Worldwide Engineering Magazine - February Issue

February Issue Rittal celebrates the one millionth VX25

AGAMEDE revolutionises biotechnology and fights COVID-19

NSK doubles bearing life in continuous casting machine application

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Page 30

Pages 37

worldwide-engineering.com

Contents 4

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A New CEO at AGILOX

Rittal Celebrates the One Millionth VX25

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NCTE Expands 2300 Series Torque Sensors

Teledyne FLIR Expands VS290 Thermal Camera Videoscope Family

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AGAMEDE Revolutionises Biotechnology and Fights COVID-19

Delta’s New Compact, High-Performance ASDA-B3 Series

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High Speeds in Eversmaller Footprints New Connectivity Solutions

FPT Industrial and Sealence the Future of MARINE Propulsion

Worldwide Engineering Magazine Providing timely industry news, exclusive features on advancing technology, equipment, materials, show previews, content marketing services for our valued clients and much more!

Adam Ling Advertising Enquiries: adam@worldwide-engineering.com Jonathan Adams Editorial Assistant: jonathan@worldwide-engineering.com Kyle Adams Sales Coordinator: kyle@worldwide-engineering.com

A new CEO at AGILOX Helmut Schmid takes over the helm at AGILOX AGILOX makes new top management appointments.

Helmut Schmid takes over as CEO in January 2022, as successor to the previous CEO Franz Humer.

Schmid will continue the AMR manufacturer’s ongoing strategy to expand its global market share.

As the sole managing director of AGILOX, he also adds three new authorized signatories to the management team, Josef Baumann-Rott, Klaus Pucher and Robert Mayer.

Helmut Schmid, who was the head of Germany and Western Europe at cobot market leader Universal Robots for many years, is now taking over as CEO of AGILOX. With Schmid, an internationally experienced managing director and robotics enthusiast, the company is continuing on its path of further expansion. In his

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previous appointment Schmid was Managing Director of the German cobot pioneer Franka Emika GmbH in Munich.

New leadership for AGILOX Helmut Schmid is a specialist in growth strategies, business development, change management, internationalization, sales and marketing. In his long career, he has already founded several companies, managed them profitably and, in particular, implemented scalable business models, often developing new sales processes and structures and implementing new go-to-market strategies in a targeted manner.

The graduate aircraft engineer has also made a name for himself as co-founder of the German Robotics Association and Robotics Ventures GmbH. Now, the new CEO of AGILOX wants to drive forward the company’s further development and internationalize it. “AGILOX is a brand with a strong base and an equally

high market potential. I look forward to contributing my experience to the company in order to continue to develop it profitably and position it durably on the market,” says Schmid.

Seamless transition “With his years of experience in the robotics environment, Helmut Schmid brings in-depth technical as well as management expertise, and now as CEO of AGILOX, can further develop the company from its excellent starting position and support our planned growth with the goal of becoming the world’s leading AMR provider,” said Dr. Thorsten Dippel, Managing Director of the Carlyle Group, which has been involved as key partner of AGILOX since June 2021. Daniel Haider, Managing Director of Raiffeisen Invest Holding GmbH & Co KG, likewise highlights the international industry experience of the new CEO: “We are very pleased

that such a renowned expert in robotics is putting his trust in AGILOX. With Helmut Schmid as our new CEO, we are continuing the drive for dynamic growth at an international level.” The company’s previous CEO, Franz Humer, is also pleased with the new top manager: “It was particularly important to us as founders that the new CEO continues AGILOX’s successfully established strategy for the future, while furthering our brand DNA. In Helmut Schmid, AGILOX is getting a CEO who will develop the company progressively and keep us on the right track for the future.” Schmid is also looking forward to the new challenge: “I am looking forward to continuing the good preparation work with the entire team and from now on, become a contributor to the AGILOX success story.

Internationalization and the further expansion of the headquarters in Neukirchen near Lambach are just a few of the major topics I am looking forward to addressing.”

Franz Humer is joining the Board of AGILOX as Executive Chairman and will prepare the company’s next strategic steps, notably in the area of product development and organisation in the US. Dirk Erlacher is moving to China and will build up the Asian market from Shanghai.

The AGILOX Company Since 2009, AGILOX has stood for intelligent automated guided vehicles with added value that meet the highest quality criteria. The aim of the company, a specialist in intralogistics robots, is to enable customers to flexibly design their intralogistics with the help of its products. To do this it developed the industry’s most manoeuvrable pallet AMR, the AGILOX ONE. In 2021, the company added an autonomous counterbalanced forklift, AGILOX OCF to its product portfolio. The intralogistics robots are developed and produced exclusively at the company’s headquarters in Austria, which currently employs around 100 people.

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Farmers swipe right on self-driving tractors Bristling with stereoscopic cameras, laden with logic, and boasting enough artificial intelligence to outsmart the shire horse that predated it, John Deere’s latest tractor is now fully autonomous.

Labour shortages, a growing global population, and demands for increased environmental responsibility have brought us to this point. The solution – the self-driving tractor – may lead us to a time where the data being harvested is more valuable than the crop itself.

“Farming is hard work, and the journey from seed to supermarket is a long and tortuous one,” says Tom Blackie, Founder and CEO, VNC Automotive. “With demands to both increase productivity and work in more environmentally

sustainable ways, it’s only going to become more challenging. We believe ‘big data’ is the key that will unlock the innovations needed to achieve that.”

As providers of the technology that has connected hundreds of thousands of tractors globally, the company is a crucial part of the increasingly technological direction the agricultural sector must take.

Autonomy in our fields Automation is nothing new. GPSenabled automated steering systems such as John Deere’s AutoTrac™ have been guiding tractors and self-propelled farm machinery for almost 20 years.

Their ability to follow the same optimised paths through a crop time after time, all season long, reduces plant damage,

increases crop yields, and reduces pesticide use.

“These systems have come a long way since their inception two decades ago, and now offer accuracy down to just a couple of centimetres,” explains Blackie. “Their widespread adoption across the globe means they’ve earnt the trust of farmers everywhere, and today more than 70% of the crop acreage in North America is farmed using these systems. In Australia, it’s more than 90%.”

“While there’s understandable reticence surrounding self-driving passenger cars, if a tractor gets lost in a field it might end up in a ditch or a hedge, not driving the wrong way up the M1. Many of the challenges for autonomous cars stem from the need to map the precise location of every obstacle,

John Deere unveiled its fully autonomous tractor early this year.

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some of which, particularly other cars, are constantly moving. But in agriculture we already know where everything is, even down to the pinpoint location of each individual plant.”

Developments in machine learning and vision systems have led to technologies such as See & Spray™, the ability to automatically distinguish between weeds and cultivated plants so that each can be individually treated with either a targeted pesticide or fertiliser.

Known as Precision Agriculture, rather than farming a field as a single unit, this approach allows decisions to be made about individual plants. This isn’t just better for the crop, it’s also more cost-effective, and better for the environment. Instead of spraying an entire field with chemicals that risk running-off into the waterways, precisely metered doses can now be delivered

directly, and only to the plants that need them.

However, agricultural autonomy isn’t about replacing the farmer, argues Blackie.

Growing a digital crop This approach generates vast amounts of data, much of it – thanks to a permanent network connection – stored in the cloud where it forms a computational safety net of experience-based decision-making. Once there, it can be used to support a growing wave of new functionality, from mapping crop yields and soil conditions within a field, to performing crop simulations to select the best planting strategies.

Corralling this data and reaping the benefits of this new, digital harvest is likely to become the next big challenge. But by using it to develop new innovations that increase productivity, it will drive the efficiencies needed in agriculture so we can feed a growing population in the face of labour and land constraints.

“Farmers have an innate understanding of the land that machines are unlikely to ever possess. We may have decoupled the labour from the machinery, but the same decisions still need to be taken, and that requires skill and experience. Analysing this new digital crop enables us to deliver observations that can help, but the challenge will be in distilling such vast datasets into digestible insights that can make a difference.”

Deploying an autonomous tractor into a field might take little more than swiping an app on your smartphone.

But when it comes back, it’s worth remembering it’ll be towing more than a trailer full of grain. Now there’s a digital silo full of data, too.

Visit www.vncautomotive.com for insight in to how the vehicles of the future will be connected.

Tom Blackie, Founder and CEO, VNC Automotive.

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Rittal celebrates the one millionth VX25 2021 was a triple milestone for Rittal, the company celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding, the 75th birthday of owner Prof.

Friedhelm Loh and now also the one millionth VX25 been produced!

On the 16th August 2021, the one millionth VX25 enclosure rolled off the assembly line, production of which would not have been possible, without the hard work and dedication of the 1240 employees, at the Rittershausen site. To honour this incredible achievement Prof.

Friedhelm Loh and representatives from the company’s management team, honoured this achievement with a commemorative ceremony, on the same production floor where the VX25 is manufactured day after day.

How can we make the best even better? That was the question which Rittal asked itself as a starting point, for the development of the VX25 enclosure system. Three years after its initial market launch, Rittal is proud to advise that the VX25 is used by industrial and IT customers all over the world. In settings such as all automobile

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manufacturers, as well as in data centres for IT giants such as Facebook and Amazon, along with on cruise liners, in wind turbines and in several remote locations as well. The one millionth VX25 rolled off the production line, to mark this momentous occasion, it was celebrated with music and confetti, by the manage-ment and employees at the Rittershausen site. It was a memorable celebration, that celebrat-ed the extraordinary achievements of so many Rittal employees, including the VX25 design engineers, product managers and production technicians.

“This was all only possible with your contributions, For that I cannot thank you enough. We have always been the global technology leader and the VX25 enclosure, has sent out yet another signal to the world market. Our customers were absolutely astounded and we have now been demonstrating excellence, in enclosure manufacturing over four product generations.” Prof. Friedhelm Loh told the employees attending the ceremony.

Incredible! – that is how the owner and chairman, of the Friedhelm Loh Group described the Rittal success story. He recalled that Rittershausen was not only the birthplace of large enclosures, but also the foundation of the company as a whole. “With the people of this region, we have developed a business model which has revolutionised the entire world of electrical engineering.”

Without the team members, Rittal would not have been able to develop the ideas. During the time in the initial conception of Rittal, no one including its founders and management, could have imagined just a few decades later, that Rittal’s enclosures would be used around the globe. With the slogan “Enclosures available off the shelf, immediately” Rittal sparked a revolution, via the mechanical engineering sector, from there standard enclosures conquered the industry.

Since its initial success, Rittal has gone on to build factories in China, India, Brazil, America and England, with Prof. Loh commenting “It is

amazing when we look at all the places where these enclosures are manufactured today, across the world, Rittal manufacture several thousand large enclosures every day.”

Many others have attempted to follow suit, including several major electrical engineering groups, but without success. Prof. Loh went on to add that one of Rittal’s greatest strengths, is its readiness to diversify from general trends, within industry and look to be innovators, which places them at the forefront of development within industry.

This is shown by the expansion of Rittal’s portfolio over the years, since the initial conception of large enclosure, Rittal has gone on to be successful in areas including climate control, power distribution and subsequently IT infrastructure.

In Rittershausen Germany, thanks to Rittal’s unprecedented success, Rittal has also become the largest employer in the region. “It cannot be taken for granted that a company will develop in this way for 60 years. It is a gift. It is an unbelievable success story and ample reason to celebrate.” Said Prof. Loh as he concluded his address.

Markus Asch, CEO of Rittal International, went on to emphasize the important role that the VX25 plays in Rittal’s portfolio: “The large enclosure is the essence of Rittal and an expression of our expertise.” Available in thousands of configuration variants, it meets 90 per cent of all customer requirements worldwide. “Today’s gathering was organized to celebrate the one millionth VX25, but in reality we are celebrating you, the employees who manufacturer the enclosure on a daily basis.” Said the management board chairman. Together with Norbert Peter, Vice president of operations in Germany and the plant manager in Rittershausen, they presented a gilded enclosure key and a commemorative certificate to all the employees, in recognition of their hard work and dedication. www.rittal.co.uk 9

Farewell to point spectrometers and RGB cameras in display and light source inspection REACH 100% PRODUCT TEST COVERAGE! Specim Solution – FX10 - True colorimetric and radiometric inspection of the entire surface in seconds - Accurate dominant and peak wavelength results based on true spectrum - Simultaneous visible and infrared (400-1000 nm) measurement Immediate benefits - Boost your end-customers’ production quality and throughput - Reduce waste, rework and customer complaints – 100% on-line inspection - Harness more quality information from the products at once Why does Specim FX10 outperform point spectrometers and RGB cameras?

FX10 works as a high-speed imaging spectroradiometer.

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Most current display panels and light sources are based on LED backlights. They produce inconsistent spectra and therefore their accurate colour measurement is only possible by measuring the actual spectrum. Traditionally it is done by point spectrophotometers, which in production, limit the inspection to a few discrete points on the display surface, because of limited inspection time.

The challenge with current imaging photometers is, that they are based on RGB tricolour cameras. They suffer from limited colour gamut and measurement accuracy, as the broad band RGB filter responses do not match standard colour coordinates XYZ. An advanced imaging solution is needed for rapid and accurate inspection of the entire surface.

SPECIM FX10 is the first camera on the market which can measure the spectral radiance image of entire display fast enough for quality inspection in production and assembly lines.

Spectral data provides most accurate colorimetric and luminance values for the entire DUT surface for both narrow and broadband sources characterising display colour gamut, luminance level and uniformity.

SPECIM FX10 makes it possible to measure simultaneously in both visual and near infrared region (400-1000 nm) facilitating testing of systems like virtual reality solutions, that use LEDs in the 800-900 nm region.

Working as an on-line imaging spectroradiometer, SPECIM FX10 allows 100% inspection at production, minimising rework and complaints in later phases.

As FX10 collects real spectral data from entire product flow, it enables analysing production quality statistics, and in case of issues, helps to find the root causes.

Read the full article and discover the Specim FX10: www.qd-uki.co.uk/testing-withspecim-fx10/

3 TOP TIPS TO BOOST YOUR DIGITAL MARKETING IN 2022 When it comes to our businesses, we all wonder how we can boost visibility and drive sales.

YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE USING SOCIAL MEDIA. ARE YOU?

Luckily, we’ve got three essential tips to make sure you’re seen by, and can communicate with, as many potential leads as possible.

Are you sceptical about social media? Social media is relevant for any B2B business. The secret to success on social media is figuring out where your customers are, and leveraging the power of the right platforms.

YOUR WEBSITE IS YOUR MOST POWERFUL SALES TOOL A high-performing website is the most powerful tool you can use to boost your business. With B2B sales, 70% of buyers have already done online research. Ask yourself: does your website answer the questions your clients have?

Today more than ever, your website is the showroom of your business. As the first impression on potential customers, it must be well designed to communicate your product or service offering in a compelling way. Your site should also offer help and support. To that end, you must update your website regularly to keep it relevant. Visiting a company’s page and seeing the last ‘News’ update was in 2011 isn’t a good look neither will it help place you higher on search engines.

Successful websites focus more on education and ease of use than sales. Leads are more likely to become customers if they find your content helpful and informative. Consider your website from the perspective of an outsider: • Is my website easy to navigate?

• Do I provide answers?

• Is the information topical and up to date?

A well-managed LinkedIn account is an effective and low-cost way to gain B2B leads. Through relevant, consistent posts, genuine digital networking and even targeted adverts, you can make instant connections with potentially thousands of the most relevant people in your industry.

Improving your website, tracking every step of your customer’s journey, and making genuine online connections; these are the top three ways you can boost your business this year. At FINALLY, we design professional websites, offer bespoke training programmes for social media, and we can help you get set up on HubSpot, a powerful CRM software.

If you would like to book an exploratory call with one of our experts, you can do so on our website (finally.agency) where you’ll find even more business-boosting advice.

FINALLY’S TOP-TIPS:

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For a new website, go professional. It is vital your

If the answer to these questions is no, a redesign might be in order.

MAKE USE OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SOFTWARES Customer Relationship Management softwares (CRMs) are essential for keeping track of your potential and current customers. A good service, like HubSpot, will manage an intricate database of your interactions with customers - for free!

Rather than relying on semi-updated spreadsheets or personal emails, a CRM is used to track exactly where you stand with a customer. As relationships between Engineering firms and customers typically span months or years, this feature is compelling.

With CRMs, you can learn more about prospects and leads.

The software will create a contact record for website visitors, tracking their journey as they explore pages and fill in forms; premium CRM services further aid this journey with chatbots and automated marketing.

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website is optimised to be visible on Google; this is tricky to achieve alone. We offer FREE website audits and advice on how to improve your website to ensure it’s performing its best.

Switching from spreadsheets to a CRM, such as HubSpot’s powerful free package, might just be the best thing you do for your business and your sales team in 2022. We can help you transition smoothly.

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Feeling lost on LinkedIn? FINALLY offer bespoke training programmes for your sales team and business leaders so you can boost brand awareness and make powerful connections in your industry.

finally.agency +44 (0) 1227 378 720 talk@finally.agency

Further product and manufacturing expansion for the Variohm Group through CPITM acquisition – harsh duty position sensing and switching technologies Variohm Holdings Ltd (aka The Variohm Group), part of the LSE-listed discoverIE (LSE: DSCV), has further advanced its strategic product offering and manufacturing competency through the acquisition of the USA based precision switching and linear position sensor producer CPITM (Control Products, Inc.).

CPI’s specialist range of standard and ATEX/IECEX/SIL2 rated drawwire position sensors and its waterproof switch and thermal switching technologies perfectly suit harsh duty application areas where the ISO9001 registered manufacturer has over seventy years’ experience in demanding control tasks in aerospace & military, construction, off-highway, agriculture, mining, subsea, oil & gas, and many other challenging fields. CPI develops, designs, and manufactures its comprehensive product range from its purposebuilt facility in East Hanover, New Jersey and has the bold company strapline “Is your equipment tough enough for our sensors”.

CPI’s extensive range of linear position sensors were first developed over 15 years ago to meet the challenging demands for large hydraulic cylinders and accumulators used in the harsh environments faced by the construction equipment and materials handling industries.

Rather than rod style in-cylinder position sensors which were prone to repeated failure, CPI took the basic principles of draw wire sensors in a patented configuration that replaced fragile potentiometers and encoders with either LVDT or a short rod magnetostrictive transducers

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as the core sensing technology.

This long-life and non-contacting design offers numerous advantages including significant improvements in protection for heavy shock and vibration conditions and reliable operation in extreme temperature ranges from -40 to over 120 0C. They can be located in-cylinder or externally mounted and find applications in many demanding positioning tasks beyond hydraulics. With absolute positioning and no need for homing on power-up, standard signal conditioning outputs include CAN Bus, analogue, and digital in single channel or redundant configurations. Models are available with full ATEX, IECEX and SIL2 approvals. CPI sensors are the only linear position sensors suitable for telescoping hydraulic cylinders up to 15 metres.

CPI’s thermal switches are used for demanding military and commercial temperature control applications and are available in three primary electromechanical design categories: snap disk, bimetal, and rod and tube. Each type offers a differing sensitivity and temperature profile that suit a very wide range of harsh environment applications. The snap disk ‘Snapstats’ range uses a bimetallic snap disc that provides shock and vibration immunity and a broad temperature differential over an operating temperature range from around -18 to 148 0C. Available configurations include surface mount with or without probe, thread mount, clamp mount, hermetically sealed, and dual setpoint. The bimetal ‘Plugstat’ series are slow-make and -break devices which provide tight tolerance temperature sensing

over a small range with a working range from approx. -18C to 345 0C. They are applied extensively in aircraft ECS, plastic extruders, wind turbines, and various military vehicle systems. The rod and tube design suits set-point temperature ranges from around -18C to 955 0C and are well proven in harsh environment applications such as aircraft engine overtemperature, refinery process control, and engine exhaust monitoring.

CPI manufactures an extensive range of waterproof switch products that as a minimum meet IP68 protection levels and for some tasks are completely long-term submersible. Characterised by the same high levels of durability and ruggedness of other CPI products, switch configurations include normally open, normally closed and SPDT with neoprene covers to MS39058 for military applications and SantopreneTM covers for industrial switching.

Electromechanical design includes momentary, maintained contact, limit. ball types, plungers, rockers and more. Available as single components or combined in switch panels they offer long life endurance ratings as high as 5 million cycles and temperature ratings from -55 to 205 0C. All CPI products can be adapted as custom designed specials for applications outside standard product offerings, and UL approvals are widely available.

As Variohm Holdings continues to expand, this latest acquisition brings the Variohm Group to eight engineering companies and a total staff of more than 400 specialising in sensors, switches, motion control and systems – each with a high

degree of autonomy but with complete access to the Group’s shared expertise and resources.

CPI joins the German/Hungarian manufacturer Limitor GmbH (temperature control components), USA based Phoenix-America – (magnetic encoder and magnetic sensors), and the UK based companies Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer), Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions), Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems), Heason Technology (motion control components and custom engineered systems), and Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary inductive displacement sensor technologies).

Graham Pattison, Variohm Holdings’ managing director, welcomes the CPI acquisition and the substantial opportunity it delivers for the Variohm Group’s manufacturing capability and potential sales growth. “This latest acquisition perfectly complements our vision and demonstrates discoverIE’s continued investment in The Variohm Group. By realising this increased synergy between our now eight members, we can deliver an increasingly more compelling offer to our valued customers”. “discoverIE and The Variohm Group is a really perfect fit for us,” notes Mac Stuhler, General Manager of CPI. “With their long and successful history of managing companies that produce the same kind of highly differentiated components that we manufacture, we are really looking forward to working within the Group and the new market opportunities offered”. www.cpi-nj.com www.variohm.com

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Flowmeter Solutions for High-Speed Batch Dosing Titan Enterprises has published a white paper reporting on an investigation into the use of electronic flow meters in highspeed batching processes.

Mechanical devices also require hygienic cleaning which adds to downtime and associated cost implications.

High-speed batch dosing in filling lines, typically seen within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, is a modern process that increases production throughput and efficiency, as well as saving on cleaning costs associated with traditional batching processes.

For processes requiring high-speed integrated batch dosing, ultrasonic flow meters, such as Titan’s Atrato® flow meter, provide an easy-toclean system with no moving parts.

However, as with all electronic flow devices, there is a tradeoff between response time and affordability.

Historically, small turbine flowmeters have satisfied markets where reasonable volume batching is used, such as beer wall dispensing or ultrapure water dispensing. These flow measurement devices have excellent response times and are highly effective for low viscosity dosing systems. However, turbine flowmeters do have moving parts within the flow line which can limit the life of the flow device due to mechanical wear and tear.

Titan’s white paper highlights some of the issues raised when using electronic flow meters for highspeed batching. The aim of the investigative trials was to determine the optimum results for high-speed (at sub three second) batching using an electronic flow meter that can be achieved with an accuracy higher than ±0.5%. Titan worked with their ultrasonic device, the Atrato®, to resolve these and achieve a cost-effective solution for high accuracy, rapid batch control.

Significant increases in highspeed batching performance were shown using the Atrato® ultrasonic flowmeter, together with bespoke AI learning software, and an appropriate system set-up in laboratory conditions.

Sub three second accuracies higher than ±0.05% were achieved during the investigation. Extrapolating from the results, accuracies of ±0.25% should be readily achievable in factory applications using Titan’s ultrasonic meters and augmented software.

Additionally, batching periods of less than one second were deemed to be perfectly feasible in the ‘real world’ with some additional adjustments.

Neil Hannay, Titan’s Senior R&D Engineer, said “Our Research and Development is driven by helping our customers address challenges within their process systems. This could be enhancing existing technology and performance, trialling different materials and characteristics, or designing new flow measurement devices to meet specific customer needs and liquid flow conditions.”

Through its on-going customerfocused R&D, Titan is optimising its flow meter product line to develop solutions for OEM customer applications and general industry systems.

To read the full article on High-Speed Batching, visit www.flowmeters. co.uk/flowmeter-solutions-for-highspeed-batch-dosing/.

For further information on the Atrato® ultrasonic flowmeter please visit www.flowmeters.co.uk/atratoultrasonic-flowmeters/.

To discuss an optimised flow measurement device for your liquid dispensing application please contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or email sales@flowmeters.co.uk.

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New laser distance sensor with integrated heating and cooling element suitable for permanent outdoor use Precision sensor supplier MicroEpsilon has extended its popular optoNCDT ILR2250-100 range of noncontact laser distance sensors with an integrated heating and cooling version that is suitable for use in ambient temperatures from -40°C up to +65°C, enabling the sensor to be used in permanent outdoor distance measurement applications.

The optoNCDT ILR2250-100-H laser distance sensor is the ideal choice for outdoor measurements over long distances. The sensor not only measures distances up to 150m with an accuracy of < ± 1mm, but also measures accurately on difficult surfaces such as dark, structured or weakly reflecting objects. Without any special adaptations to the target, the sensor has an impressive range up to 100m. Adding a reflector to the target extends the range to 150m.

The optoNCDT ILR2250-100 range of laser distance sensors now comprises three models: the

ILR2250-100, ILR2250-100-IO and the ILR2250-100-H. The ILR2250-100 and ILR2250-100-IO have no integrated heating and cooling element and are suitable for use in ambient temperatures from -10°C to +50°C. The ILR2250-100-IO is a version with IO-Link, a widely used industrial communications networking standard (IEC61131-9) for connecting digital sensors and actuators to industrial fieldbus or Ethernet networks.

This enables simple integration and commissioning in industrial automation environments, as well as faster sensor replacement with automated re-parameterisation during operation.

All ILR2250-100 sensors are protected by an IP65 die cast aluminium housing and are suitable for a wide range of applications, both indoor and outdoor, from

transport, logistics and conveyor systems, to automation, metal processing, production monitoring and unmanned drones or vehicles. The factory default AUTO measurement mode allows precise and reliable measurements to be made on targets over great distances. Additional modes are also available to tune the sensor to specific application requirements.

The sensors have already found uses in monitoring large coil diameters, silo filling levels and gantry cranes. The combined long range and high accuracy of the sensors has also found particular benefits in the measurement and control of diameters for hot ring rolling.

In terms of technical performance, the ILR2250-100 is unsurpassed in its field, providing excellent repeatability (<300µm), resolution (0.1mm) and linearity (< ± 1mm), resulting in extremely stable measurements and excellent signal stability. The sensor’s small footprint (102 x 53 x 50mm) and weight (254g) represent a 65% reduction in size and weight compared to its predecessor, allowing it to be easily installed in narrow or restricted spaces in production lines and machines.

The optoNCDT ILR2250-100 can provide continuous measurement output via a 16-bit, scalable, 4-20mA analogue output or via RS422 serial communication. Three digital switch outputs are available for simple process monitoring and a trigger input provides opportunities to control when the sensor takes a reading.

For more information on the optoNCDT ILR2250-100-H, please visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk/ sensors/optoNCDT-ILR2250-100/

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NCTE expands 2300 series torque sensors with new 0.5 Nm low measurement range variant NCTE’s torque sensors use the physical principle known as the inverse magnetostrictive effect in a patented process where magnetically encoded components in the sensor are modified by a surrounding magnetic field.

Each sensor includes two magnetic fields in opposing directions which takes care of unwanted interference such as that from EMC. This real-time process, where torque measurement may be static, or dynamic detects miniscule magnetic changes for highly precise data acquisition. Factory calibrated and certified sensor outputs are 0...10V DC, 4...20mA, CANbus and USB with supply voltage requirement of 5 to 28 VDC. The USB option includes PC analysis software.

The 2300 series is available in nominal diameters of 8, 9 and 15 mm with seven r measurement range variants between zero to 1 Nm and zero to 100 Nm. Full technical specifications are available from Ixthus Instrumentation. The plug and play sensors do not equire external signal conditioning and as the sensor becomes a part of the shaft component, integration is easy. This non-contacting sensor technology has excellent resilience to shock and vibration and a choice of protection class allows use in harsh conditions – even in oil or under water – through a temperature range from -30 °C to +85 °C. NCTE’s extensive range of standard torque sensors are available for measurement up to 10 KN with customised variants available on

requests. The sensors are widely used for applications including but not restricted to agricultural and commercial vehicle takeoff shafts, engine and turbine test beds, e-bikes, robotics and handling machinery, performance motorsports, and automotive engineering.

Ixthus supports the extensive range of NCTE torque sensors providing a complete sales and support service at component level or for complete instrumentation systems. Ixthus also represents other selected sensor technology manufacturers for force, torque, and vibration measurement solutions.

For further information please call +44 (0) 1327 353437, email info@ixthus.co.uk or visit www.ixthus.co.uk.

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The complete safety solution for access guarding on pallet magazines from Leuze Pallet magazines with automatic restart contribute to increased system efficiency. This requires a reliable access guarding system. A new safety solution with induction loops, light curtain and monitored signal sequence satisfies the requirements of revised standard EN 415-4, thereby ensuring maximum safety.

The access area is protected by a safety light curtain. In addition, induction loops are embedded in the floor in front of and behind the safety sensor. The safety system can thereby distinguish between forklift truck and persons Normative framework: revised EN 415-4 Manufacturers and operators of machines and systems must comply with legal regulations. Applicable to manufacturers are, among other things, the Product Safety Act – for operating companies, the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. Standards play another important role.

They describe requirements and provide support in ensuring safety at machines and systems. These are, however, not legally binding in Europe. For manufacturers or operators of machines or systems, type C standards are especially relevant.

These are machine-specific safety standards. Among these are EN 415-4 “Safety of packaging machines – Part 4: Palletizers and depalletizers and associated equipment”. The content of the standard from 1997 was significantly revised. In the forthcoming version of the standard, new requirements are placed on manufacturers and operating companies. This also affects the access guarding of pallet magazines with automatic restart.

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Traditional concept with external induction loops Up to now, many material transfer stations with automatic restart were safeguarded as follows: electro- sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) secured the access point – if the ESPE is interrupted, the machine and conveyor are stopped. To avoid needing to restart the stopped machine after loading by a corridor supply vehicle, such as a forklift truck, two induction loops are used as muting signals. These are located in the floor in front of the ESPE. When the forklift moves over the induction loops, the electrosensitive protective equipment is temporarily bridged. This solution no longer corresponds to the current state of safety technology: The system often ends in a singlechannel evaluation logic; as a result, the safety performance is no longer adequate for the given application under certain circumstances. A new type of access guarding for a pallet magazine aims to prevent the entry of persons but simultaneously allow pallets to enter by means of a forklift truck.

Compliance with standards through sequence monitoring Manufacturers and operating companies can now make use of a new solution that is described in the future version of standard EN 415-4. This thereby corresponds to the current state of the art. Two induction loops are also used for this type of access guarding on pallet magazines. The difference to traditional concepts: Both of the induction loops are not located in front of the danger zone.

Instead, one is located outside of the danger zone and the second is located behind the electrosensitive protective equipment, i.e, within the danger zone.

The ESPE – the optoelectronic protective device – also remains at the previous position. As before, it separates the traffic zone and danger zone. In addition, there is also a safety system that monitors a defined sequence of signals and initiates the automatic restart.

Various possibilities for safeguarding areas of systems For this solution, the following technical framework conditions must be implemented: the pallet magazine must be safeguarded at the adjacent areas. A person who passes through the ESPE must not be able to enter other areas of the system unnoticed. This can be ensured mechanically, e.g., by means of a height limitation.

This allows an empty pallet to pass through, but not a person.

Alternatively, a second piece of electro-sensitive protective equipment can be installed to detect the entry of a person into the danger zone. Another requirement: the outer induction loop over which the forklift truck travels requires sufficient space.

This is somewhat larger than the inner loop. In addition, the operating personnel must be instructed because this involves an automatic restart. The driver of the forklift truck is responsible for ensuring that no one gains access to the danger zone by moving alongside the forklift truck. If, there is still a person in the inner area at this time, the driver must not drive out, as the pallet magazine will otherwise be started. Alternatively, this risk can also be eliminated by means a safeguard that provides stepping behind protection.

Step-by-step to more safety This type of access guarding functions along a defined process.

Working in the background is a safety system that monitors

precisely this process flow. Only once the sequence has been concluded does the system initiate the automatic restart of the machine.

This process is also described in revised standard EN 415-4: 1. The forklift truck arrives, the machine is in operation and the electro-sensitive protective equipment is active.

2. The forklift travels over the outer induction loop and is thereby detected by the system. The pallet magazine continues to run.

3. The ESPE is interrupted by the forklift truck. The pallet magazine is stopped. This also applies if a person passes by the ESPE. 4. The forklift truck continues to move and is located within all sensors: over the outer and inner induction loops and in the protective field of the interrupted ESPE. 5. The forklift deposits the pallet(s) and travels in reverse. This first frees the inner induction loop and then the ESPE. 6. The forklift exits the outer induction loop. The sequence is concluded and automatic restart of the pallet magazine is initiated.

In summary, this means: If the presence of a forklift truck is detected by the induction loops and if the forklift then correctly executes the specified process sequence, the safety system initiates the automatic restart of the work process.

Perfect for performance level d With this concept, operating companies benefit from a standards-compliant safety solution corresponds to the current state of the art. The requirements of EN 415-4 “Safety of packaging machines – Part 4: Palletizers and depalletizers and associated equipment” are thereby satisfied. The system is designed for performance level d, the second-highest safety level.

Thanks to the automatic restart of the machine without manual operator interventions, the

packaging system can be optimally utilized. In addition to increased reliability, the advantages also include optimum protection against manipulation: the sequence- and time- monitored process contributes to high protection against bypassing.

Furthermore, the system can easily be integrated in the safety circuit of the primary control and service costs remain minimal. Another plus is the flexible usability: The solution is suitable for both palletizers as well as for depalletizers and offers freedom for transport materials to the left and right. Thanks to scalability, the safety system can be adapted to various applications through the use of appropriate components.

Ready-to-use system Leuze offers the described safety solution for access guarding on pallet magazines with automatic restart as a complete package that has been tested and validated with respect to safety with the following components: - Induction-loop set with evaluation unit - MLC 500 safety light curtain, with device columns for floor mounting - MSI 400 safety control, programmable and with induction loop controller • Leuze safety program - 2-channel safety output - Acknowledgement box as electromechanical reset apparatus The reset apparatus is used if a sequence is not correctly completed. Or a person interrupts the electro- sensitive protective equipment. The button is used to confirm to the system that the process can be correctly restarted and that persons are no longer located in the danger zone.

As a ready-to-use system, the solution from the Sensor People at Leuze can be used immediately after installation. System owners are, thus, always on the safe side and already satisfy the requirements of the future EN 415-4 today.

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Torque sensor with separate sensing head can probe deep into machinery Sensor Technology has extended its new range of torque sensors with a model that has the sensing head and electronics in separate housings. This has two advantages: the sensing head can fit into very confined spaces, and the electronics can be located in a position where they are protected from physical damage, dust, dirt, moisture, electromagnetic forces, etc.

The new TorqSense SGR530/540 series operates on the same principle as all the other SGR510/520 units, namely a full four element strain gauge bridge. This uses four individual stain gauges affixed to the drive shaft; each measures the deflection of the shaft in a different direction as it rotates under load.

The electronics collects readings from all four gauges and calculates the torque value.

Sensor Technology launched the TorqSense SGR510/520 range in 2020 as the successor to its RWT range which worked on surface acoustic wave (SAW) measurement and detection. It has specialised in real-time torque measurement for over forty years, and pioneered the development of wireless technologies that use radio frequency pick ups rather than hard-wired solutions involving delicate and unreliable slip rings.

Initially launched in sizes up to 500Nm, interest in the SGR sensors was so high that the introduction of larger sizes up to 13,000Nm was brought forward 6-12 months to December 2020.

“Because of our experience with the RWT, we have been able to compress the development times for the new SGR models considerably,” says Sensor Technology’s Mark Ingham. “So, we have been able to react to specific enquiries from individual users and bring forward model launches.“ The new range is designed to meet emerging user requirements, notably accurately recording transient torque spikes. In the past transducers didn’t have the bandwidth to capture these spikes, so they were ignored.

However, advances in automation, continuous operation and the increasing need for accurate track and trace data has led to the need for more detailed measurement and analysis, as Mark explains: “A single spike could indicate say the wrong amount of an ingredient being added to a compound or an over-sized workpiece, both of which could affect product quality.

A series of spikes would probably suggest the beginnings of a problem within the machinery,

so their detection gives the plant engineers an early warning”.

In use, a rotor mounted ultraminiature microcontroller, powered by an inductive coil, measures the differential values in each strain gauge and transmits them back to the stator digitally, via the same coil.

The SGR510/520 series transducers then use state of the art strain gauge signal conditioning techniques to provide a high bandwidth, low cost torque measuring solution with high overrange and overload capabilities.

An advantage of the design of the SGR torque sensors is that they automatically compensate for any extraneous forces, such as bending moments, inadvertently applied to the sensor. They also offer high sensitivity and have a wide temperature tolerance, attributes that are required more and more and production machinery becomes more and more sophisticated and performance demands increase.

Other advantages of the SGR range include: elimination of noise pickup and signal corruption associated with slip rings and hard wired solutions, a 400% mechanical overload limit with accurate torque measurement even at these extremes, and multipoint calibration to eliminate linearity errors within the sensor.

All units are accurate to +/-0.1% and resolution to +/-0.01% of the transducer’s full scale. Other features include an adjustable moving average filter, power supply range from 12VDC to 32VDC, user settable analogue output voltages, and RS232, USB, CANbus and Ethernet comms options.

“Like the RWT sensors the new SGRs can integrate digitally with TorqView software and LabView virtual instruments,” says Mark.

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ViewSonic reveals stunning collection of images for “A Year of Colours” 2021 Submission opens for 2022 starting with “Teal” ViewSonic, a leading global provider of visual solutions, concludes the “A Year of Colours” campaign for 2021. Each month, we encouraged everyone to create artwork based on a pre- selected colour. At the end of each month, submissions were evaluated, and a winner was chosen. Over the last year, participants from all over the globe submitted their artwork to the year-long campaign, fostering a digital hub of creativity and inspiration. By the end of 2021, a beautiful palette of colours occupied ViewSonic ColorPro’s Instagram account. The “A Year of Colours” campaign will continue into 2022, kicking off with the January colour, Teal.

For their efforts, each winner was given a ColorPro VP2785-2K professional display. This will assist them in creating more spectacular artworks. In 2022, ViewSonic will continue to give out ColorPro monitors to artists and creators.

Apart from the monthly selections, ViewSonic will also invite renowned influencers to create stunning and color-accurate images.

These influencers will share their insights on the meaning of colors through a series of talks, live interviews, and podcasts.

For more information, please visit the campaign website. To view more of the latest submissions, please visit the official ColorPro Instagram account. 2021 Monthly Winners

“With “A Year of Colours”, we wanted to bring a sense of wonder and consistency to our community through vibrant colours,” said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business at ViewSonic.

“Even though we could not meet in person, with the help from creators, we were able to create a digital hub of positivity, energy, and inspiration. We are excited to see more colorful submissions in 2022.”

The latest, December 2021, winning artwork features a person overlooking a frozen lake in Grindelwald, Switzerland.

In this photograph, the person became a speck within the vast snowscape, truly capturing a sense of serene isolation. This submission joins the cast of incredible winners of 2021. The winning entries featured a wide spectrum of subjects – from a cosmic elephant to a flying car, and a quiet lagoon to a chaotic city with “cube virus” – the entries guarantee no shortage of excitement.

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January: Ergen from Albania

March: Py Tran from Vietnam

February: Aaron Walls from Mexico

April: Jordan Singh from India

May: Ersin Acir from Turkey 23

June: Cosmik Madness from Argentina

July: Ozart from Turkey

September: Umut Recber from Turkey

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August: Kuldeep Kumar from India

October: Raiyani Muharramah from Indonesia

November: Gokul Krishna from India

December: Robin Denisse from Switzerland

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Teledyne FLIR expands VS290 thermal camera videoscope family VS290-33 Thermal MSX® Videoscope Kit Improves Usability for Underground Utility Vault Inspection and Applications Requiring CAT IV 600 V Safety Rating VS290-21 Thermal Videoscope Kit Provides Building, Mechanical, and Electrical Professionals with Infrared Inspection Capabilities in Hard-to-Reach Areas Teledyne FLIR today introduced two additions to its industry-first VS290 Thermal Videoscope Kit family of devices—the VS290-33 Thermal MSX Videoscope Kit and the VS2921 Thermal Videoscope Kit. The VS290-33 features a rounded, dual thermal-visible probe for increased flexibility in conducting

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underground utility-vault inspection and other high-voltage scenarios that require a CAT IV rating.

The VS290-21 provides thermalonly building, mechanical, and electrical inspection capabilities for hard-to-reach areas from crawlspaces to inside motors for construction and maintenance professionals.

Along with the new VS290 Videoscope Kits, Teledyne FLIR is offering the VSC-IR33 and VSC-IR21 probe attachments as accessories for existing VS290 customers who already have the VS290 kit with the original VSC-IR32 probe with rectangular tip.

The rounded VSC-IR33 dual thermal-visible probe is just 19 mm

in diameter, meaning it can fit within tight spaces and holes without sacrificing side-viewing capabilities. The probe houses both a 160 × 120 thermal camera and a two-megapixel visible camera, along with a bright LED work light, to provide MSX imagery in both light and dark spaces. FLIR’s proprietary MSX (Multispectral Dynamic Imaging) on-camera software takes key details from the visible image and embosses them on the thermal image, providing perspective and crucial contextual clues to help users assess potential issues accurately and safely.

The VSC-IR21 probe offers similar specifications in a thermal-only package that is slim enough to

access hard-to-reach spaces and locate potential problems faster than ever before. It features the same 160 × 120 resolution as the VSC-IR32/33, but in a forwardfacing camera that’s designed to help users view inside walls, within machinery, and in other tight spaces.

Improved Analysis and Reporting The VS290 Videoscope Kits are compatible with FLIR Thermal Studio Suite software for quick report generation along with post-processing and analysis. The software enables operators to document and share issues and include before-and-after imagery to demonstrate the problem has been resolved. In total, users can

capture up to 80,000 radiometric JPEG images via the on-board 16 GB internal storage, and then upload them to a PC via a USB-C cable.

On the base units, operators can view live video and captured images via the 3.5-inch color display. The display includes the option of adding isotherm color alarms to quickly identify potential issues in real time across a temperature range from -10 to 400 degrees Celsius (14 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit).

units and probes, providing a high level of protection against dust and water. The base units are also drop-test rated for two meters to handle the rigors of industrial and outdoor environments.

The VS290 Thermal Videoscope Kits and probe accessories are available to purchase today from preferred channel partners and at teledyneflir.com.

For more information and to view the VS290 product page for local pricing and availability please visit: www.flir.co.uk

Ruggedized Design The entire family of VS290 Videoscope Kits feature IP67 camera tips and IP54 rated base

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Ultra-high power density e-Machine validation for Rimac Technology The latest Drive System Design case study, covering the company’s work with Rimac technology, is now available on the company’s website. www.drivesystemdesign.com/ news-media/ultra-high-powerdensity-e-machine-validation-forrimac-technology/ Providing close and effective collaboration with Rimac Technology’s engineering team, DSD working seamlessly as an extension of the client’s testing facilities to deliver a wide range of verification and validation testing services.

Read the full case study now.

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AGAMEDE revolutionises biotechnology and fights COVID-19 Developed at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, alongside Mitsubishi Electric, Labomatica and Perlan Technologies, the AGAMEDE robotic system was designed to significantly speed up the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Thanks to state-of-the-art automation technology combined with artificial intelligence, the system can test 15,000 individual samples per day. Other applications include researching new drugs, developing individualised cancer therapies or even creating cosmetic formulations.

Agamede is considered the first female scientist in history and therefore a fitting namesake for the laboratory automation system developed at the Institute of

Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBCH PAS).

While automating laboratory work is a common practice the AGAMEDE robotic system combines automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to form a unique ‘closed loop’ setup. Here, the robots prepare experiments, read the results at a specified time and interpret the data using Labomatica’s Gene GameTM software to independently prepare the next experimental cycle.

This means that operators simply need to define the question, design the experimental system and then monitor the correct sequence and operation of the system. AGAMEDE can then conduct experiments 24 hours a day and deliver results.

The combination of AI and automation in a high-throughput

system is a breakthrough. Most automated high-throughput systems still require an operator to read the results and plan the next series of experiments after a cycle is completed. AGAMEDE can do this independently.

“Thanks to the AI module, AGAMEDE interprets the experiments without human involvement, based on mathematical models,” explains Radosław Pilarski, PhD, the inventor and chief engineer of the system. “The system can be used by central diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies in drug development, oncology laboratories in search of personalised therapies for patients, but also in R&D departments of chemical and biotechnology companies to optimise bioprocesses.”

EPICELL project Work on AGAMEDE began at the IBCH PAS in 2015. The system was originally developed for the EPICELL project, which was funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR) as part of the STRATEGMED programme ’Prevention and Treatment of Civilisation Diseases‘. The aim of the project was to develop optimised media for the culture of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC) cardiomyocytes.

The EPICELL consortium consists of the IBCH PAS, the Institute of Human Genetics PAS as well as three hospitals from Poznañ. Combining expertise in small molecule epigenetic modulators and experience in cell reprogramming, it conducted studies leading to the future development of methods for transforming induced iPSCs for the purposes of regenerative medicine. In particular, they looked at targeted implantation

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in the hearts of patients after heart attacks. The idea was to restore cardiac output to its pre-infarction state. The challenge was the number of experiments required to design a suitable mix of small molecule epigenetic modulators.

For example, a recipe with ten components and ten different concentrations requires 10,000,000 experiments. “AGAMEDE was used to search for the right combination of compounds in a multidimensional system of solutions. From this, the composition of the reprogramming medium ’EPICELL One‘ was developed,” explains Prof. Wojciech T. Markiewicz, head of the EPICELL project.

15,000 tests per day At the end of March 2020, the situation changed. Since its foundation, the IBCH PAS has been dealing with RNA and DNA nucleic acids, so it had all the facilities to deal with SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.

“Our institute was the first in Poland to develop a test to detect SARS-CoV-2. We soon decided to combine AGAMEDE’s automation capabilities with our tests and developed a high-throughput diagnostic protocol that allows us to test 15,000 samples in one day. At least this is the potential, because IBCH PAS as a scientific entity does not have an accredited diagnostic laboratory. This is an outstanding result, because when analysing samples manually, one person can at most process a few hundred samples a day,” says IBCH PAS director Prof. Marek Figlerowicz.

Robots, PLC and software from Mitsubishi Electric The AGAMEDE project was created alongside technology partners Mitsubishi Electric, Labomatica and Perlan Technologies. Mitsubishi Electric provided a 6-axis robot, PLC controls and its MELFA Basic software. The industrial robot with its long arm reach is the central component of the system. Using an integrated set of robotic tools, it can perform microscale experiments on 96- and 384-well microassay plates, reproducing 30

the work of a laboratory technician who continuously operates the analytical equipment. It does this according to the experimental protocols entered by the operator into the control software.

The application further includes industrial cell culture incubators, plate and tip feeders, pipetting stations, labellers, barcode scanners, plate sealers, fluorescence readers and spectrophotometers. As a particular highlight, AGAMEDE is equipped with an automated confocal microscope HCA with four fluorescence channels. For the biotechnology community, this instrument is the equivalent of the Hubble telescope brought into the microcosm. Instead of astronomical objects, it photographs and analyses millions of cells and tissue structures with similar quality and efficiency.

The device is complemented by an acoustic dispenser that releases

quantities of liquid in the nanolitre range (millionths of a millilitre).

Rapid dispensing of such small volumes of solution reduces research costs and increases throughput. It allows experiments to be conducted using a collection of over 115,000 chemical compounds available.

Working under high pressure “In implementing the first such advanced system in Poland – combining robotics with laboratory equipment – we benefited from our international experience. The support of Mitsubishi Electric’s global organisation dedicated to innovative projects was very helpful,” says Roman Janik, coordinator of solutions for the life science industry in Poland.

However, he also emphasises the tight deadline of the project. “We all worked under time pressure to develop a solution that would relieve the lab technicians as quickly as possible. We were able

to deliver a weekly throughput of 100,000 samples, which is scalable.

This is a phenomenal result!”

Bringing many worlds together Tomasz Scholz, Robotics Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric further recalls: “The task would have been complicated even without the time pressure. The AGAMEDE project is an interdisciplinary project that combines the worlds of robotics, computer science, industrial design, mathematics, biology and chemistry. The solutions we used in it are innovative and unique. As with many projects, the biggest challenge was to define the goal and how we would achieve it. The key to this was to find a common ’technical language‘ so that people from different areas of expertise could communicate on the same level and make their expectations clear. It was often difficult to bridge the gap between the academic world, which thinks in abstract terms, and the industrial world, which typically follows a fixed pattern.”

New approaches for laboratory planning The result is a system that not only works well, but also looks interesting. “Its design refers to ancient Greece and is a tribute to the beginnings of scientific thinking in our civilisation, especially to women in science,” explains Radosław Pilarski, PhD. He further emphasises that the planning also paid attention to the laboratory space in which the installation was placed. A clean room for aseptic cell culture, windowless in most labs, was given a completely new look, breaking with previous standards. It is well lit thanks to large, carefully sealed windows. Glass panes were added to allow constant observation and control of the system without having to wear cleanroom suits.

The work is facilitated by highresolution 4K monitors and cameras that allow remote monitoring of AGAMEDE and experiments from anywhere in the world.

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Delta’s New Compact, High-Performance ASDA-B3 Series Delta, a world-class provider of industrial automation solutions, today announced the launch of its new compact and high-efficiency servo system ASDA-B3 Series, which offers a user-friendly operation environment with precise motion control functions, a newly- added safe torque off (STO) function, high responsiveness up to 3.1kHz and high positioning precision with over 16.7 million pulses per revolution to optimize production efficiency and output value in a wide range of applications, such as machine tools, electronics, semiconductors, industrial robots, printing, packaging, textiles, warehousing, and medical.

Concurrently we have also launched the new generation motor of ECM-B3 Series, offering improved power density, stability, and stiffness while reducing 40% space requirements. Nevertheless, torque has increased 350% and the maximum speed is now 6000 rpm. With the new ASDASoft GUI, the time of commissioning and troubleshooting is shorter.

“Customers across a broad range of manufacturing and industrial automation applications are going to be really excited about our new generation of servo drives,” said Davide Bagnacani, product manager, Industrial Automation Business Group at Delta Electronics EMEA region. “The ASDA-B3 Series is a big step up in performance and we think this will make it attractive for applications, such as machine tools, electronics, semiconductors, industrial robots, printing, packaging, textiles, and warehousing. Moreover, applications that might not have used a servo drive before will see a noticeable increase in throughput.

This drive is going to make the decision to use a servo motor much easier.”

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A new level of performance Among the many performance highlights of the new 230VAC ECM-B3 motor from Delta is an auto tuning feature that ensures optimized operation without the need for manual adjustments.

Responsiveness has been bumped up to 3.1 kHz from the 1 kHz of the preceding model. Delta has programmed new motor control algorithms and increased the computing power of the drive to achieve this superior result.

A 40% reduction in settling time also contributes to improved production line productivity. Load tolerances have increased, allowing for better control resolution and system stability as well as higher response bandwidth for the same load conditions.

Further contributing to efficiency are the low cogging torque, increased speed, and lower acceleration and deceleration times. As with the previous line of Delta servo drives, customers can choose from motors with varying inertia ranges to achieve the most efficient inertia ratio.

The new drive enables a number of motion functions, for instance in PR mode. Operators can use up to 99 PR paths for flexible motion command planning. The Capture feature makes it possible to capture coordinates instantly from a single set of digital inputs.

State-of-the-art safety, communications, and control Safety features include built-in STO

with no additional module required (B3A family), reaching a safety integrity level of 2 (SIL-2) and performance level D (PLD). The ASDA-B3 Series can also operate using several different control modes from traditional pulse train and analog input to the more current fieldbus systems including CANopen and EtherCAT. These different control modes were achieved with three different hardware designs to ensure good segmentation and achieve cost efficiency for the respective application. The EtherCAT command frequency has been raised to 125 μs / 8kHz for greater accuracy.

Positioning is now several orders of magnitude more precise thanks to the 24-bit encoder, which results in 16,777,216 pulses per turn and 46,603 pulses for a single degree. This absolute encoder also retains the motor’s position when the power is off.

Flexibility, compatibility, and enhanced usability The new configuration application ASDA-Soft employs wizards to guide users through a fast and easy setup procedure. Onboard diagnostics features and usability have been improved with a new and intuitive layout.

The new servo drives of ASDA-B3 Series are compatible with the existing motors of ASDA-A2 Series and ASDA-A3 Series. Configurations are available with IP20 connectors and IP65 connectors are in planning.

Creating intelligent packaging solutions for a global market Located in the beautiful coastal city of Qingdao, Golden Packaging (Golden Pak) has many years of rich service experience in the ice cream industry, as well as providing all kinds of packaging equipment for many leading enterprises in the cold beverage industry such as Meiji, Wall’s, Nestle, Yili, Mengniu, Bright Dairy, Hongbaolai, and Baxi. Golden Pak’s equipment is also exported to more than 60 countries and regions including the United States, Germany, Japan and Russia. With the support of Mitsubishi Electric and Qingdao Keling, they not only develop and upgrade special equipment for horizontal feeding, organizing, packaging, sorting and palletizing for many industries such as food and medicine industries, but also create a comprehensive solution for the packaging process by using the e-F@ctory framework.

In the years following 2000, the packaging industry in China developed very rapidly: on the one hand, packaging equipment could help customers reduce labor costs and improve the level of hygiene with the popularization of automation technology; on the other hand, a group of large enterprises emerged due to strong market demand. The traditional mode of small workshops could not adapt to large-scale production and standardized operation, and there was an urgent need for automation equipment with higher production efficiency. Golden Pak closely followed the development pace of their customers. With their stable product quality and timely responses, they had caught up with the “fast track” of the packaging industry and quickly opened up new opportunities in food and CPG industries. After that, with technical support from Mitsubishi Electric and Qingdao Keling, they focused on the development of non-

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standard, customized products to provide more value and services to meet the demand from their customers in the cold beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

In such a highly competitive market, Golden Pak has always maintained their excellent product quality, reasonable prices, stylish design and comprehensive services that already won them the trust and praise of their customers as they have steadily moved forward in both foreign and domestic markets!

Nowadays, the export ratio of their products is higher than 50%,

mainly to developed countries as far afield as Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Japan, and South Korea as well as sales throughout Asia, Africa and South America. To support this Golden Pak has opened a joint venture manufacturing plant in Indonesia to manufacture, sell and provide services locally, stepping towards a global production capability. Often the level of customers represents the strength of a company and this is especially true for Golden Pak: at present, they are working with

top companies in the domestic and international food and pharmaceutical industries such as Unilever, Nestle, Wall’s, Yili Group, Mengniu Group, Wandashan, but also not to miss mentioning New Hope, Charoen Pokphan, Hsu Fu Chi, Want Want, Baiyunshan, Nice, Sanjin Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and COFCO. Jin Weijian, General Manager of Qingdao Golden Packaging Machinery Co.Ltd. said, “About 5% of Chinese private enterprises survive only for 10 years, and the average life span of small and medium-sized enterprises in the United States is less than 7 years, which indicates that it is not easy for private enterprises to do a good job. Golden Pak has been there for eighteen years. Many employees have been with the company through thick and thin.

Yet the company has always been energetic, as we take ‘creating value for customers’ as our business tenet, which is consistent with Mitsubishi Electric’s values.”

From packaging equipment and integration with the customer’s production systems, to providing back-end packaging engineering and comprehensive services, Golden Pak helps customers increase production, reduce costs, ensure sanitary conditions, and realize value creation and enhancement. “We want to have a place in China’s packaging machinery industry and make Golden Pak an influential brand in the industry.” Jin Weijian is confident about their corporate goals.

The improvement of technical capabilities is not limited to successfully completing the production task of a certain process, but also to optimize thestructural design and improve

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the compatibility of the system. In the words of Jin Weijian, “Achieve optimal quality and price”.

After the new development ideas were determined, Golden Pak fully adopted Mitsubishi Electric products. This seemingly ‘expensive’ strategy was the most ‘beneficial’.

In recent years, the competition in packaging industry has been particularly fierce. Packaging equipment components have become more and more expensive, but the prices of whole machines are declining.

“Mitsubishi Electric’s products are stable in quality but with high prices, and end users want to buy inexpensive equipment.

As a packaging equipment manufacturer, it is extremely hard to balance this contradiction, while obtaining reasonable profits, and ensuring the quality of the equipment. Fortunately, Mitsubishi Electric and Keling help us control costs through reasonable configuration and solve problems using their technology, so we have a strong base for competing,” Jin Weijian explained.

The technical support from Keling and Mitsubishi Electric was an important foundation for Golden Pak’s transformation and a critical factor in helping users to upgrade their processes. “Golden Pak design

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the machines, while Mitsubishi Electric and Keling provide electrical and system design support. This collaboration enhances the co-operation between both the electrical and mechanical areas, with a future focus to add sorting equipment and box filling machines thus providing solutions for the entire back-end packaging.” In this way, Golden Pak has transformed from a single equipment supplier to a packaging engineering provider.

The installation of an automatic Baumkuchen packaging line at a customer’s site illustrates the effectiveness of these joint solutions by Golden Pak, Mitsubishi Electric and Keling. The project lasted for two months with Keling’s engineer Mr.Yang being stationed at the site, and Mitsubishi Electric’s technicians and experts on-hand to provide support. Mr.Yang said, “Sharing success with customers is our philosophy. Mitsubishi Electric has been rolling out many reliable and convenient solution packages in recent years. They support manufacturers to adopt concepts that can create more value for customers.”

This Baumkuchen packaging production line and the back-end project with multi-belt packaging adopted advanced technology and industry leading solutions.

The production line has automatic sorting and feeding, automatic deoxidizer and labeling, automatic pillow packing, parallel spider robots, automatic boxing, various testing stations and other packaging elements. The integrated main controller watches over the entire process to maintain stability and to ensure things run smoothly.

Mitsubishi Electric not only has a full factory automation product line (from PLCs to industrial robots and processing machines, etc.), but it also has created the e-F@ctory digital manufacturing concept based on nearly a hundred years of manufacturing experience, built on a system framework and standards for creating intelligent factories.

“I hope that Mitsubishi Electric will strengthen its understanding of the industry and invest in science and technology, at the cutting edge of the packaging process, to support the needs of end users and promote the application and expansion of production lines, production workshops, and even the application of products and solutions for the whole plant.” Jin Weijian has extremely high expectations for Mitsubishi Electric. He said that once all production lines start to use Mitsubishi Electric’s technology, the stability of the packaging equipment will be better guaranteed.

NSK doubles bearing life in continuous casting machine application Cylindrical roller bearings mounted to a continuous casting machine were only lasting 1-2 months prior to failure at a major steelmaking plant in Europe. To remedy the situation, the facility invited NSK’s team of experts to review the application and operating conditions, a process that ultimately led to the adoption of NSK’s sealed spherical roller bearings. The result: annual savings of €14,850 in downtime and maintenance costs.

The machine in question produces I-section beams using a series of rolls to maintain pressure on the profile as the molten steel solidifies.

Shaft-mounted bearings support each set of rolls.

At the steel plant, the cylindrical roller bearings were lubricated with oil via a complex system of piping. Unfortunately, high maintenance costs were the norm because of the time required to disconnect and reconnect the pipes after every bearing failure.

Due to the demanding nature of the application (high temperatures, contamination, high loading) – as well as the design constraints of the machine which prevented the fitting of heavier duty bearings – the service life of the cylindrical roller bearings was just 1-2 months.

To provide an improvement, NSK concluded its analysis by proposing to fit the rolls of one segment with sealed spherical roller bearings (60 in total).

NSK’s solution doubled the maintenance intervals to 2-4 months thanks to the high sealing performance of the sealed spherical roller bearings, resulting in substantial cost savings of €14,850 (for just a single segment of the continuous casting machine).

Instead of the single-lip concept of standard sealed spherical bearings, NSK’s design takes advantage of a special outwardextending, spring-loaded lip seals made from nitrile rubber, delivering robust protection against the ingress of contamination.

The savings of €14,850 relate solely to reduced downtime and maintenance costs. However, in reality, the steelmaker is enjoying many additional savings. For instance, another critical factor is that NSK’s sealed spherical roller bearings use long-life, temperature-resistant grease, subsequently eliminating oil costs.

Moreover, the solution is more eco-friendly as there is no need to dispose of contaminated oil, leading to another saving.

Most notably of all however, the grease does not require reapplication for the operating lifetime of the sealed NSK bearing, which means that dismantling and re-installing the oil piping system is no longer needed after a bearing failure, significantly reducing the time required for maintenance. Overall, the time required for the replacement of a segment is now 10 hours, instead of 20 previously.

In terms of bearing design, NSK’s sealed spherical roller bearings feature symmetrical rollers and raceways to prevent edge loading problems at the contact points under high- load operating conditions. Furthermore, a special chamfer configuration ensures smooth axial movement of the bearing at the free end.

Such was the success of the project at the steelmaker that NSK received an order for 900 bearings with the intention of replacing the existing cylindrical roller bearings on all segments of the continuous casting machine, multiplying the savings accordingly.

A standard range of NSK sealed spherical roller bearings is today available from 50 to 130 mm internal diameter (90-280 mm external diameter). The maximum permissible misalignment is 0.5° as per the industry standard, while the maximum operating temperature is 80oC, although this can be enhanced in line with the seal material and type of grease used.

As a final point, the maximum limiting speed of the NSK sealed spherical roller bearings is 8 m/s (as determined by the permissible linear speed at point of contact with the seal lip), ensuring its suitability for other applications involving higher operating speeds than continuous casting.

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That’s a WRAP on food waste Anti-food-waste expert, WRAP, declares that around a third of all food produced is lost or wasted, contributing 8 to 10 percent of overall man-made greenhouse gasses. Food Waste Action Week 2022 (7th –13th March) aims to help slice global food waste in half by 2030. After celebrating the success of its first event in 2021, this year’s sustainability pact will be the tipping point for actionable change.

Commitment environmental targets for 2030, there is still some work to be done.

It is clear from the WRAP 2021 report that food processors are already successfully implementing waste interventions. There has been an astonishing 45 percent increase in UK redistribution in 2020 with the help of WRAP’s Food Waste Action Week 2021, equating to over 92,000 tonnes worth £280 million, and considering the climbing food costs, these savings are immense.

1. Lead with efficient automation

Even so, the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) strives to reduce food waste by 50 percent in the next decade. If businesses are to meet the new Courtauld

Food safety and inspection champion, Fortress Technology, examines the changing attitudes towards food waste and how automation and lean manufacturing can bring a greater sense of transparency and greener thinking to the food chain.

By leading with efficient automation, it is far more likely that food processors, equipment choices and quality control processes will facilitate the reduction in food waste manufacturing, rather than hinder it. The utilisation of automation tools and ‘smart’ inspection machinery will help to ensure waste, safety and production efficiency remains tightly controlled.

Fortress Technology’s Managing Director Phil Brown expands: “Most

of today’s food metal detectors are ‘smart’ and connected. This allows immediate and remote access, enabling food manufacturers to view the current equipment status, monitor rejects and maintain continuous, smooth production lines.”

2. Tighten time-saving procedures Manually carrying out regular checks can drain resources; consider implementing digital testing instead. Guaranteed to save food manufacturers time and money, Halo Digital Testing from Fortress automatically and independently checks for all metal materials - ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel.

The unique new conveyor design, featured on the company’s premium Raptor checkweighing series, is another big labour, time and money saver. Overcoming the challenge of loosening belt tension during machine sanitation, operators simply unclip and disconnect the conveyor motor, lift out and re-assemble in seconds.

3. Optimise detection High-speed, multi-line food packing operations can produce huge amounts of unnecessary waste.

The rejection systems can remove an entire line of produce across all lanes being checked, resulting in tonnes of quality product gone to waste. These losses not only impact environmental waste but economical too, as it is estimated the cost per line of false rejects is at over £14,000, depending on the scale of the problem.

Given that food processors use a wide array of mixers, dicers and slicers - most made from stainless steel - Fortress has intentionally focused its efforts on addressing harmful contaminant risks and reducing by-product. Upstream inspection machines can help

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to capture contaminants in their largest form, minimise waste and enhance productivity.

Phil explains: “Upstream is often the place where we can get two or three times the performance level. There is a better opportunity to identify where the source of a potential problem may be if there are several units throughout the line, especially when adding ingredients at different points or performing different processes.”

4. Stop the surplus production Overproduction and overfilling dramatically contribute to annual food waste numbers. Even a few grams surplus in every food pack can rapidly equate to thousands of pounds per month; inefficiencies that the Fortress Raptor checkweighing and combination series targets.

By capturing sample readings by the millisecond, the high-end Raptor control system provides accurate and consistent weighing results which is a game changer for food factories concerned about product waste and giveaway, explains Phil.

“Using Raptor’s digital data capture feature, manufacturers can pinpoint upstream operational deficiencies, including overfilling of packs, processing and packaging waste.”

5. Remember waste always has a value Whether it is environmental, economic or productivity-measured, food waste always has a value.

By investing in accurate weighing, dosing and inspection equipment, manufacturers can add back into their bottom line to strategise future production methods and combat rising food costs.

The increases in energy costs, CO2, transportation and labour make it even more imperative to consider the whole waste picture and how precision processing can protect profit margins too. Implementing time-saving and digital processes, automated calibration of machinery and better detection systems can all help to acquire financial savings and tackle this war on food waste.

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Fuzzy Logic and Visionic: robotics for the nuclear industry To be deployed efficiently, today’s NDT technologies require a controlled, laboratory-like environment, which is precisely what is difficult to achieve in field conditions. This same challenge is what Framatome Intercontrôle is confronted with when inspecting components in the primary circuits of nuclear power plants (CNPE), especially in the case of specific welds such as tappings at the junction points between primary and secondary piping systems.

In order to overcome these challenges, Framatome Intercontrôle uses industrial robots in an innovative way to solve many NDT problems. Ultrasonic detection performed by a robot characterizes the internal volumetric defects of the weld to detect possible cracks.

Currently, these inspections are prepared in advance on site and require a 3D scan of the weld and measurement of the environment, each weld and environment being geometrically unique. A roboticist then calculates the robot trajectory for the future inspection.

At the time of inspection, if the environment is different from the initial measurements or does not correspond exactly to the archived scan, it is no longer possible to directly adapt the prepared trajectory; the measurements and trajectory calculations must be adjusted again. However, the nuclear environment is complex and subject to very restrictive safety regulations. Each intervention is therefore costly in terms of human resources, especially since the threshold for radiation exposure of personnel is 12 millisieverts per year, which increases the cost of repairs when they become necessary.

According to Mr. Yannick Caulier, Expert I, VTI level III, COFFMET level II at Framatome / Intercontrôle: “preparing the inspections is

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a complex, time consuming and costly task, because the environment is not easy to model.

That is why we were looking for a software package that would allow us to easily redefine trajectories so that we could adapt our inspections to the conditions in each nuclear site”.

Current industrial robots and programming tools are not designed for unstructured field environments. Moreover, using and programming them requires a high level of expertise. To overcome these constraints, Fuzzy Logic and Visionic have developed the PRIMUS platform.

Primus, a unique software platform The PRIMUS Software and Hardware platform allows NDT service providers to respond to infrastructure inspection requests quickly and efficiently. It works simply, the first step is to model the environment as it is at the time of the inspection. Any additional elements that could potentially hinder the trajectory are then integrated into this modelling step, the simulation of the process before the on-site inspection is then complete. In the second step, a robot is placed next to the welded areas of the pipes. The inspection probe must be moved with great precision, this requires the use of a robot to achieve accurate positioning and orientation. Using software developed by Fuzzy Logic, operators can set up the robot quickly, without needing to position it with great accuracy on the pipe.

The 3D sensors integrated on the robot allow the robot to be quickly and easily realigned to its real environment. Trajectories can be determined in seconds with a few mouse clicks. The combination of the complex trajectory calculated by the Fuzzy Studio and the 3D scan of the weld structure by Visionic generates the inspection path adapted

to the real surface. The last step consists in the inspection of the weld by ultrasound.

This method has never been used for NDT before, and the results obtained are much more accurate thanks to the control of the probe positioning, with prior adjustment based on a 3D scan of the surface.

Visionic supplies the robots and their optical system. Fuzzy Logic provides the enhanced agile programming environment, allowing programming to be done by non-roboticists and eliminating many of the setup steps. Framatome Intercontrôle contributes both the know-how and a robotic NDT weld inspection test bench for developing, testing and validating the PRIMUS solution in an operational environment.

Thanks to the PRIMUS system, Framatome Intercontrôle’s inspection time has gone from two weeks to one day.

In addition, PRIMUS increases the efficiency, quality and safety of nondestructive testing while decreasing operator radiation exposure. Aided by the cooperation and support of the partners in the RIMA network, the PRIMUS system was developed, deployed and tested in a record time of 14 months, bringing industrial robotics to the forefront of nuclear infrastructure inspection.

Yannick Caulier states, “the no-code, ergonomic and versatile software, usable on all PRIMUS robots, offers us greater accessibility than ever before. We can place the robot where we want it and generate its trajectory in a few clicks. This is one of the aspects that attracted us the most.”

A successful collaboration Ryan Lober, CEO and co-founder of Fuzzy Logic: “Framatome, like many

other industrial corporations, are pushing the limits of what we think we can do with industrial robots.

However, expert-level tools are a limiting factor. By offering a solution that is accessible to non-experts, we are paving the way for using robots in these applications, which were once thought impossible. “ According to Xavier Savin: “This specific application for Framatome, which solves a particular problem, can be transposed wherever material integrity inspections are carried out by ultrasound on surfaces whose geometry is not fully predictable. Our solution can be extended to robotic applications

where a different trajectory definition is important. The more variability there is in the trajectories, the more meaningful the solution will be.”

Yannick Caulier explains that the software developed for this application can be adapted for inspections of other weld types. “It is planned to develop the prototype further, with new features and fluidity in the inspection chain.”

RIMA, a bold move The collaboration between Framatome, Fuzzy Logic and Visionic was formed in the fall of 2019, via the RIMA consortium.

Framatome had a requirement that was atypical in the field of robotics.

It needed a robotic solution that could be used by non-experts.

The challenge was to design a software platform to define the robot trajectories in order to adapt the inspections of pipe welding in a nuclear site. Visionic and Fuzzy Logic jointly responded, convinced of the unprecedented technological potential of their solution.

RIMA subsidized the R&D costs for the Visionic and Fuzzy Logic consortium up to €300,000.

“RIMA financed a technology that never existed before, in response to

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an atypical need. RIMA’s bold move has paid off because in 14 months, our PRIMUS solution, developed by a start-up and an innovative SME, has demonstrated the significance of its impact in a sector that is considered very demanding”, said Ryan Lober, pleased with the success.

Xavier Savin, explains, “We were aware of the commercial potential behind our technical solution. There are real opportunities for Primus on the international market.

All 56 nuclear reactors in France will have to undergo major refurbishment, to enable them to continue production after 40 years of operation. Replacing piping in a nuclear plant is costly and complex. Our solution, which characterizes the defects and whose gives reliable results, makes it possible to decide on the most appropriate maintenance steps after inspection. Our solution offers the potential for considerable economic benefits. This potential can be multiplied by the number of power plants in operation in Europe and worldwide.” www.flr.io

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New connectivity solutions featuring highdensity miniaturization power up data transmission in reduced-scale electronics The flagship product line Fischer MiniMaxTM Series, which already includes one of the smallest and densest connectors in the world, now includes three connectors and their associated cables with new options in pin layout, body size and data speed: - New pin-layout configuration: 7 contacts (4x signal, 3x power) in Ø 10 mm receptacle (Fischer Connectors reference ‘size 06’) with a configuration offering up to 22 AWG and a choice of three locking mechanisms (quick-release, pushpull, screw), as a perfect alternative for designing even smaller equipment for the Nett Warrior connectivity ecosystem and for other rugged applications - New body size: Ø 14.0 mm (size 10) with 12 signal and power contacts offering USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s, 1 m) and high power up to 8A, suited for high-speed intercom boxes and next-generation hubs - New ultra-high density: 30 contacts (24x signal, 6x power) in Ø 14.0 mm (size 10), supporting multi-protocol data transmission (such as HDMI, USB, Ethernet) and extending the popular high-density layout offering for instrumentation applications, unmanned systems, and sensor and IoT interconnections.

Increased density and optimized packaging factors for design flexibility The increased density and optimized packaging factor offered by the MiniMax series apply to a varied array of lightweight and compact solutions, from various connector configurations, through cable assemblies with straight, right-angle or 60° overmolding, to electronic solutions including hubs, flash drives and flex PCB circuits

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tailored to the size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements of entire electronic systems and ecosystems.

This provides OEM engineers with more flexibility in terms of design when it comes to choosing from different connectivity solutions in line with specific system-level and field-application engineering requirements, harsh operating environments, as well as costefficiency criteria.

Smaller connectivity yields big advantages in terms of design integration. For example, the 12 mm diameter receptacle (size 08) with up to 24 power and signal contacts represents up to a 45% space saving compared to standard receptacles with a similar number of contacts.

The external dimensions of electronic devices are affected by the growing demand for sensors and mobile (or wearable) electronics as well as for autonomous robotics and vehicles.

This implies ever-lighter components.

With up to 75% weight saving, the Fischer MiniMaxTM Series achieves both size and weight reduction, maximizing performances while minimizing the integration burden.

One of the smallest and densest connectors in the world is a Fischer MiniMaxTM connector. The connector in size 06 includes up to 12 power and signal contacts in a footprint of just 10 mm. This represents a density factor of 0.83, a unique technological feature for a connector with standard 0.5 mm contacts. The density factor is equal to the receptacle diameter divided by the number of contacts available in that receptacle size.

When ruggedized for durable life cycles, lightweight and ultraminiature solutions further increase flexibility and facilitates design

integration for demanding applications. The main reliability features of the Fischer MiniMaxTM Series are 5,000 mating cycles, 360° EMC shielding, IP68 sealing -20m/24h, gas tightness to 10-6 mbar l/s, high corrosion resistance, operating temperatures from -40 °C to +135 °C, blind mating, three secure locking mechanisms (quick-release, pushpull, screw), and cable assemblies with straight or angled bend relief overmolding.

Two use cases: Robust, high-density miniaturization applied Lidar (laser imaging detection and ranging) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). YellowScan, based in southern France, designs lightweight UAV-lidar mapping solutions for surveying operations such as a survey of ruins, topographic studies of road and rail corridors, and an airborne survey of the Amazon in French Guyana that maps both canopy and terrain to study the impacts of climate change.

The key connectivity requirements for lidar systems such as the YellowScan’s Mapper using three Fischer MiniMaxTM connectors are: space and weight, rugged material, vibration resistance, dust and rain proofing with high IP sealing, large pin count and EMI shielding.

YellowScan’s Mapper uses three Fischer MinimaxTM connectors: 4 pins for the external power port; 24 pins (RJ45 and Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter, UART) for the LiveStation port; and 19 pins (USB and General Purpose Input/Output, GPIO) for the optional camera port Strain gauge sensors. To ensure that machines and systems in robotics, medical technology or the automotive industry are operated safely and precisely, the forces and torques need to be monitored constantly. One proven methodology

for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. Since the sensors are very small, connectivity also has to be suitably minimized, and data transmission must remain stable even when there are high vibrations.

The engineers of ME-Meßsysteme based in Germany have chosen the compact and robust Fischer MiniMaxTM Series to meet these requirements in data transmission and vibration resistance.

CEO and CTO quotes Jonathan Brossard, Fischer Connectors CEO: “Special knowhow, skillsets and miniaturization and ruggedization processes and techniques are required from our R&D and Operations teams to design and manufacture our ultra-miniature, highdensity and high-speed connectivity solutions. We are very proud we can provide the design engineering community with some of the smallest and densest connectivity solutions in the world, combined with unparalleled ergonomics and robustness.”

Jérôme Dabonneville, Fischer Connectors CTO: “The multiplication of sensors – reflecting a growing need for data acquisition and transmission – as well as the constant scale reduction of electronic components are the two main innovation drivers for eversmaller, lighter and more capable high-density, ultra-miniature connectors, cable assemblies and electronic solutions. Demands for connectivity tailored to electronic devices and systems ensuring signal integrity and maximizing power & data functionality, performance and reliability, while containing or maintaining footprint to a minimum, are on the rise. The new solutions we are now making available to the market completes our Fischer MiniMaxTM range in this direction.

Tested to IEC, EIA and MIL-SPEC quality and reliability standards, they allow design engineers to accelerate innovative designs for various challenging applications in defense & security, UAVs and industrial instrumentation, to name just a few of the harsh operating environments for which our ultra-miniature connectivity solutions are particularly well suited.”

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The future of marine propulsion sets off from CES 2022 Busy marinas full of motor yachts and boats setting off on long, medium and short-range trips, with plenty of excitement, but no noise at all. Is this only a futuristic scenario? Actually it could be imminent thanks to the vision of FPT Industrial and Sealence, which, together, are presenting their innovative Hybrid Electric Marine Propulsion System Concept for leisure and commercial vessels at CES 2022.

Following the signing of a Letter of Intent, FPT Industrial and Sealence, a startup based in Buccinasco (Milan, Italy) – whose mission is to move the marine industry towards a more environmentally conscious approach – have decided to join forces to explore a real, sustainable revolution in marine propulsion systems. The core of the concept, which is displayed in the Marine Innovation Area of the FPT

Industrial’s new 2200 sq ft stand (booth #9643 North Hall) at CES 2022, is the DeepSpeed Jet, a turn-key solution addressing the challenge of electrification in marine propulsion.

Shaped to externally resemble an aviation jet, through an integrated electric motor it sucks the water from the front and pushes it from the bow side to propel the boat.

The energy for the electric motor is supplied by batteries that can be recharged on board by the FPT Industrial N67 570 EVO engine, coupled with a state-of-the-art variable generator, or by the charging station when the boat is in harbor mode.

A modern take on more than 100 years of technological expertise, the ICE, dialogues with a 30-yearold technology, the batteries, and together they interface with the

future to create one of the most efficient, effective, environmentally friendly and silent – when operating in full electric mode – marine propulsion systems.

The new Hybrid Electric system is designed to maximize efficiency, silence, application modularity and flexibility.

With the same amount of energy, the DeepSpeed Jet generates more thrust and speed compared to a prop system, while consuming less.

An outboard system positioned directly under the hull, the DeepSpeed Jet offers leisure and commercial vessel builders a number of significant advantages.

Only cables run through the hull, since the system installation does not require bulky mechanical connections and interfaces that could impair flexibility.

Since there is no need for transmissions and axles, there is more available space on board, giving shipyards the opportunity to optimize the engine room layout, boat design and internal layout.

By varying the number and size of battery packs and generators, boat propulsion configurations can be customized according to their intended use: a mainly electric set-up is preferable for short-range trips, while long-range usage will require more generators and less batteries, since during this kind of navigation the electric motor is powered by the ICE in the open water stretches.

The versatility and enhanced efficiency of this unique Hybrid Electric Marine Propulsion System Concept are evident when considering its various operating modes.

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Cruising Mode

Long Range

The boat starts in electric mode with gentle accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum efficiency, allowing smooth maneuvering and low-speed cruising. When the cruise speed is reached, the generator steps in, supplying energy to the jet and recharging the battery.

When the boat starts, the generator is switched on, with gentle accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum efficiency. The generator keeps the batteries 100% charged and supplies the energy to maintain cruise speed.

The boat can exceed cruise speed for 2 minutes, then the system automatically returns to cruise speed.

Sport Mode When the boat starts, the generator is switched on, with steep accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum performance. The generator and battery work together to provide the jet with maximum energy.

On-board charging

Full Electric

Dock charging

The boat starts in electric mode with gentle accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum efficiency, allowing navigation in protected areas and harbors near the city in a totally silent mode. The generator never steps in.

The propulsion is shut off. The battery is recharged by the charging station when the boat is in harbor mode.

The propulsion is shut off. If the battery charge drops under 50%, the generator automatically starts at minimum rpm and restores the charge.

Additionally, FPT Industrial and Sealence are also developing a new generation of marine batteries,

featuring an internal filling technology to make them totally fireproof and safe.

“By selecting and powering startups, FPT Industrial is taking another step forward in its path to innovation and sustainable value proposition,” comments Davide De Silvio, Director of Sales - ePowertrain.

“As with Nikola and Potenza, the collaboration with Sealence offers a new approach to exploring disruptive solutions, while increasing our competitive edge in a market that regards sustainability as one of the main performance indicators.”

“The collaboration signed with FPT Industrial for the joint development of new-generation batteries and range extenders is part of our industrial acceleration strategy and will allow us to enter the market with a solution that is unrivalled in terms of technological content, efficiency, ease of navigation and reliability,” comments Sealence President William Gobbo. “I’m sure that our joint participation at CES 2022 will cause a big stir.” www.fptindustrial.com.

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