News

Visavi Technology AS, a Norwegian industrial SaaS company that provides software and services related to optimising workflows, logistics, planning and execution of maintenance and turnarounds in heavy asset industries, has been acquired by Kongsberg Digital.

This acquisition supports Kongsberg Digital’s leading position as a provider of industrial software for heavy asset industries. Visavi has deep domain knowledge, a strong position as an industrial software company and adds an attractive use case for Kongsberg Digital’s customers.

Visavi has 21 employees, consisting mainly of software developers and customer success consultants in addition to management. Visavi’s highly skilled product team has experience in building relevant features within industrial software and will contribute strongly to building new value together with Kongsberg Digital. Being powered by Kongsberg Digital, Visavi’s blue chip customers in the energy and process industries will benefit from a broader digital offering in addition to the Visavi SaaS solution.

“We are happy to welcome the employees of Visavi to Kongsberg Digital. Visavi delivers software complimentary to our digital twin, focusing on integration and visualisation of data supporting daily planning and execution of work in heavy asset industries. Visavi’s ability to integrate and consolidate planning from various sources into one planning workspace fits well into Kongsberg Digital’s industrial work surface. We are looking forward to welcoming our new colleagues to our team”, says Shane McArdle, President at Kongsberg Digital.

“Kongsberg Digital and Visavi are a great match. As both companies are working towards the optimisation of operations and maintenance within heavy asset industries, I am sure that our customers and partners will benefit from the acquisition. Together, we will continue shaping the future of work for a better tomorrow, and help businesses and people use the information made available by technology in the best possible way. This is really the essence of Industry 5.0”, says Are Follesdal Tjønn, CEO of Visavi.

Visavi’s headquarters is located in Oslo, Norway, with its technology center in Sarpsborg, Norway. With roots from the NTNU Research Centre of Integrated Operations and the Institute for Energy Technology, Visavi is an outcome of world-leading research on visualisation, collaboration, and new work processes at the IO centre. Established in November 2014, the company was founded by experts in advanced visualisation and collaboration design for complex organisations from world-leading research communities.

Currently, we’re reaping the benefits from the implementation of Industry 4.0 applications, which has seen brand-new technological innovations and cyber-physical systems brought in to help manufacturing lines throughout the world. Looking ahead to the next advancement, Industry 5.0, we’re set to see more joint operations than ever before, with robots, quite literally, working hand in hand with humans.

Here, Knight Optical – the leading supplier of on-spec optical components for a diverse variety of scientific and technological applications, including robotic systems – teleports you into the near future with a sharp insight into Industry 5.0.

 Let’s start with the overriding question…

What is Industry 5.0?

Also referred to as the Fifth Industrial Revolution, Industry 5.0 is the next big step we’ll take in the world of industrialisation. While some organisations are attempting to bring themselves up to date with Industry 4.0, other innovators are looking ahead to the next phase on the horizon.

Designed to complement the current industrial revolution, this upcoming advancement places the well-being of workers at its core by converging human “talent” and “empowerment” with “flexible” and “adaptable” technologies. This results in the encouragement of human creativity and high-class craft while simultaneously benefitting from robotic efficiency and reliability.

The New Industry’s Impact on the Workplace

Manufacturing lines and workplaces are currently more digitally driven than ever, and this next-phase transition will see humans and robots working collaboratively to undertake tasks that were previously completed manually.

Furthermore, this procedure of humans and robots working in proximity plays a crucial role in this new development. The systems themselves are referred to as cobots. They are known to be more cost-effective options when compared to prices associated with traditional robots.

 As part of Industry 5.0, many workplaces throughout the globe are set to welcome other newcomers to outdated production lines, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and other intelligent machines that humans can work collaboratively with. Of course, for some forward-thinking companies, many of these high-tech technologies are already strong members of production lines and have been assisting in increasing efficiencies and productivity for some time.

Cobots – The Heart of Industry 5.0

The primary purpose behind the new industry is to combine high-performing robotic, automation and other digital systems with human participation. This is where cobots step into the spotlight. Previously, many robotic systems were deemed unsafe to work alongside, with many kept in cages and behind bars to protect workers from moving mechanical parts.

Now, they’re working side by side with humans in the form of cobots, thanks to companies like automation firm Universal Robots, whose devices include everything from robotic arms with grippers and pick-and-place end effectors to ‘soft hands’ and welders.

 Find out more about Universal Robots’ devices here.

A Deeper Look into Cobots

These systems are employed everywhere, from machining and electronics to the food and beverage industry, and their deployment is paying off for many companies. With benefits such as a boost in accuracy, reduction in waste and time-saving gains – coupled with their smaller size, lighter weight and easy-fit form when compared to more cumbersome robots that are cordoned off from workforces – it’s easy to see why factories and production lines are welcoming these cobots to their teams.

Another exemplary manufacturer in this field is the Japanese robotic company FANUC, which has been integrating its cobots into existing production lines around the world to enhance performance and time efficiencies. One example of FANUC’s products being executed to realise their full potential is within steel company Benteler International’s Germany smart factory. Here, the FANUC CR-35iA drives around safely at full speed (at 750 mm/s) and loads the necessary parts – all without requiring safety barriers or cages.

Learn more about the FANUC CR-35iA in Benteler International’s Germany smart factory here.

How Does Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fit In?

Following project-specific data captured by sensors, AI deciphers submitted information by organising and contextualising this knowledge. These details are then picked up by machines, robots and cobots to make algorithm-directed decisions and, ultimately, perform the tasks they are intended to undertake.

Due to the previous dangerous associations of working closely with robots that we’ve mentioned earlier in the blog, AI is essential when it comes to cobots and their assured safety. As CPO Magazine explained, “…Industry 5.0 needs trusted data”, and for users to have full confidence in cobots’ safety and be guaranteed that systems will not cause harm to those around them, they need to be assured “that the data being fed into these processes can be trusted.”

How Do Optical Components Fit In?

Looking beyond computer programmes and other cloud-based software, optical components are naturally used within hardware systems in this line of work. In the case of our highlighted cobots subject, these optics are integrated into these systems themselves.

Tasked with all the visual-intense duties that we’ve mentioned above – such as meticulous measuring, accurate welding, rapid picking-and-packing assignments, and many more tasks – optics play an important role in enabling these systems to essentially ‘see’ and ‘sense’ the environment that surrounds them so that they can perform their programmed obligations.

Moreover, clear, unobstructed, and high-quality vision is one essential ingredient for high-performing cobots. Ultra-precision, premium-quality optics provide just that and enable these automated systems to undertake their tasks effortlessly, meeting company manufacturing targets and helping to boost productivity.

Our Portfolio of Premium-Quality Optics

At Knight Optical, we provide a wide-ranging portfolio of premium-quality, ultra-high-precision optics for cobots. Whether they’re optical components for savvy sensors that help cobots detect nearby objects, intended to shield other vital internal components against dust and debris in the form of protective windows or IR optics to support systems that work on a thermal imaging basis, we have a whole range of options available at your fingertips.

Check out our previous article, ‘Swimming with the Substrates: Infrared (IR) Applications’.

 With a vast range of over 3000 readily available stock optics and custom-made designs, there’s something suitable for every cobot application. Moreover, we also offer a variety of optical coatings, so you can rest assured that your end application will perform as intended, no matter the environment.

 Why not take a look at our new product range!

Why Choose Knight Optical for your Application?

Discerning customers rely on Knight Optical not only for the premium quality of our output and in-house state-of-the-art Metrology Laboratory and QA Department’s capabilities but because – as well as a range of Stock Optics (available for next-day dispatch) – we also offer our optics as Custom-Made Components.

With over three decades of experience under our belt and a host of long-standing world-renowned customers on our books, we are proud to have worked on some of the most ground-breaking innovations.

If you are looking for premium-quality, bespoke optical components, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the Technical Sales Team here.

RS Group today announced the signing of a sustainability-linked loan (SLL), which further strengthens the Company’s commitment to its 2030 environmental, social and governance (ESG) action plan.

The refinanced SLL has increased from £300 million to £400 million, and its maturity is extended to five years at similar terms to the previous loan that was agreed in October 2021. It is directly linked to the achievement of three of the Company’s most material 2030 ESG actions. These are the reduction of its direct carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2 CO₂ emissions), packaging intensity, and the percentage of management that are women.

RS launched its 2030 ESG action plan – For a Better World in November 2021 with the ambition to play a key role in helping to address some of the world’s biggest challenges – from tackling climate change, to building engineering and innovation skills, and championing diversity and inclusion. For a Better World has four goals to be achieved by 2030 focused upon: advancing sustainable operations; championing education and innovation; empowering people; and doing business responsibly.

“We are delighted to have realised this sustainability-linked loan once more,” said Andrea Barrett, VP Social Responsibility and Sustainability at RS Group. “Not only does it remove future refinancing risk during these economically volatile times, it also directly supports our 2030 ESG action plan to be a more sustainable and responsible business – both for our Company and our industry. We are proud to have made significant progress against the three ESG KPIs related to our sustainability-linked loan.”

The three ESG actions we will be measured against are:

1. Reduction of direct carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2 CO₂ emissions): Our ambition is to be net-zero in our direct operations by 2030 and our value chain by 2050. We are making good progress with a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO₂ emissions since 2019/20, supported by a shift to renewable electricity and energy management across our sites and electrification of our company vehicles.
2. Reduction in packaging intensity (tonnes / £m revenue): Our 2030 goal is to reduce packaging intensity by 30%. In 2021/22 we achieved a 16% reduction from 2019/20 as a result of initiatives to reduce and reuse packaging across RS. These include automated packaging machines to produce made-to-fit boxes, switching to recyclable padded Jiffy envelopes and replacing wooden packaging pallets with reusable, returnable eco-totes for product movements between our European sites.
3. Increased gender diversity of our leaders (percentage of management that are women): Our 2030 goal is to have 40% of women in leadership roles. In 2021/22 we reached 32% and we’re continuing to work on initiatives to attract and develop more women into senior leadership positions across the Group.

The prevalence and importance of sustainability-linked loans has significantly increased over the past few years. Their purpose is to facilitate and support environmentally and socially sustainable economic activity and growth for businesses by incentivising the achievement of predetermined sustainability performance objectives. These objectives are measured using sustainability performance targets that include key performance indicators or external ratings that can measure improvements in a company’s sustainability profile.

Jaspal Dhaliwal has been promoted to the newly created role of Engineering Operations Manager at Powelectrics.

Jas joined Powelectrics four years ago as an Electronics, Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer. That immensely varied role has incorporated survey, installation and service work, through which Jas has developed a strong understanding of Powelectrics range of IIoT digital transformation solutions.

During this period, Powelectrics also supported Jas through a foundation degree in Electrical, Electronic and Control Engineering at Birmingham City University, building his academic understanding of the company’s technologies, in tandem with his practical experience.

Powelectrics has grown significantly over Jas’s time with us. The company’s Development Team has tripled in size and its latest digital transformation technologies allow it to create highly bespoke solutions to help customers achieve efficiencies and differentiate themselves from competitors in challenging times.

This proliferation in the range and complexity of our IIoT offering has introduced the need for a highly competent individual to keep Powelectrics’ projects on track.

Jas is perfectly placed to move to this new leadership role, which will evolve, but will certainly include liaison with the Development Team and managing training, production processes, quality procedures and resources to ensure timely project delivery.

Jas commented: “I was first attracted to Powelectrics as a dynamic and growing technology business, where I could build on my existing skills.

I’m delighted that they supported my further education and gave me the broad experience to further my career with this new role.

It’s great to be recognised for my achievements to date and I’m so excited about the future, especially with the speed and volume of new digital transformation projects coming through. This role is a fantastic opportunity for me to learn, develop and contribute to the success of Powelectrics!”

Dave Oakes, Powelectrics MD added: “Jas has always demonstrated a ‘can do’ attitude and a desire to learn.

“His positivity, along with his new academic qualifications and practical understanding from hands-on activities across the full range of operational activities, gives me confidence that he will make a huge success of this role.

“Of course, it’s also a huge pleasure to see one of our team progress so deservedly to the next level of responsibility!”

Powelectrics don’t just talk the talk! 30 years of expertise & practical experience in instrumentation & digitalisation. Proprietary IIoT devices & platform, Solution design, manufacture, testing & installation.

What can Powelectrics do for you?

Please browse the Powelectrics website and get in touch with any queries you have or applications you would like to discuss. Call +44 1827 310 666, email sales@powelectrics.co.uk or use this contact form.

At electronica 2022 (Munich, November 15-18)  Farnell will have an international team of experts from Germany, Poland, UK, USA and other key markets to meet with visitors to showcase leading products distributed by the company across the globe.

Located within the Avnet City in Hall C2 101, Farnell will feature three dedicated stations on its stand to showcase partnerships with key suppliers:

Station one – Innovative Technologies: featuring ADI, the world’s best mixed-signal and power management leader, now available from Farnell. Product demonstrations will include:

• MAX78000 – a new breed of edge AI accelerator microcontroller for machine vision and hearing IoT applications, designed to enable Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for ultra-low-power applications to execute AI at the edge of the IoT.
• TMCM-1111 – a single axis stepper motor controller/driver module for closed loop stepper motor servos will demonstrate precision single axis motion control. Capable of driving up to 2.8A of current from each output, it features Trinamic’s free and easy-to-use TMCL-IDE graphical user interface, which allows quick setup and supports the use of commands in direct mode, monitors real-time behaviour visualised in graphs.

Station two – Industrial Solutions: featuring Raspberry Pi, exclusively distributed worldwide by Farnell. Product demonstration of the RP2040 and Compute Module 4 powered industrial customer solutions:

• RP2040 – Raspberry Pi’s first microcontroller providing high performance in a small package, capable of running machine-learning frameworks at the edge. This debut microcontroller from Raspberry Pi offers their signature values of high performance, low cost, and ease of use to the microcontroller space. With a large on-chip memory, symmetric dual-core processor complex, and rich peripheral set augmented with their unique Programmable I/O (PIO) subsystem, it provides professional users with unrivalled power and flexibility. RP2040 also offers the lowest possible microcontroller entry cost for beginner and hobbyist users.
• Compute Module 4 – Displaying custom Industrial Gateways and MIL-rugged mission computers powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, a faster, more powerful, and versatile System on Module solution that is ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.

Station three – Test & Measurement: featuring NI, the leading source for automated test equipment and virtual instrumentation software. Product demonstrations include:

• CompactDAQ systems – data acquisition and control systems able to collect and deliver data validation required to meet test requirements at any distance, in any environment. These portable, customisable solutions are made of data acquisition modules that can synchronise measurements across a network and help to digitise data closer to sensors, minimising noise and simplifying cabling in the field.
• PXI Systems high-performance test applications – These systems provide high-performance modular instruments and other I/O modules that feature specialised synchronisation and key software features for test and measurement applications from device validation to automated production test.

As the exclusive global distributor of Raspberry Pi products, Farnell is also hosting Dr Eben Upton, CEO Raspberry Pi Ltd and Founder of Raspberry Pi Foundation, on the Farnell stand on Thursday 17th November from 10am to 11am where he will be available to informally meet visitors, answer questions and pose for photos with RPi superfans! Dr Upton will also be delivering a presentation called ‘Industrial IoT and Raspberry Pi Ten Years, Ten Lessons’ at 14.30 on Wednesday 16th November in the Forum Theatre Hall B4.259. 

Rob Rospedzihowski, President Sales EMEA at Farnell said, “We are very pleased to be back at electronica and be able to meet our customers in person for the first time in three years. Our broad portfolio of products will be on display and we will be demonstrating key supplier agreements from Raspberry Pi, ADI and NI, so we hope to meet as many visitors as possible on our stand as part of the Avnet City.”

Customers are welcome not only to visit Farnell’s stand to discuss product requirements but also to enter a quiz hosted on the stand which will see 1000 prizes given away each day of electronica. Every entrant can win by answering simple questions about Farnell and element14 with prizes up for grabs including 1000 Raspberry Pico Boards; Multicomp Pro tools such as wire cutters and penlights; Farnell branded socks, which might ease the feet of exhibition visitors; and Bee Wax candles to reinforce Farnell’s relationship with the nearBees movement supporting essential bee colonies in Germany.

PEI-Genesis, a global leader in the design and assembly of custom engineered interconnect solutions, has been named an authorised distributor for Nicomatic, a French corporation, globally.

This partnership will bring high-quality rectangular connector products fit for PCB applications, such as board-to-board, board-to-wire, and PCB mount connectors, adding to PEI-Genesis’s existing offering of military, aerospace, and industrial connector solutions. As PEI-Genesis normally provides connectors for ‘outside of the electronics box’ connectors, this new connection will bring more opportunities to provide additional solutions for customers, including its flagship harsh environment connector product line with over 20 million power, data, and signal configurations, the CMM series.

Nicomatic is well known for its full in-house manufacturing and design capabilities, offering a suit of high-quality products and short term deliveries. With over 45 years of industry experience, Nicomatic aligns well with PEI-Genesis’s 75-year and counting reputation. Nicomatic’s product line card will bring connector solutions featuring power density, space and weight savings, modularity, and customisation to our customer base worldwide.

“I am delighted to announce this important strategic partnership between our two companies. I want to thank the Nicomatic team for their fantastic support in making this collaboration a real success.

Between PEI-Genesis and Nicomatic, we have a combined experience of over 120 years of meeting our global customers’ demanding requirements for high-reliability connector solutions in multiple markets including defence, industrial, aviation, energy and medical.

Both companies share the same passion and values which I am confident will bring great quality products and highly professional service to all of our customers into the future,” said Jonathan Parry, Senior Vice President & MD of Europe.

“We are pleased to announce this partnership with a distributor who assists customers to design engineered solutions that meet specific application requirements. Additionally, PEI Genesis mirrors many of Nicomatic’s core service principles, including fast delivery, service and consistent quality,” said Olivier Nicollin, CEO of Nicomatic.

Movella, a global innovator of advanced technologies and products that sense, capture, and analyse movement, today launched the Xsens MTi-8, a miniature surface-mount motion sensor which combines centimetre-accurate positioning data outputs with a high-bandwidth inertial navigation system (INS) to enable precise dead reckoning.

The new MTi-8’s INS is based on a proven inertial measurement unit – a platform first implemented in the existing MTi-3 and MTi-7 products. The MTi-8 also features an RTK GNSS satellite positioning receiver interface. The interface is compatible with universal NMEA signals, and with u-blox, Septentrio and Trimble data formats.

The MTi-8’s on-board INS capability means that RTK satellite positioning data can be enhanced in various ways:

• To maintain real-time position information by dead reckoning in tunnels, under bridges and in other locations in which the satellite and/or RTK signal may be lost temporarily
• To correct intermittently faulty satellite position information when a positioning and/or RTK signal is temporarily lost or distorted
• To increase the update rate of position and velocity data in fast-moving applications. The typical RTK GNSS receiver’s update rate is 10Hz. The MTi-8 increases this to up to 100Hz by filling in the gaps between GNSS receiver outputs with INS calculations.

Arnout Koelewijn, Product Manager at Movella, said: ‘Unlike a stand-alone RTK GNSS receiver, the MTi-8 provides fast, accurate positioning data at all times in all conditions, as well as giving the orientation measurements which are essential in many applications. The MTi-8 is the new way to supercharge the performance of an RTK GNSS receiver.’

Complete GNSS/INS hardware and software system

The MTi-8 hardware system consists of a 3D gyroscope, 3D accelerometer and magnetometer, and interfaces to an external GNSS receiver and barometer, all housed in a small 12.1mm x 12.1mm x 2.55mm package.

Xsens sensor fusion software generates precisely synchronised measurements of roll, pitch, yaw/heading, velocity and position. The sensor fusion software operates with ultra-low latency to maintain high accuracy at output data rates up to 100Hz.

This makes the MTi-8 ideal for a wide range of slow or fast navigation, stabilisation, mapping and scanning applications. It may be used in autonomous vehicles, outdoor mobile robots, and many other products.

Development with the MTi-8 is supported by the Xsens MT Software Suite, which includes:

• MT Manager – a GUI for Windows and Linux platforms. MT Manager provides tools including a firmware updater and magnetic field mapper.
• Software development kit
• Code examples
• Drivers for LabVIEW, Robot Operating System (ROS) and GO

Movella also provides BASE by Xsens, an online repository of manuals and a knowledge base, as well as a community forum.

The MTi-8 sensor is available worldwide in production volumes from authorised distributors.

For sample requests, product specifications or more technical information, go to www.xsens.com/mti-8 or email sales@movella.com.

Want the best-in-class RF performance? Look no further. NI has announced the most versatile and capable Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), the 3rd generation PXIe-5842 VST. It is the only VST to offer continuous frequency coverage from 50MHz all the way up to 23 GHz, doubles the available instantaneous bandwidth from 1GHz, on the previous generation, to 2 GHz and provides best-in-class RF performance on key metrics such as Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and Average Noise Density.

Rapidly changing wireless technologies present new risks and challenges for the industry. The increased complexity of technologies, standards and frequencies, coupled with pressures for faster time to market, have created a demand for NI’s products to cover all bands in a single instrument. The PXIe-5842 is the highest-performing PXI VST instrument available. EVM performance has been improved by 3dB for key Wi-Fi 7 and 5GNR waveforms. The PXIe-5842’s low cost, scalable approach is now the only PXI product that can offer a single instrument that can be configured to 8 GHz for sub-8 cellular and Wi-Fi applications, 12 GHz for cellular and connectivity applications, and 23 GHz for applications that require the ultimate flexibility on frequency spectrum ranging from VHF to Ku for applications such as Radar target simulation and spectrum monitoring in electronic warfare and satellite communications.

“NI is excited to bring this revolutionary product to the wireless industry,” said Chen Chang, Strategic Business Development Director, NI. “The PXIe-5842 can be configured to offer 23 Gigahertz, two times the coverage of competitor’s models. And at 2 Gigahertz bandwidth, the PXIe-5842 provides a 67% increase in bandwidth over currently available models, giving our customers the competitive advantage.”

Traditional RF box instrumentation can be bulky, expensive, and lacking versatility. The PXIe-5842 offers excellent measurement accuracy and can measure 802.11be Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) performance of more than –49 dB, for standard compliant test cases. Its scalability and simplified test benches offer customers one instrument and one connection.

Additional Key Features Include:

• Continuous frequency coverage from 50 MHz up to 23 GHz
• 2 GHz instantaneous bandwidth
• Direct RF path below 1.75 GHz
• Baseband conditioning modes optimised for Wide Bandwidth or High Dynamic Range
• MGT connectors for streaming at full data rate (Q1 ’23)
• Increasing test coverage capability with best-in-class VST performance
• Combine multiple VSTs in one integrated PXIe system for MIMO applications, allowing for up to 4×4 MIMO configuration into one 18-slot chassis
• Common software tools to PXIe-583x and PXIe-5841 for a seamless upgrade experience

New range of safety light curtains at automation24.co.uk / Online shop offers high-quality hand and finger protection solutions, at the best price

With a wide range of safety technology, Automation24 already adjusted its online shop to meet the needs of its customers in the first half of the year. Effective immediately, there are now also safety light curtains from the manufacturer Datalogic available for almost all common manual workstations and test benches, which can prove dangerous to operating personnel.

Prevention is better than cure!

Machines take on the majority of the work in various production processes. Nonetheless, trained operating personnel are required to ensure quality at manual workstations and test benches, for instance, at presses cutting, bending, and punching machines. Workstations such as this often pose a risk, which can, following a moment of carelessness, result in cuts, crushing, fractures, or worse – even with experienced users. To prevent this from happening in the first place, it is essential that fingers, hands, and other limbs entering hazardous areas be reliably detected. With the range of safety light curtains from the Datalogic SG4 BASE series, automation24.co.uk offers the ideal solution. “Safety light curtains are the most commonly used safeguards when it comes to the monitoring of access openings. Therefore, we have expanded our online shop to include the SG4 Base series, in two resolutions with a protection field height of up to 1,050 mm, soon to be followed by the SG4 Body series. With these product lines, the vast majority of standard applications can be covered, and the safe disabling of hazardous machine movements can be automated”, reports Thorsten Schulze, who, as Managing Director, is responsible for product range management in particular.

Detection using optical sensors

The safety light curtains consist of a transmitter and a receiver unit and are similar in their operating principle to through beam light barriers, which are used for position detection. Unlike conventional light barriers, the transmitter of a safety light curtain transmits a multitude of light beams at defined distances to the receiver module, and thus forms a close-mesh barrier between the hazard area and the user. As soon as the light pulses are interrupted, for example because a finger, hand, or other limb has crossed their path, machines can be automatically stopped, and injuries avoided. The devices from the Datalogic SG4 Base range also have adjustment options that enable the prevention of unexpected downtime. This includes, for example, OSSD outputs, which emit periodic test pulses in order to detect potential short circuits.

Doubly secure: tips and assistance at automation24.co.uk

In order to find the right safety light curtain for the respective device or machine, Automation24 offers support on its website, in the form of a table with selection criteria.  As further assistance during installation, users will find a calculation formula to determine the correct minimum distances between the light curtain and the hazardous area. Tips for installation and ensuring the flawless function of the devices round of the guidelines. “We also offer an instant availability display via the webshop. With Datalogic, we can rely on a long-term partner with whom we have had positive experiences and can thus offer our customers good value for money,” says Thorsten Schulze.