Actuators
Automation systems
Motion systems
Electrical actuators
Hydraulic actuators
Mechatronic motion systems
Pneumatic actuators
Safe motion
Overview
Safely recording, monitoring, and controlling movements with intelligent sensors
Automation and drive technology providers are faced with a challenge: offering their customers electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic drive solutions that are both extremely precise and reliable, while also being durable and dynamic. They must be able to safely record, monitor, and control movements, and considerations such as ease of commissioning and predictive maintenance are just as important as the sensors’ monitoring of machine processes. Standardized communication interfaces as well as simple integration into the control environment and the cloud are additional requirements. SICK’s intelligent sensors can meet all of these demands.
Whether directly in the electric motor with its motor feedback system, in the machinery with its encoders, with its safety controller featuring safe movement monitoring, or with its magnetic cylinder sensors on the pneumatic cylinder, linear encoders in the hydraulic cylinder and proximity sensors, SICK’s incredibly wide product range is ready to take on the challenges presented by innovative drive solutions.
Trends & news
Safe Motion: safe processes without interruptions
SICK’s innovative safe motion control concept lets you monitor the movement of your machines at all times. What's more, all the signals from the safety sensors and actuators can be combined. generating information that indicates whether a machine operator is actually in danger when he or she enters or creates an interruption in a hazardous area. If no hazard exists, the operator is permitted to intervene in the machine operation even during the running process. The process is not uninterrupted. This leads to less downtimes and false detections, and shortens the cycle times. The efficiency and availability of the machines and plants increase.
HIPERFACE DSL® - One Cable Technology
The HIPERFACE DSL® from the technology leader SICK is a purely digital motor feedback protocol that uses a minimum of connection cables between the frequency converter and motor feedback system.
It saves costs, uses less space, and is easy to implement while also offering maximum investment security and machine safety.
Position Feedback - sensor solutions for robotics
Insiders know more. Motor feedback systems in the field of robotics deliver the data on speed and position as well as on the condition of the drives to the control system. They thereby create the sensory foundation for all robot movements. These Smart Motor Sensors from SICK are right in the center of the action and provide the necessary data for the efficient control of the robot and the plant.
Challenges
Safe Motion
The innovative Safe Motion concept stands for safe movement monitoring for machines, plants, robots and automated guided vehicle systems. This primarily has to do with protecting humans from injuries, but also protecting capital goods from damage or destruction. That is why SICK provides intelligent sensor systems which enable increases in productivity and efficiency and reduce downtime of the monitored unit at the same time.
Measurement
Reliable and accurate measurement as well as the recording of data on pressure, flow, level and temperature are of fundamental importance for various industries. SICK has the right solutions for these applications: Electronic pressure transmitters and switches, sensor systems for temperature measurement in liquids and gases as well as level and flow sensor systems for different types of media.
Recording, monitoring and controlling
SICK offers a wide product portfolio for safely and reliably recording movements or the current position of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical actuators. Movements and positions can be intelligently monitored and controlled by drive amplifiers and controllers.
Connectivity
Industry 4.0 is all about digitalization and intelligent networking. The first part of networking involves the integration of the sensor into the overall architecture of an application. A clear description of the required sensor data and how it is combined with the further data world of the application is very important here. With various interfaces, SICK is supporting in the easy and direct transmission of sensor data to the relevant elements within the automation pyramid as well as data transmission to the cloud.