MARKET | interview
“Technology is changing at a rapid pace…” …says Manish K Sahay, Country Manager, Leuze electronic, while discussing the future needs & recent technology developments in the sensors market segment. He also briefs on the role of sensors in IoT and robotic controller, during an interview with Maria Jerin. Can you brief us on the different types of sensors/products offered by your company? We offer our customers an extensive line of sensors and corresponding accessories for industrial automation with three divisions, namely Detection that includes products like photo sensors, proximity, measuring sensors, colour/ contrast sensors; Identification that includes barcode scanner, machine vision, RFID and positioning sensors and Protection, which includes safety light curtain, safety scanner and safety door switches. Our systems are used in the automotive industry along with conveyor & storage systems and in mounting and analysis technology, electronics & solar industries, printing machines and packing material and analysis technologies. What are the latest technology developments & market changes witnessed in sensor technology? Technology in every field is changing at a rapid pace. Sensors are no exception as well! These are used in manufacturing pins. These are also the first equipment in machineries to send signals and are called “eyes” of automation. A simple example of changing trends is in the food & beverages industries. Sensors with web configuration, Bluetooth, wireless RFID systems are some new developments in this market where the company is a pioneer. Can Internet of Things (IoT) lead towards a greater focus on automation technology implementation? Many new generation sensors come with web-configuration. Users should connect sensor with their PC/Laptop, type IP address and access these software from their PC. There is no
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requirement for CD or upgrading the Windows. Since it is web-based, users can program the sensor or make changes from their home as well. Can you highlight on the role of sensors in robotic controller? What are the recent innovations witnessed in this sector? Sensors, encoders, vision systems, safety grids and scanners are few automated products used in robotics application. Encoders and vision systems are used for accurate positioning of robot arms, e.g. to perform precise function. Since robotic applications are dangerous and can lead to grievous injury, we make an invisible boundary by scanner or light curtain, if any person crosses this “LaxmanRekha”, the machine will stop. These sensors need to respond fast, approx. within 18 milli-seconds. What are your future plans for the emerging industrial automation sector in India? In 2014 & 2015, we have launched many new advanced technological products suitable for the Asian & Indian automation market. We have excessive plan for hiring to promote them. We are starting service centre in India to repair products locally. We already started assembly of inductive switches (low cost commodity item) to offer very competitive price from India. We put 20% profit back into innovations and R&D. In India, we are leaders in textile, followed by packaging & labelling application. We are also strong in machine tools, auto and printing. These sectors will receive lot of innovative sensors from our end.☐ > MORE@CLICK ADI03646 | www.AandD24.in
A&D India | Feb-Mar 2015
2/25/2015 1:27:51 PM