Events

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is seeking potential new suppliers to help influence future wargame development. A free “Show and Tell” event is planned on 7 November with the agency’s partners at The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.

Wargames can be used to explore tactical, operational and strategic issues across the business, security, emergency services, humanitarian and military sectors. Wargames encourage players to: think innovatively and creatively in a safe to fail environment; identify emerging issues; test hypotheses; assess alternate options and highlight the potential consequences of choices.

Under its Searchlight initiative, Dstl is looking for industry partners, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) working in data acquisition and data analysis, to help develop innovative wargaming tools, techniques, technologies and analysis. Companies need not have any experience in the defence sector. Opportunities exist across all aspects of wargame design and analysis, especially in the field of data capture, analysis and visualisation.

Jim Squire, a Dstl Consulting Fellow, said: “Dstl is seeking to engage with non-traditional defence suppliers through its Searchlight initiative. This is a great opportunity, especially for small companies, to share knowledge and expertise and to understand the opportunities available in the defence sector in the high profile area of wargaming.”

Squire added: “Dstl delivers sophisticated wargames which require complex data acquisition and analysis. Companies with these analytical skills which may have been gained in other sectors and industries can apply them to the defence sector. Engaging with Dstl also presents great opportunities in knowledge transfer and sharing.”

Dstl will also offer the opportunity to access its expertise and peer review of the potential utility of innovative approaches and subsequently to test the best of these live in Dstl’s Defence Wargaming Centre.

The 7 November event will outline Dstl’s aims and give participants the chance to network with potential new collaborators. The dual focus will be on closed pitches from SMEs to the Dstl team of specific offers that may improve wargaming outcomes and on an open event where there will be the chance to present ‘Lightning Briefs’ to a broader audience and network informally with other participants and exhibitors.

The event is being hosted by The Manufacturing Technology Centre and supported by KTN; the UK’s Innovation Network; ADS, The Federation of Small Businesses; Team Defence Information and techUK. Dstl will also provide more information on its role in encouraging SME innovation and growth as partners in Venturefest South.

To secure a place at the event register online at Team Defence Information

“The SENSOR+TEST is just the fair to give you an ideal overview of sensor and measuring technology. Compared to other events, we were able to make a lot of contacts here and establish successful business ties. No technical professional, who is looking for sensors or measuring technology, can get around a visit to the SENSOR+TEST,” says Bernd Jödden, managing director of a.b.jödden gmbh, talking about his positive experience of many years.

Like him, many exhibitors have booked their regular spot – or a favorite location in the new Hall 3C – at the leading international fair for sensor, measuring, and testing technology in Nuremberg next year. These activities were confirmed by Holger Bödeker, AMA Service’s managing director, saying, “The demand for preferred stand locations has definitely increased. The new hall configuration is a positive contribution to this effect. By integrating the new, state-of-the-art Hall 3C and the circulating passage it provides, has significantly improved options for stand planning. This will further increase the efficiency of the fair for exhibitors and visitors.”

The next SENSOR+TEST will be held from 23 to 25 June 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany – this time with the special topic “Sensors and Measuring Technology for Condition Monitoring.” Interested parties wishing to participate as exhibitors should hurry. Enterprises that book firmly no later than 31 October 2019 not only profit from a favored stand location, but also from especially advantageous conditions and an attractive early-bird discount on the basic stand fee.

Registration forms and further information on the many options for an exhibitor participations can be found at www.sensor-test.de.

The AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement is commencing a Call for Papers for the Sensor and Measurement Science International 2020 (SMSI). This international conference is going to take place parallel to the SENSOR+TEST 2020 trade fair from 22 to 25 June 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany. The submission deadline for contributions and poster presentations is 31 January 2020.

The new conference replaces the previous AMA conferences as of 2020. The former thematic focus on sensors and instrumentation will be complemented in the new format by measuring technology and metrology.

The SMSI 2020 links national and international representatives from research, science, and industry. One pillar of the conference, sensor technology, will deal with sensor principles, materials, technology, and application and is to integrate the satellite conference IRS² 2020. Another pillar, measuring technology, is to include its technological foundations, advanced methods, networked systems, and new AI approaches in measuring. The area of metrology deals with traceability, advanced calibration, and testing methods as well as with new measuring regulations and standards.

The parallel SENSOR+TEST 2020 trade fair, as an information platform for sensor, measuring, and testing technology, also serves to expand the innovation dialog among the conference participants beyond the SMSI 2020 itself.

All interested parties are invited to submit a brief description of their contribution as a lecture or poster presentation in English no later than 31 January 2020. Further information on the SMSI 2020, the pillars of the conference, and a document template can be found at https://www.smsi-conference.com.

Innovation in Action is a brand new feature area for Sensors & Instrumentation 2019. when it returns to the NEC, Birmingham on the 25 and 26 September 2019.

Innovation in Action is a hub of live demonstrations of the latest technologies from Sensors & Instrumentation Live exhibitors. A truly unique way to source products and solutions, Innovation in Action offers visitors a better insight into products available at the exhibition and the chance to discuss how they can be beneficial to their own operations with experts in the field. 

As well as giving visitors the opportunity to see how these products work in real life, you can have your questions answered by the experts in person.

The full programme for the Sensors & Instrumentation Live Innovation in Action sessions is below. Registration for the event is free and gets you access to all the feature areas in the exhibition as well as access to the co-located TCT Show.

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Session 1: 11:30 – 12:15

Data acquisition and measurement uncertainty with KiDAQ and KiXact

KiDAQ is an innovative, modular data acquisition system from Kistler Instruments with which you can create your test set-up, perform measurements and achieve accurate test results, quickly and easily. Kistler’s expertise covers the entire measuring chain, from the sensor, to signal conditioning and on to the software. The KiDAQ data acquisition system can be expanded at any time with different measurement modules.

A key advantage of the new KiDAQ data acquisition system is our KiXact technology which automatically calculates the measurement uncertainty. Kistler’s vast application expertise ensures that reliable results are now possible with this technology. KiXact eliminates the need for manual calculation and helps to significantly reduce the uncertainty components in your measurement chain.

Kistler Instruments

Session 2: 12:15 – 13:00

Bronkhorst’s LDM (Liquid Dosing Module)

Bronkhorst’s Damian Walker will be giving a demonstration of the company’s LDM (Liquid Dosing Module) in Innovation in Action. The LDM is a modular assembly of a Bronkhorst mini CORI-FLOW mass flow meter and a pump system, built together in a robust enclosure as a complete unit with integrated power supply and touch-screen interface. It is capable of very low flow continuous or batch dosing.

Bronkhorst

Session 3: 14:00 – 14:45

Introducing Devtank’s HILTOP (Hardware In-the-loop Test Operating Platform)

Following several successful pilot roll-outs, Devtank is pleased to announce the launch of a new open source modular test product called HILTOP (Hardware In-the-loop Test Operating Platform). The platform contains an integral motherboard/controller adopting a flexible split architecture with 64bit ARM processor and parallel FPGA hardware acceleration if required.

This comprehensive flexible platform allows test, measurement and control solutions to be realised using numerous built in multi-channel interfaces such as USB2.0, LVDS, CAN-FD and RS485. It can be easily expanded to add new interfaces and capability using the Open-VTI backplane and Eurocard expansion format.

Automated testing gives faster and more accurate measurements through optimised hardware and software integration to provide both electrical and functional test coverage of the device under test (DUT).

Devtank

Session 4: 14:45 – 15:30

Vibration tests using a shaker with portable acquisition equipment

The shaker is used to input vibration to a product or structure. Data from accelerometers and force sensors can be collected and analysed post-test. Marco Peres will demonstrate how PCB’s latest USB signal conditioner can be used to collect data on a smart phone or tablet for an easy to use, portable test solution.

PCB Piezotronics

Thursday 26 September 2019

Session 1: 11:00 – 11:45

Empowering Industry 4.0 by adding connectivity to sensors with the new Metron4

Connecting assets to the cloud is now essential to remain competitive. In this session, Powelectrics’ Jennifer Mortiboy will introduce Powelectrics’ Metron4 IoT telemetry device!

With innovative hardware, four analogue inputs, expansion cards for pulse counting, options for RS232, RS485 and CANBUS, Metron4 makes remote monitoring simple. Compatible with thousands of sensors, Metron4 gets sensor data reliably and affordably into the cloud via4G (2G backup).

Powelectrics

Session 2: 11:45 – 12:30

Nprime’s bespoke sensor solutions

Nprime was recently contracted by a mining company to create a bespoke sensor solution to better understand and validate tool pick loads as the tooth impacts with the rock face on a hard rock mining tool. This measurement included shear loads across the tooth and also the impact load as it interacts with the rock face. The challenges of this project were the limited space, speed of acquisition system, powering the system.

 In this presentation, Nprime will explain the obstacles that were encountered and the various approaches that were trailed before a final successful solution was created. This measurement solution is widely used in the mining industry to better understand the loads involved at the rock face of mining tools.   

Nprime

Session 3: 14:00 – 14:45

AquaConnex – Multi Sensor Monitoring Systems

Evolution II, designed and manufactured in the UK by AquaConnex, is being showcased at the Sensor & instrumentation Live Expo 2019.

The presentation will review the basic elements of the system, the manner in which its intelligent sensor interfaces control data and alarm limits, future system developments and data handling.

Following the initial introduction, a description of the Evolution II (Aqua) system will be given, a multi sensor system monitoring water quality in real time. This variant being Ideal for the aquaculture industry, including fish breeders / keepers. The system is currently capable of monitoring pH, ORP, Conductivity, DO, Water Temperature, Air Temperature, Water Flow, Water Depth & Electrical power.

AquaConnex

Connecting assets to the cloud is now essential to remain competitive! Meet Powelectrics‘ brand new Metron4!

Metron4 represents future of remote monitoring! It makes it easy for Powelectrics customers around the world to monitor, control and maintain their assets and critical processes. Building on the success of our award-winning and well-proven Metron2 IoT hardware, it helps businesses improve productivity and service and allows them to create new income streams.

The Metron4 delivers truly innovative Industry 4.0 hardware. Not only does it support 2G, but also 4G (CatM1 & NB1). This means it can be deployed globally, even in geographical areas where the 2G network has been switched off, such as the US and Australia.

The UK will still operate a 2G network for some time, but your Metron4 telemetry will be future-proofed … fully-prepared for developments in industrial communications, as they arise in different parts of the world.

Metron4 offers enormous flexibility to add functionality for specific, customer-driven applications. In addition to 4 analogue inputs, there are expansion cards for pulse counting (5 channels) and RS232 and options to develop RS485 and CANBUS interfaces.

Dave Oakes, Powelectrics MD, commented: “I am immensely excited about this truly ground-breaking IoT device. The Metron4 quite literally opens up a whole new world of potential applications!

It hugely expands Powelectrics capacity for edge processing and interfacing with third party kit within the Metron solution.

For example, Metron4 could now act as a hub for a short range radio network, or combine fuel level data with CANBUS data to provide a complete generator monitoring solution.

It could be used to measure the time interval between two events. That could be extremely useful in the rail sector, for example, to measure how long it takes a door to open or close. If the time taken is getting longer, it could indicate a problem with the hydraulics and identify the need for a maintenance check.

There are almost limitless possibilities to customise Metron4. It makes remote monitoring simple for the end-user, allowing customers to focus on core business activities, whilst benefitting from sensor data, delivered securely to the cloud, to drive those businesses forward!”

With solar, battery and external power options, compact IP67 enclosure and operational temperatures – 25 to +65°C, Metron4 is ideal in a vast range of global environments and applications.

The new Metron4 even incorporates several diagnostic channels to help manage units in the field: signal strength, internal temperature, voltage (on battery powered units), firmware & hardware details and even Cell Tower ID for approximate location!

Metron4 reports readings to Powelectrics MetronView data platform, which customers can access on their remote devices via web-based applications or a rich set of API’s, with alarms being sent when required. The combination of the Metron4 hardware as a sensor gateway and the MetronView platform makes this a compelling offering that is robust, affordable and ideal for deployments of any size.

Widely respected with a reputation for knowledge and quality, Powelectrics is becoming the go to supplier for industrial internet connected sensors, providing some of the easiest to use solutions.

Powelectrics welcomes your enquiries: call +44 1827 310 666 or email sales@powelectrics.co.uk

The Quality Alliance, a network of high-tech companies that develop and supply quality assurance and control systems to the global metals industry, has announced the group’s annual Quality Day 2019 meetings will take place in Spain in October.

Designed specifically for flat metal products manufacturers (coils, sheets and plates) to extend their knowledge of modern measurement and quality systems, two individual day-long meetings will take place at Hotel Meliá, Bilbao (Tuesday 22 October 2019) and Hotel NH Valencia Las Artes, Valencia (Thursday 24 October 2019).

Free to register and attend, this year’s meetings have been organized by AMETEK Surface Vision, a world leader in surface inspection and monitoring systems. Surface Vision will be joined by fellow members DUMA-BANDZINK GmbH; EMG Automation GmbH; Laser- und Lichtsysteme GmbH; Pauly GmbH & Co. KG; QuinLogic GmbH; Shapeline AB; along with AMETEK Land and SPECTRO.

Each day-long meeting includes 12 keynote presentations from all Quality Assurance members. Topics under discussion cover the latest thinking, challenges and innovations in modern metals manufacturing; measurement and control systems; quality assurance and execution; and updates on relevant developments in Industry 4.0 technologies. Attendees will also be able to schedule discussions with individual company members following registration.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve a place, prospective attendees should register their details at www.ameteksurfacevision.com/qualitydays or email surfacevision.info@ametek.com, stating preferred event location (Bilbao or Valencia), company name, attendee name, job title, contact email, and any dietary restrictions.

As well as finding the instrumentation you need, Sensors & Instrumentation Live offers a prime opportunity to grow your business in the new Enterprise Hub.

Representatives from key engineering institutions and organisations will give a series of invaluable presentations, giving you an insight into topics including funding, training, apprenticeships, business engagement, Industry 4.0 and IoT. Taking place on 25 and 26 September 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham, Sensors & Instrumentation Live is free to attend and your free ticket gets you access to the talks in the Enterprise Hub, Engineering Symposium and Innovation in Action. You can register now at: www.sensorsandinstrumentationlive.co.uk 

The full programme for the Sensors & Instrumentation Live Enterprise Hub is below.

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Session 1: 11:15 – 12:00

“Sensor City – Inside a Global Innovation Hub”

Daniel Watson provides an introduction to Sensor City. Topics covered in his seminar will include:

• Sensor City’s in-house laboratory facilities and technical expertise
• Case study examples of sensor and IoT lab projects
• Future plans and technology developments
• Collaborative opportunities

Daniel Watson, Head of Engineering, Sensor City

Session 2: 12:00 – 12:45

“Innovation for a safer future; the Defence and Security Accelerator”

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and funds exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity.

Andrew Peaty will describe how innovators can work with DASA and what they are looking for in applications for funding. He will also present the current competitions being run by DASA and give an overview of the likely future calls.

Andrew Peaty, Innovation Partner, The Defence and Security Accelerator

Session 3: 12:45 – 13:30

“An introduction to apprenticeship and technician qualifications”

Dan Canty, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (the IET), will be providing an introduction to apprenticeship and technician qualifications. He will give details of where to access information and support about the qualifications. Canty will also be outlining how the IET supports engineering apprentices, providers and employers.

Dan Canty, Accreditation & Awards Manager, The Institution of Engineering and Technology

Session 4: 13:45 – 14:30

“Discover how quantum theory is driving the development of more accurate, faster and portable technologies”

Julian Moore, University of Birmingham’s Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing (CIAMM), will be explaining how quantum theory is driving the development of more accurate, faster and portable technologies.

CIAMM offers pre-funded assistance to help SMEs solve quality-related challenges through advanced inspection and measurement, enabling them to realise their new product aspirations. It delivers support by providing access to specialist expertise, world-class facilities and a wide network of collaborative partners.

Julian Moore, Business Engagement Manager, University of Birmingham’s Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing (CIAMM)

Thursday 26 September 2019

Session 1: 11:15 – 12:00

“‘Making It Happen’ – A view from UK manufacturing and the challenges and choices that lie ahead”

Charlotte Horobin will provide an overview of Make UK’s research into how the sector is faring in these challenging times and will explore some of the key hurdles that need to be capitalised on, turning them into opportunities such as skills, productivity and export.

Charlotte Horobin, Membership Director – Midlands & East of England, Make UK

Session 2: 12:00 – 12:40

“Enhancing the impact of research through business engagement”

The vision of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is to make the UK recognised as the place where the most creative researchers can deliver world-leading engineering and physical sciences research by working within the UK academic research ecosystem and the R&D base within business. EPSRC supports novel underpinning research in sensors and instrumentation that advances a number of application areas, including aerospace, healthcare, energy, robotics, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Andy Lawrence will highlight the breadth of the research portfolio and highlight any future opportunities that could help to support both new emerging markets and established industries within EPSRC’s strategy for business engagement.

Andy Lawrence,  Head of Engineering, EPSRC

Session 3: 12:45 – 13:30

“Sensors in the IIoT and the Smart Factory”

Joe Lomako, TÜV SÜD, will provide an overview of how sensor technology has, and continues to, change industry, in particular the connected factory. Lomako’s seminar will cover the benefits, but also the challenges including cybersecurity.

Joe Lomako, Business Development Manager – IOT Products, TÜV SÜD

Session 4: 14:30 – 15:15

“Industry 4.0 – What, Why, How?”

Scott Pepper, GAMBICA, will be focusing on trying to make sense of the hype around industry 4.0 and what it means for SMEs. Plus Pepper will take a quick look at where to turn to for support in employing industry 4.0 technologies.

Scott Pepper, Sector Head – Process Instrumentation & Control, GAMBICA

Instrumentation and sensors are incredibly important because of the data they produce. This data can be used to improve processes, increase efficiency and repeatability, and enhance the competitiveness of your business. But in order to make the most of your data it is important to gain a good understanding of the equipment you are using.

This year, Sensors & Instrumentation Live, taking place in Hall 2 at the NEC, Birmingham on 25 and 26 September 2019, is teaming up with DJB Instruments to deliver CPD-accredited training that will help you to develop your understanding of sensors and instruments to improve the quality of your data. Free to attend, the training is driven by sensor innovation and the very latest in engineering.

DJB has brought together a team of speakers from leading technology and engineering companies from around the world to present a two day programme of technical seminars.

The full programme for the Sensors & Instrumentation Live Engineering Symposium follows. Each presentation will be followed by an open Q&A session with the presenter.

Wednesday 25th September 2019

Session 1 – 10:00 – 11:00

“Strain Gauge Load Cells – the basics of use……”

Whether you are measuring load, weight or force you will be using a load cell. Now it may be a foil or silicon strain gauge, aluminum, steel or exotic material, sealed or not, to name but a few design features. But do not forget the fundamentals – otherwise the data will be worthless!

John Tyrrell, Managing Director, TTS Systems Ltd

Session 2 – 11:15 – 12:15

“Accelerometers, The Truth and more…..”

An understanding of how a sensor works is critical to its correct selection and use. This seminar will provide a fundamental overview of how a piezoelectric accelerometer operates and the key factors to ensure correct use and data accuracy. Remember a vibration environment is damaging and dynamic!!.

Jim Flanagan, Managing Director – Centrateq Ltd

Session 3 – 13:45 – 15:00

“Automation in Environmental Testing”

Several challenges are hitting the test lab. For one, many test labs have a hard time to attract new people, test technicians and test engineers. Even, when new people can be hired, it takes one to five years before they can work completely independently and autonomously. At the same time the test requirements are getting more and more complicated. A good example is the group of tests for automotive batteries.

One way to handle the challenges is to automate the lab. This happens already at the logistic level. Companies install database solutions to handle the whole process from the first customer contact up to the planning of the test, reporting and invoicing after the test has been finished.

The underlying level is the automation of the test itself: to synchronise the vibration test with climatic test, to control the DUT, to monitor the DUT and to synchronise other measurement systems during the test. This presentation will discuss the solution, based on the GUS Standard Interface.

Ben Haest, Managing Director, Quality Electronics Design S.A

Thursday 26th September 2019

Session 1 – 10:00 – 11:00

“Power challenges for wireless sensors”

This presentation and associated case study will look at the challenges of powering wireless sensors and how energy harvesting can be used. Topics covered will include:

– What is a wireless sensor?

– The radio spectrum and power transmission.

– Data processing and transmission strategy

– Energy generation and storage

– Case study: SlopeAlarms Lite

Dr James Flint MEng PhD CEng FIET SMIEEE FHEA

Senior Lecturer in Wireless Systems Engineering, Loughborough University and Head of the Communications Research Division

Session 2 – 11:15 – 12:15

“Excitation Methods for Experimental Modal Analysis: Shakers and Hammers”

Excitation techniques for experimental modal analysis typically involves the use of impact hammers and (one or more) electrodynamic shakers for controlled force input. Common application examples are discussed including practical aspects of such excitation methods and equipment. In addition, an overview of the sensor and instrumentation equipment used during modal testing is provided going beyond shakers and hammer and also addressing the force and acceleration transducers used during testing.

Marco Peres, Product Manager

The Modal Shop

Register now

You can find out more about Sensors & Instrumentation Live and register for your free ticket here: www.sensorsandinstrumentationlive.co.uk

Charcroft Electronics, a specialist distributor and manufacturer of electronic components for harsh and high-end applications, will showcase new sensors from TT Electronics and Sensata Technologies at Sensors & Instrumentation Live 2019.

An absolute single-turn ACW4 sensor, from Sensata BEI Sensors, combines design flexibility with IP67 or IP67K protection against environmental conditions. The TT Electronics OPB9001 reflective sensor integrates an OPB9000 sensor with peripheral components in a small, robust package.

Sensata’s ACW4 sensor’s thermoplastic polyamide shell features a separate external activating magnet and a compact package with 50mm diameter and 24mm thickness. With no moving parts, the sensor also eliminates potential wear or misalignment. Operating on a universal supply of 5 to 30V DC the over-moulded, modular sensor offers analogue output in addition to PWM, CANopen and SSI outputs. Resolution is up to 12 bits per revolution with excellent resistance to shock and vibration.

TT Electronics’ OPB9001 sensor provides a flexible detection range and eliminates the need for peripheral circuitry, such as resistors, voltage regulators and capacitors. The sensor can be programmed to detect objects over distances from 2.5mm to 50mm, using standard 90% reflective material. The CE/UL-compliant sensor operates over an operating voltage range up to 30V and operating temperature up to 85°C with ambient light rejection to 25K lux. The OPB9001 sensor will be sampled to qualified applications.

The new sensors join Charcroft’s range of mission-critical linear and rotary position sensors, motion control, crash and tilt sensors in addition to optical and magnetic encoders. The sensors for which Charcroft provides specialist franchised support include sensors from Sensata Airpax, Klixon, Kavlico and BEI, as well as Fredericks Company and the TT Electronics Optek and Roxspur ranges.

Debbie Rowland, Director, explains, “Charcroft’s Product Specialists will be at Sensors & Instrumentation Live to assist engineers in solving the challenges of meeting robust sensor accuracy and reliability in harsh environments such as designs for the space, defence, rail, medical and industrial industries.”

Charcroft will be on stand number 61, Hall 2, NEC Birmingham, at Sensors & Instrumentation Live from 25 to 26 September 2019.

Sensors & Instrumentation Live returns to the NEC, Birmingham for its special 10 year anniversary show on 25 and 26 September 2019. Located in Hall 2 and co-located with the TCT Show, the exhibition brings together the best instruments and sensors from market-leading companies. Registration for the UK’s only dedicated sensors exhibition is free and your ticket will get you access to training, demonstrations and a lot more.

For the last ten years, Sensors & Instrumentation Live has been bringing visitors the latest sensor technology that has been driving this connectivity. Mouser Electronics is the headline sponsor of this year’s special anniversary event, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 25 and 26 September 2019. The company’s sensors portfolio is highly complementary to the exhibition. Graham Maggs, Mouser Electronics’ VP Marketing Europe, explains why Sensors & Instrumentation Live is a must attend event for anyone interested in sensor solutions and the connected world: “Sensors & Instrumentation Live is important to the industry because it provides a vital and vibrant forum for discussion. In particular, at Mouser we are seeing huge interest in our burgeoning portfolio of sensor solutions. We believe that this is because of the realisation and uptake of a huge number of designs which come under the umbrella heading of IoT. Every IoT implementation – smart home/ factory/ office/city, remote diagnostics, autonomous vehicle, smart grid – relies on data. Therefore, many IoT designs start with the choice of sensor. Temperature, speed, pressure, flow, gas detection, movement, person detection, light – these are just some of the sensor types offered by Mouser. We are delighted to sponsor Sensors & Instrumentation Live and look forward to a lively event.”

Sensors are among many of the technologies that will be on display at the exhibition. Bronkhorst, Charcroft Electronics, Keller, Kistler Instruments and Rheintacho are just some of the market-leading companies that will be displaying their products at Sensors & Instrumentation Live 2019.

Kistler Instruments will be showing KiDAQ, a new, modular data acquisition system. The modular design of KiDAQ makes virtually unlimited channels and distributed systems a reality whatever the application; industrial, laboratory, permanent and mobile applications.

Charcroft Electronics, a specialist distributor and manufacturer of electronic components for harsh and high-end applications, with an extensive linecard featuring many key manufacturers, will also be at the exhibition.

Commenting on Charcroft’s decision to exhibit at Sensors & Instrumentation Live, Kathryn Stevenson says: “It is important as a showcase for companies to demonstrate their capabilities, products and support available. It is an excellent opportunity to engage with customers as well as connect with potential customers, with specialised focus on the Sensor and Instrumentation market sector.”

The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing (CIAMM) will also be represented at the show. The University of Birmingham collaborates with organisations of all sizes, from global corporates to local SMEs, with a focus on driving innovation through collaborative research partnerships. They form partnerships with business, to work on transformative projects and make important things happen.

Aware that the financial cost of generating new ideas, technologies and processes to help you achieve competitive advantage can be high, CIAMM sits firmly amongst the leading research universities in the UK and plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic development through its business support programmes.

Visitors to the University of Birmingham stand at Sensors & Instrumentation Live will receive specific details on the CIAMM business support programme.

Julian Moore, business engagement manager, CIAMM, says: “Sensors & Instrumentation Live is important to the industry as there is natural parallel with the exciting developments occurring within the area of quantum technologies.”

Moore adds: “Sensors are found in most every day products and play a vital role in supporting an increasing range of data requirements. It is essential this exhibition continue to highlight the latest technology in the fields of test, measurement and control, so businesses can explore and exploit the great opportunities that exist, particularly in rail, transport and telecommunications.”

KDP Electronic Systems will be exhibiting its products at the event. The company provides solutions to customers in the commercial, defence, transportation, aerospace and industrial markets. In supporting these markets, KDP represents in the UK a wide range of industry standard products from renowned global companies, Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies, CTC and Vigor Technology.

Malcolm White, KDP, says: “The Sensor & Instrumentation Live Show provides the ideal platform for promoting products of the highest quality. KDP are committed to provide the very best customer support and service. It is essential to monitor asset health, keep valuable machines running, minimising downtime and reducing costs.”

Another exhibitor at Sensors & Instrumentation Live has reasons to celebrate this year. Like the exhibition, Rheintacho UK has a special anniversary in 2019. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

At the show, Rheintacho UK is going to show its newest products. One of them is the new M8 rotational speed sensor which is not only one of the smallest available worldwide, but also includes temperature measurement. This of course make life easier for any engineer who requires both features.

In addition, the company is going to show the newest member of its stroboscope family, the LED PocketStrobe laser. This portable strobe has a patented integrated laser which enables auto synchronisation and is among the brightest available for smaller handheld devices. Rheintacho is going to be demonstrating this strobe at the fair in Innovation in Action.

On top of that, the company’s eddy current tachometers are now ATEX certified offering the market safe measurement in hazardous areas. This product family includes many sizes in 14 different tachometer types and includes different types of gearboxes.

Commenting on the exhibition, a representative from Rheintacho UK says: “It offers the opportunity to promote innovation in the sensors industry beyond application boundaries. The networking possibilities also promote collaboration and referrals.”

Sensonics is another company that will be showcasing its products at Sensors & Instrumentation Live. The company is an expert in vibration, displacement and speed monitoring solutions.

Jason Kingdom, sales manager at Sensonics, says: “Sensonics is committed to developing the most innovative and effective solutions for vibration, position and speed instrumentation for critical machine condition monitoring applications in power generation and process manufacturing industries around the world. This is Sensonics’ first time exhibiting at the Sensors & Instrumentation Live show, it seems to be a great opportunity for us to meet a new group of visitors in a very relevant sector gaining excellent exposure for our wide standard product range as well as highlighting our bespoke engineering solutions capability.”

These companies are just a small selection of the exhibitors that will be at this year’s Sensors & Instrumentation Live.

Innovation Showcase

As well as seeing products on stands, visitors also have the opportunity to view a selection of the best technology in the Innovation Showcase. The ever popular Innovation Showcase, sponsored by Bronkhorst, provides an assembly of the most cutting-edge products and solutions available from exhibitors. Visitors can get hands-on with devices and make sure they do not miss out on a single thing. Exhibitors lined up to take part in the Innovation Showcase include Charcroft Electronics, Mantracourt, Bronkhorst, Broadband Technology 2000, Rheintacho, Keller, SIKA, Aerodyn and Devtank.

The Innovation Showcase is just one of the feature areas at Sensors & Instrumentation Live. And to celebrate the event’s 10 year anniversary, the exhibition will see the introduction of new feature areas that will explore the latest technological innovations and provide insight from top organisations on how to grow businesses or streamline productivity.

Sensing innovation – the Engineering Symposium

This year, Sensors & Instrumentation is teaming up with DJB Instruments to deliver CPD-accredited training that will help you to develop your understanding of sensors and instruments to improve the quality of your data. The training is driven by sensor innovation and the very latest in engineering. DJB has brought together a team of speakers from leading technology and engineering companies from around the world to present a two day programme of technical seminars.

John Tyrrell, managing director at TTS Systems, will be presenting “Strain Gauge Loadcells – the basics of use…”. Whether you are measuring load, weight or force you will be using a loadcell. Now it may be a foil or silicon strain gauge, aluminum, steel or exotic material, sealed or not, to name but a few design features. But do not forget the fundamentals – otherwise the data will be worthless! Tyrrell will explain the basics of strain gauge loadcell use to help you improve the quality of your data.

Ben Haest, Quality Electronics Design, Luxembourg, will be delivering the seminar “Automation in Environmental Testing”. Other topics will include: “Challenges of developing wireless sensor communication” and “Kurtosis control impacts on reality of test simulation”.

Innovation in Action

Innovation in Action, sponsored by PCB Piezotronics, is a new feature introduced for the 10 year anniversary event. Innovation in Action will see live demonstrations of some of the best products on the market. As well as giving you the opportunity to see how these products work in real life, you can have your questions answered by the experts in person.

Companies already confirmed to speak in Innovation in Action include PCB Piezotronics, Devtank, Kistler, SIKA and Bronkhorst. PCB Piezotronics is a designer, manufacturer, and global supplier of accelerometers, microphones, force, torque, load, strain, and pressure sensors, as well as the pioneer of ICP technology. This instrumentation is used by design engineers and predictive maintenance professionals worldwide for test, measurement, monitoring, and control requirements in automotive, aerospace, industrial, R&D, military, educational, commercial, OEM applications, and more. You can see a live demonstration of PCB products in Innovation in Action.

Devtank will be demonstrating its new open source modular test product called HILTOP (Hardware In-the-loop Test Operating Platform). The platform contains an integral motherboard/controller adopting a flexible split architecture with 64bit ARM processor and parallel FPGA hardware acceleration if required. It has a High Speed Open-VTI backplane provides modular expansion using the Eurocard form factor and upgradeable FPGA SO-DIMM modules. A powerful 1.2GHz quad-core ARM Cortex CPU (Raspberry Pi Compute Module CM3-Lite) and ICE40 8K FPGA combo can be fitted as an option. All this comes packaged in a robust industrial grade instrumentation case built to last.

Devtank’s comprehensive flexible platform allows test, measurement and control solutions to be realised using numerous built in multi-channel interfaces such as USB2.0, LVDS, CAN-FD and RS485. It can be easily expanded to add new interfaces and capability using the Open-VTI backplane and Eurocard expansion format. Automated testing gives faster and more accurate measurements through optimised hardware and software integration to provide both electrical and functional test coverage of the device under test (DUT).

Bronkhorst is a leader in mass flow meter / mass flow controller technology for gases and liquids, pressure controllers and evaporation systems. Bronkhorst’s Damian Walker will be giving a demonstration of the company’s LDM (Liquid Dosing Module) in Innovation in Action. The LDM is a modular assembly of a Bronkhorst mini CORI-FLOW mass flow meter and a pump system, built together in a robust enclosure as a complete unit with integrated power supply and touch-screen interface. It is capable of very low flow continuous or batch dosing.

Enterprise Hub

As well as finding the instrumentation you need, Sensors & Instrumentation Live offers a prime opportunity to grow your business in the new Enterprise Hub. Representatives from key engineering institutions and organisations will give a series of invaluable presentations, giving visitors an insight into topics including funding, training, apprenticeships and standards as well as insight into how to make the most of supply chains.

Sensor City’s head of engineering, Daniel Watson, will be giving the talk ‘Sensor City – Inside a Global Innovation Hub’. Watson will introduce Sensor City by discussing its in-house laboratory facilities and technical expertise. He will also provide case study examples of sensors and IoT lab projects that have involved Sensor City. In addition, Watson will outline future plans for Sensor City and outline collaborative opportunities that are available.

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is one of the organisations signed up to speak in the Enterprise Hub. DASA finds and funds exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity. Andrew Peaty, innovation partner at DASA, will be leading the talk ‘Innovation for a Safer Future; the Defence and Security Accelerator’. Peaty will describe how innovators can work with DASA and what the initiative is looking for in applications for funding. He will also present the current competitions being run by DASA and give an overview of the likely future calls.

The Institution of Engineering & Technology (The IET) will also be sharing their expertise in the Enterprise Hub. Dan Canty, accreditation & awards manager at The IET, is going to give the talk ‘An introduction to apprenticeship and technician qualifications’. As well as providing an introduction to the qualifications, the talk will cover where to access information and support and how the IET supports engineering apprentices, providers and employers.

Another speaker lined up for the Enterprise Hub is Charlotte Horobin, membership director – Midlands & East of England, Make UK. In her talk ‘‘Making It Happen’ – A view from UK manufacturing and the challenges and choices that lie ahead’, Horobin will provide an overview of Make UK’s research of how the sector is faring in these challenging times and will explore some of the key hurdles that need to be capitalised on, turning them into opportunities such as skills, productivity and export.

Julian Moore, business engagement manager at the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing (CIAMM), will be explaining how quantum theory is driving the development of more accurate, faster and portable technologies. CIAMM offers pre-funded assistance to help SMEs solve quality-related challenges through advanced inspection and measurement, enabling them to realise their new product aspirations. It delivers support by providing access to specialist expertise, world-class facilities and a wide network of collaborative partners. Find out how CIAMM can help you in the Enterprise Hub.

Other organisations that have already signed up to be at the event include the British Measurement & Test Association (BMTA), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and TTE Technical Institute and GAMBICA.

Register for your free ticket

Attendance to any of the seminars in the Enterprise Hub and Engineering Symposium as well as all of the other features is free to visitors. Your ticket will also get you access to the co-located TCT Show so register now by visiting www.sensorsandinstrumentationlive.co.uk.