Logimat 2024 In-depth exchange at the "Mobile Robotics" forum

Related Vendor

FAULHABER Drive Systems

The topics of AI and automation have firmly arrived in intralogistics. This year, at Logimat, mobile robotics will even be featured as a live event with its own forum.

From March 19 to 21, 2024, it's happening again: The international intralogistics expert community will gather at the Stuttgart trade fair grounds. More than 1,500 exhibitors from 40 countries will present their latest product developments and solutions on 125,000 square meters. "The majority of the world's leading developers, manufacturers, and solution providers focus at least one of their exhibits at Logimat on one of the three main topics," explains trade fair manager Ruchty. "The range extends from automation and digital transformation of business processes to address the shortage of skilled workers, to energy-saving options and efficient resource use, and up to AI-based tools for quick and intelligent analysis of collected data. Additionally, securing IT networks and resilience of the supply chain will be discussed."

Utilize AI in daily work life

Visitors should find it fascinating to see how the dynamic and well-connected logistics industry utilizes artificial intelligence: Several exhibitors will display modules for analyses with AI-based simulation and scenario technology. These identify relevant influencing factors in production capacities, resources, transport routes, and material flows, uncover optimization potential, and provide users with a reliable data basis for future scenarios.

Gallery

In addition to software companies, plant manufacturers and system integrators will showcase AI-based new developments. In Hall 1, scenarios featuring AI and mobile robotics solutions will present innovative software and automation technologies for end-to-end supply chains. An AI tool as an AI-based assistant for logistics systems will also be demonstrated there for predicting order loads and bottlenecks in material flow. Based on data from logistics software, the AI assistant makes suggestions for the optimal placement of articles in the warehouse, analyzes the causes of disruptions, and provides maintenance recommendations for predictive maintenance. Among the exhibitors of driverless transport vehicles (FTF), shuttles, and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) in Hall 6, AI-based software programs and the latest advancements in complementary technologies like sensors define the shown innovations and developments.

Discuss developments in mobile robotics

After mobile robotics garnered significant attention last year, the trade fair organizer has expanded on the topic and included it as one of three live events with serial sessions in the agenda: For the first time, the current developments in the field of mobile robotics will be discussed in the trade fair's accompanying program. In cooperation with the Association of German Engineers (VDI), the Forum-FTS will host five thematic blocks on the current trends in Driverless Transport Systems (FTS) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) throughout the three days of the fair on the gallery in Hall 6 (booth number: 6H01).

Diverse drive solutions with ASi-5 and ASi-3

But what are the major industry manufacturers showcasing at Logimat? Bihl+Wiedemann (Hall 1, 1A14) is presenting drive solutions with ASi-5 and ASi-3. The Mannheim-based company already has an extensive range of motor modules for various drive solutions with ASi-5 and ASi-3, suitable for controlling motor rollers, DC motors, and frequency converters. And the portfolio continues to grow. The specifically for installation in cable ducts designed ASi-5 modules, which can control up to four 48V or 24V motor rollers from Interroll or two 24V motor rollers from Itoh Denki, are being expanded.

In addition to the two self-configuring ASi-5 I/O modules (BWU4977 & BWU4979), whose 16 or 8 digital signals can each be used bidirectionally as inputs or outputs, the ASi-5 cable duct module BWU4942 is also new to the range. The motor module can connect to two 24V motor rollers each from Interroll, Itoh Denki, or Rumelca. For this purpose, it is equipped with two cable sockets in M8 and M12 and also has four digital inputs for connecting sensors. The range of motor modules for DC motors and frequency converters continues to grow as well. In addition to the currently available solutions, the motor module BWU4980 now also includes a solution for Danfoss: an Active Distributor ASi-5 in IP67, which is connected to the Danfoss VLT frequency converter via connection leads.

Safety is the focus

The automation company Pilz (Hall 6, Booth 6B37) is focusing on its safety and security solutions for intralogistics. Operators of mobile platforms must ensure that the required performance levels for vehicle monitoring functions, as stated in the standard ISO 3691-4, are met in their application. The company's safety experts will inform visitors at the stand how to implement these requirements for the safe operation of mobile platforms. The focus is on how to avoid downtime and run production safely and efficiently. Visitors will learn more about the matching Pilz services, for example, the "Design Risk Assessment," as well as about the training "Safe Use of Driverless Transport Vehicles and Systems," which is specifically oriented towards the safety of mobile platforms.

Safety solution for freely navigating mobile platforms

A highlight at the stand is the safety solution for freely navigating mobile platforms. The core of the solution is the safe small control system PNOZmulti 2 with functionalities for synchronous operation monitoring and control of the safety laser scanners PSENscan. The safety laser scanners provide productive area monitoring in the safety solution. In addition, the Industrial Firewall Securitybridge offers protection against unauthorized external access. Pilz also demonstrates how safe access can be regulated via its modular safety gate system and the Identification and Access Management System I.A.M.