Producers of logistical plant and equippers of handling and warehouse systems basically face three challenges when automating distribution and intralogistical processes: the detection and identification of logistical objects; the measurement, control and regulatory automation of plants; and the provision of certified safety technology for risk-free operation.
Automation “on the object”
The measurement and identification of objects is often determined on the basis of the practicality, efficiency, availability and economic efficiency of logistical plant concepts. Tasks that are currently found at many companies involve the correct labeling and identification of material flow objects – from parcels to pallets. SICK is presenting at CeMAT 2011 a cross-technology platform and portfolio strategy that allows the application-specific selection of suitable auto-ID products: IDpro. Of decisive important hereby is the fact that SICK is currently the only supplier of auto-ID systems with all the technologies (bar code, 2D and RFID) in its range, that develops and produces them itself, and that has created a uniform platform for them, i.e. consistent user interfaces, process interfaces and connections. As a result, customers can select the best solution from technological alternatives – which is better than having to rely on a single available technology.
The efficiency of handling and warehouse systems often depends on how the available automated handling processes can be structured. Particular emphasis is placed upon the provision of trouble-free storage processes for which precise detection, measurement, classification, and checking of contours are essential. Depending on the object, but also on the plant’s technological and economic situation, SICK can offer customized sensor concepts – from array sensors for reliable pallet detection, through light grid solutions for detecting the height of objects, to 2D laser measurement systems and 3D contour detection for checking shapes and projections. The sensors ensure that only objects that have the necessary dimensions and properties are actually automatically transported – effectively preventing storage problems.
High-performance sorting processes are particularly dominant at service provision companies in the parcel, post and freight logistics segments. Here, the correct sensor solution not only determines the accuracy and quality of sorting processes, but increasingly also the company’s economic success – by providing an accurate data basis for the invoicing of the sorting and freight services actually provided. SICK offers many years’ solution competence in this task, for example in the form of high-end identification solutions for all reading situations as well as volume measurement systems offering approved-for-trade calibration.
MSR technology for logistical plants
In order for material flow systems to run smoothly and efficiently it is necessary to detect, check and control the operational states of conveyor and storage plants and their modules. In accumulation sections, at switching and discharge points, or during handling – what matters is the reliable detection of objects in the material flow in any alignment or position on the conveyor element, regardless of the object’s surface properties or interference from the plant’s surroundings. Another important factor is the speed of the conveyor processes. This has an immediate effect on sorting processes, synchronization of the plant’s modules, the measurement of objects, the production and maintenance of the necessary object separations on continuous conveyors, and the prevention of undesirable abutting or overlapping units (so-called ‘doubles’). SICK’s portfolio offers a range of sensors for scalable solutions – from simple photoelectric switches, through encoders, to camera-based sensors – for these and other measurement and regulatory tasks.
Safe operation at all times
Logistical plants do not operate in environments that are empty of persons. Machine operators, maintenance staff and others may be present at any time and, if careless, be exposed to hazardous movements, e.g. from rotary tables, hoisting gear or strapping machines. The topic of machine safety is therefore also relevant for automated handling and warehouse technology. Here, too, SICK offers a wide range of electro-sensitive protective equipment. It ensures optimum and standard-compliant safety without impairing the process-related accessibility, flexibility and efficiency of the plant during operation.
Not just at CeMAT: SICK focuses on sector solutions
SICK has met the challenges that the automation of intralogistical processes place on sensors, control systems and services throughout the entire life cycle of a plant in a variety of sector-oriented solutions. In carton conveyor systems, the new bulge-checking systems as well as the detection, identification and classification of cartons ensure trouble-free storage and consistent traceability in automated material flows. Optoelectronic, camera-based and rotative sensors from SICK are used in complete solutions or as components, e.g. in conveyor type weighers. In pallet conveyor systems, SICK’s wide-ranging portfolio of sensors and control systems provides the dependable detection of pallets and loads necessary to ensure maximum plant availability and process reliability. In sorting systems, certifiable laser measurement systems from SICK form the main components for volume detection with approved-for-trade accuracy – and are thus the prerequisite for high sorting accuracy, maximum possible throughput rates and a data basis permitting accurate invoicing. They are supplemented by identification solutions and sensors for object detection, positioning and safety-oriented monitoring. For overhead conveyor systems, SICK offers single-source solutions for the reliable identification of objects and conveyor elements – providing high sorting quality and comprehensive documentable tracking of articles. Position and distance sensors ensure, for example, the collision-free and process-optimized movement of electric overhead conveyor vehicles through the plant. Safety-oriented, rotative path-measuring and navigation-supporting sensor solutions from SICK ensure optimum safety and transport performance wherever automated guided vehicles represent the ideal material flow concept. SICK has reacted to the trend towards compact vehicles, mobile platforms, service robots and cellular conveyor systems in the form of self-controlling swarms of vehicles (such as the Multi-shuttle Move concept from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, which can also be seen at CeMAT 2011) with sensor concepts that meet demands for compactness, integrated intelligence, easy operation and high energy efficiency, in particular.
SICK is in a position to implement the complex requirements of all intralogistical segments worldwide with specific solutions – efficiently, rapidly and reliably. CeMAT 2011 is the best platform for discussing this with a broad range of specialists.
SICK in brief
Founded in 1946, SICK is a technology leader and worldwide supplier of sensors, control systems, and services for factory, logistics and process automation. With almost 50 subsidiaries and joint ventures, as well as numerous sales offices, the Group is active in almost all markets worldwide. SICK employs over 5,000 personnel and achieved sales of EUR 748.9 m. in 2010. SICK’s Logistics Automation segment is active in warehousing, the transport and distribution of goods within works, parcel logistics, container terminals and port technology, airports and traffic sensors.