excellent results delivered.

The 3D-L4000 eliminates speckle by using a special laser in the blue light range. As a result, the imager sees a clear laser line, resulting in higher accuracy 3D images. In addition, the laser provides its own illumination for both 3D and 2D images - the system does not require any external light.

On board: Intelligent processing on real 3D point cloud images In most “traditional” laser-based 3D vision systems, the laser head captures an image that is sent to a PC for processing.

At the same time, they offer a limited selection of tools, most of which can only be used for simple height measurement.

COGNEX The dependence on PC programming makes 3D inspections cost-effective only for very complex applications. The InSight 3D-L4000, on the other hand, has its processing power built right in. This allows the vision tools to perform true 3D point cloud inspections without the need for an external controller or third-party PC-based software. A nice side benefit is that with onboard processing, image analysis can be completed in a very short time.

In the past, 3D visual inspection was difficult to understand and use. Most existing systems transform 3D data into 2D images. In doing so, the height of a point is represented as a gray value. So to understand the height information, one uses a false color representation of the rasterized 3D image in the 2D image.

In this representation it is very difficult to see and successfully process the nuances of the 3D part. A common method is to convert a section of the rasterized 2D image into a 1D height profile. However, with the new technology used in the 3DL4000, the image is a pure point cloud; what you see and evaluate is a true 3D image, not a reduction to a 1D height profile. And since 3D inspection is new to most users, the 3D tools are designed so that everyone can fully understand and use the new three-dimensional tools. In other words, you are essentially doing the same thing, but unlike before, you are working on an image that looks exactly like the part itself.

When inspecting welds on rubber hoses, the 3D-L4000 detects even the smallest defects and can take precise measurements.

Intuitive setup with advanced 3D inspection tools – without programming skills Another new feature of the In-Sight 3DL4000 is the use of the intuitive In-Sight Spreadsheet development interface to quickly and easily set up and run 3D applications without the need for programming or external processing. It simplifies application development and streamlines factory integration with a complete I/O and communications feature set. It also allows 2D and 3D vision tools to be combined in the same application, resulting in faster deployments.

The In-Sight 3D-L4000 includes all the traditional 3D measurement tools expected of a 3D vision system, such as for plane and height determination. In addition, it has a comprehensive set of 3D vision tools such as PatMax3D, Blob3D, 3D Geometry and many more, designed from the ground up for inspections in a real 3D space. This makes it easy to measure or identify parts or irregularities on the surface, as well as gaps, edges and angles - even for parts with complex geometry such as pistons or hinges.

A wide range of applications The new 3D-L4000’s technical advancements and user-friendly features make it ideally suited for a wide range of applications in a number of industries, including food and beverage, consumer products, packaging, automotive, medical devices and electronics. Its great ease of use and the fact that no external PC, and therefore no programming skills, are required for setup and processing finally make laser-based 3D imaging a viable and affordable option. Automation engineers now truly have the choice between 2D and 3D. https://www.cognex.com

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EMERSON INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

EMERSON INTRODUCES MAGNETIC TARGET SWITCH FOR POSITION SENSING IN STANDARD-DUTY AND EXTREME-DUTY OPERATION ENVIRONMENTS TopWorx MTS features globally approved certifications and specifications, helping to avoid approval delays.

E The TopWorx MTS is a magnetic, targetactuated, barrel-style switch designed to deliver trusted TopWorx performance together with an outstanding value for hazardous locations requiring explosion proof and intrinsically safe approvals.

merson, a global leader in fluid control and pneumatics technology, has released its TopWorxTM Magnetic Target SwitchTM (MTS) to provide ready-to-install, universallycertified position sensing for explosion proof and intrinsically safe applications.

The hazardous locations-approved TopWorx MTS joins the TopWorx GOTM Switch in the Emerson portfolio of position-sensing products, providing a single source for both standard and heavy-duty position sensors.

The TopWorx MTS is a magnetic, targetactuated, barrel-style switch designed to deliver trusted performance and outstanding value in applications ranging from standard industrial to extremeduty. Featuring universal certifications including IECEx, ATEX, UL, and CSA, the TopWorx MTS can help reduce time to market by avoiding approval delays.

Av a i l a b l e i n g e n e r a l p u r p o s e , intrinsically safe or explosion proof area classifications, the 316L stainless-steel design of the MTS resists corrosion, making it suitable for use in environments including oil and gas, chemical, industrial energy, on-site utilities, mining, minerals and metals, power generation, pulp and paper, waste and wastewater.

“With a tiered range of sensing products, our customers can rely on a single, trusted supplier for everything from standard to extreme-duty capabilities,” said Jeff Jones, global sensing products leader, Emerson.

“Alongside our heavy-duty GO Switch, the MTS is the perfect choice for costconscious position sensing in explosion proof and intrinsically safe applications.”

The TopWorx MTS is built to the same industry-leading standards as the TopWorx switchbox, switchbox enclosures, bus networking, sensor and solenoid valve technology to deliver outstanding value and trusted performance in hazardous locations requiring explosion proof and intrinsically safe applications. www.emerson.com/topworx

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RED LION

RED LION INTRODUCES NT4008 GIGABIT LAYER 2 PROFINET SWITCHES PROFINET Performance without Compromise.

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ed Lion is excited to introduce NT4008, a new 8-port Gigabit managed Industrial Ethernet switch series. The NT4008 series switches are certified to meet PROFINET PNIO v2.34 Conformance Class-B standards to ensure seamless integration into PROFINET networks using standard PLC configuration and management tools.

Red Lion’s NT4008 are UL Class 1, Division 2 and ATEX listed for use in hazardous and ordinary locations, ABS certified for shipboard applications and EN50155 certified for rail applications, ensuring reliable operation in nearly any environment. The IP-30 metal DIN-Rail enclosures, redundant 12–58 VDC power inputs, wide -40 to 75 °C operating temperature ranges and up to 50G shock resistance handle even the most extreme industrial conditions.

With copper and fiber options in both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit configurations, as well as advanced security and traffic control, Red Lion’s NT4008 combines the power of PROFINET real-time data exchange with the performance and trusted reliability only Red Lion can deliver. This helps to ensure the success of Industry 4.0 initiatives worldwide.

To learn more about Red Lion’s NT4008 Layer 2 PROFINET switches, visit www.redlion.net

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ROHDE & SCHWARZ

ROHDE & SCHWARZ AND IHP FIRST TO CHARACTERIZE D-BAND FREQUENCIES IN OVER-THE-AIR TEST SETUP FOR 6G AND AUTOMOTIVE RADAR Academia and key industry players have identified the D-Band, ranging from 110 GHz to 170 GHz, as a candidate frequency band for beyond 5G and 6G mobile communications as well as for future automotive radar applications. Rohde & Schwarz continues its pioneering sub-THz research efforts with focus in this frequency range, reaching new milestones. In collaboration with IHP, Rohde & Schwarz has performed the industry’s first full 2D/3D antenna characterization of transceiver modules operating in the D-Band.

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ROHDE & SCHWARZ

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imilar to 5G networks and devices supporting mmWave frequencies, antenna systems and RF transceiver modules for future mobile communications standards or automotive radar applications will share the same features that make their testing a challenge. Their wide frequency range, a greater number of antenna elements and the lack of conventional external RF connectors will demand testing over-theair in a shielded environment. Wireless communications test expert Rohde & Schwarz and IHP GmbH (Innovations for High Performance Microelectronics) have transferred this test method successfully into sub-THz range: They demonstrated the first full 2D/3D overthe-air measurements of a radar module at D-Band frequencies.

The test setup consists of the R&S ATS1000 antenna test system, the R&S ZNA43 vector network analyzer and the R&S AMS32 antenna measurement software from Rohde & Schwarz. The R&S ATS1000 antenna test system is a compact and mobile shielded chamber solution for OTA and antenna measurements, ideal for 5G mmWave applications. To cover the D-Band frequencies, extensions from Radiometer Physics GmbH, a Rohde & Schwarz company, are used in the setup, which allow direct frequency conversion at the probe in both transmit and receive directions. No mechanical modifications or additional RF cabling to the antenna test system is necessary. The setup can measure the amplitude and phase coherent response of a DUT radiating in the D-Band. Fully automated 3D-pattern measurements including post-processing can be performed in short time thanks to the R&S AMS32 software options for nearfield to farfield transformation and the highly accurate precision positioner.

IHP provided four different devices under test (DUT), based on the same D-Band radar transceiver chipset but with different antenna structures, including on-chip single and stacked patches with air trenches and an on-chip antenna array. The over-the-air characterization verified the wider bandwidth provided by the stacked patches than that by the single patch.

The performance of the various DUTs was characterized by spherical measurements, using two different setups. By increasing the angular theta step-size from 1 degree to 5 degree, the total test times for a DUT could be reduced from 70 minutes to 12 minutes.

By comparing the different DUT designs based on the obtained measurement data, researchers of IHP were able to analyze the effect of the finite on-board reflector area on the radar sensor FoV (field-of-view).

Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Systems & Projects at Rohde & Schwarz says: “We are excited to work with such an excellent partner as Innovations for High Performance Microelectronics on advancing our industry-leading test solutions for over-the-air testing. These joint efforts will help researchers and key industry players to test and characterize antenna systems and transceiver modules for future automotive radar applications and wireless communication standard, that we eventually call 6G.” For further information on OTA measurements in the D-Band, watch the video at: https://www.rohde-schwarz. com/_251220-987264.html To learn more about of the initiatives of Rohde & Schwarz beyond 5G, go to https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/ wireless/B5G

Prof. Gerhard Kahmen, Managing Director of IHP, says: “Sub-THz frequency systems are getting more and more attention in research and many fields of application.

The Rohde & Schwarz OTA test system, extended to D-Band, provides an excellent way to characterize radiation patterns of the complex antenna structures, realized in our D-Band radar chips, in a time efficient and precise way. For IHP, these measurements are valuable to understand the physics of the antenna structures and to further improve their performance. The very successful cooperation with an industrial partner leading in the field of wireless and mmWave communication shows the benefit of close interaction between research and application.”

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TELEDYNE FLIR

INSIGHTS FROM THE FIELD: PREVENTING ASSET FAILURE, PRODUCTION LINE SHUTDOWNS, AND FIRES THROUGH THERMAL AUTOMATION CAMERAS The Insights from the Field series features insight from FLIR experts who recommend, deploy, and use thermal imaging technology every day. Join us as we discuss the diverse applications of thermal technology in security, safety, and equipment protection for critical infrastructure.

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hermal cameras are not only used to safeguard property and people but also to protect mission-critical equipment. At manufacturing plants, maintenance teams want to aggregate data to continually evaluate an asset’s health and know if it is about to fail.

Production managers are keen to catch process anomalies that result in faulty products or packaging before these products leave the production line. Safety managers need to detect excessive heat buildup on fuel, hazardous material,

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and electrical components before combustion occurs and a fire breaks out. By deploying thermal cameras for condition monitoring, process control, and fire prevention applications, plant managers ensure maximum uptime and avoid catastrophic events.

Why Thermal?

Because temperature changes can be an early indicator of equipment deterioration, non-uniform temperature profiles on

TELEDYNE FLIR

products, or a hotspot area, thermal automation cameras are a premier choice for plant managers. Radiometric thermal cameras yield a temperature value for every pixel in an image and clearly visualize the temperature differences of a surveyed area. Upon exceeding a specific temperature threshold, a thermal automation camera sends an alarm, or, if integrated with other control processes, triggers an action to deescalate the situation.

FLIR automation cameras in action FLIR offers an array of radiometric thermal cameras that are highly effective automation solutions. Here are three examples of how FLIR automation cameras made a difference for critical facilities in the industrial sector.

Steel Mill and Condition Monitoring: Few equipment failures are as dangerous and damaging as a steel breakout at a steel mill, where a ladle or torpedo enclosure ruptures and pours out hundreds of tons of 1400 °C (2552 °F) molten iron onto the plant floor. Because hotspots can occur on this machinery in less than a minute, engineer service company ANT Automation provides its steel mill customers with a Continuous Infrared Analysis (CIRA) platform. The cornerstone of the CIRA solution is reliable thermal imaging from a FLIR automation camera, which monitors the entire surface of ladles and torpedoes; provides historical temperature data to distinguish between typical splashes and hotspots, and sends an alarm to personnel to act upon true hotspot detection. As a result, ANT Automation customers experience heightened equipment protection, cheaper insurance premiums, and greater peace of mind.

Paper Mill and Process Control: At paper mills, calendering—or the process of putting paper webs through hard pressure rollers to smooth the paper— is important. However, excess moisture can occur on the paper web between the rollers, damaging roll covers and causing downtime. One North America paper

manufacturer experienced an average of 30 moisture events annually where each event equated to $100,000 in losses. To remedy the situation, the manufacturer turned to Eigen, an AI-enabled vision solution provider. Eigen provided a platform that featured FLIR automation cameras, an edge computing device, and analytics software. The FLIR cameras continuously monitor the paper web prior to it entering the calender machine and upon detection of cold streaks, trigger an unload alarm so that calendar stacks are opened and roll covers are cleaned. Eigen estimates its automation solution will result in 300 unloads for a total savings of $1.2 million.

Waste Facility and Fire Prevention – Based in the town of Legnago in Northern Italy, Ecologica Tredi operates an 11,000 square meter facility that specializes in the recovery and treatment of special, hazardous, and non-hazardous waste.

Should material combust and cause a fire at the plant, the consequences include unwanted pollutants released into the environment, damaged equipment, and lengthy business interruptions.

To enhance workplace safety and meet regulation compliance, Ecologica Tredi partnered with Thermostick Elettrotecnica, who specializes in unconventional fire detection systems.

Thermostick Elettrotecnica provided a comprehensive monitoring control and alarm system based on FLIR automation cameras. These FLIR cameras monitor work and storage areas and upon specified alarm events, can activate sprinklers or cannons. Thermostick Elettrotecnica also deployed a FLIR AX8 camera to survey material on the conveyor belt coming out of a shredder. Upon identifying abnormally high temperatures, the belt stops. After completing its audit of the facility, the Ministry of Interior said Ecologica Tredi was one of the most equipped for fire prevention.

These are just a few deployments that demonstrate how automation solutions, like the FLIR A400/A700 Smart Thermal Sensor camera, can be used to avoid

unplanned outages, production line shutdowns, fires, and other “surprise” events that cause substantial disruptions and financial loss.

Deplpoyment recommendation When evaluating how to implement thermal cameras for your automation application, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

• S elect an Accurate Camera: For automation, accurate radiometric thermal images is key. Select a highresolution radiometric thermal camera that yields sharp images and rich image detail. FLIR offers two optimal thermal detector arrays, 320 × 240 or 640 × 480, which provide up to ±2 °C accuracy within temperature ranges of -40 °C to 2000 °C. • Choose an Analytics Software: Easily integrate FLIR automation cameras with your preferred analytics software.

Some of the software that FLIR cameras currently integrate with include Cognex Designer Pro, NI Software, Pleora Ebus, Teledyne, and Spinaker SDK. • Determine Regions of Interest and Alarm Settings: Define what critical areas need to be surveyed for hotspots or temperature variances. When deploying FLIR cameras, you can select up to 10 regions of interest. Simply use the web-based configuration window on your mobile device or computer to select spots, draw boxes, or create custom areas. Create your alarm parameters as well as the desired response by defining the data acquisition output type.

• Integrate with Control Processes: For improved intervention, integrate thermal automation cameras with other control processes. To do this, ensure your automation camera is compliant with communication protocols such as GigE Vision, RTSP, MQTT, RESTful API, MODBUS TCP & Master, Ethernet IP, and FTP. https://www.flir.com/

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DELTA ELECTRONICS

DELTA LAUNCHES M125HV GEN2 SOLAR PV STRING INVERTER FOR LARGE GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR POWER PLANTS 140 kVA, three-phase string inverter offers 99.1 percent peak efficiency and is now quieter.

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elta, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions, today announced the launch of its solar string inverter M125HV series Generation 2, an updated version of its its popular 140 kVA inverterfor large ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays.

The M125HV Gen2 offers the same maximum output of its predecessor but now operates at a quieter 71.5 dB(A) level while still offering peak efficiency of 99.1 percent.

Strong performance, lower noise The M125HV Gen2 accommodates input voltages ranging between 860 and 1500 volts DC with a maximum sporadic voltage of 1600 volts. Up to 20 strings can be attached via Amphenol connectors, for instance as part of utility-scale ground-mounted installations. The peak efficiency of 99.1 percent ensures high yields. By accepting high input voltages, the latest Delta inverter can reduce the amount of current cables must transport, which allows installers to use smaller gauge wire and minimize energy loss.

“The M125HV Gen2 includes everything that made the Gen1 so popular with customers but is even quieter now,” said Andreas Hoischen, Senior Director, Business Unit Photovoltaic Inverters for Delta EMEA. Rugged, safe, durable Intelligent cooling combines natural convection with quieter active ventilation.

The M125HV Gen2 is IP65-rated and uses Type-2 surge protection devices on the input and output sides. By avoiding the use of electrolytic capacitors, a longer service life may be possible.

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The M125HV Gen2 at a glance • 99.1 percent peak efficiency • As many as 20 strings via Amphenol connectors • Remote control and monitoring via Fieldbus • Type-2 surge protection preinstalled on the input and output sides • Aluminum housing with IP65 protection • Protection class II terminal box and robust screw terminals on AC side • All-in-one-design with two mechanical DC disconnectors

• No electrolytic capacitors • Pro-EL (Electroluminescence) feature • D ata point collection for string monitoring and I-V curve creation • Reactive power supplied 24/7 • Anti-PID technology • Sunspec-compatible The updated M125HV Gen2 inverter is available from Delta in Q1/2021 in selected European countries.

LEUZE

CONTAINER AND TRAY IDENTIFICATION MADE EASY New stationary bar code reader is ideal for container and tray identification and especially suited to conveyor systems with limited installation space.

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euze is expanding its portfolio of stationary bar code readers with the introduction of the BCL 200i.

Designed specifically for conveyor systems, the new BCL 200i is a 1D bar code reader with integrated industrial interfaces and simple PROFINET configuration. The device can be configured directly in the control via the GSDML file.

The compact design of the BCL 200i makes it particularly suitable for applications with limited installation space such as on or between conveyor lines. In addition to the small dimensions, the location of the cable outlet on the side of the device and its dovetail mounting system make it even easier to install in space constrained applications.

Ideal for container and tray identification This latest addition to Leuze’s BCL range of bar code readers is particularly suited to the detection of 1D codes on trays and containers regardless of whether the bar code is printed vertically or horizontally.

The device features integrated Ethernet TCP/IP and PROFINET interfaces and a web-based configuration tool enables remote diagnostics from anywhere in the world.

Additionally, the inclusion of integrated code reconstruction technology (CRT) enables the BCL 200i to read bar codes with small line heights as well as damaged or smudged labels. With the aid of the CRT decoder, bar codes can also be read at a large twist angle. The resulting decrease in no-reads significantly increases system availability and decreases down-time.

Activation without additional sensor system The new device also incorporates automatic reflector activation (autoReflAct), enabling activation without an additional trigger sensor system. This is achieved by directing the scanner with reduced scanning beam towards a reflector mounted across the conveyor. If the reflector is covered by an object such as a container with a bar code label, the scanner activates the read procedure. The read procedure is completed as soon as the scanner can see the reflector again.

A new addition to the BCL series: the stationary 1D bar code reader 200i. The new BCL 200i is particularly suited to guided container identification. The new BCL 200i is particularly suited to guided tray identification.

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