Factory automation Eight product highlights from June

Related Vendors

BELDEN Wire & Cable

ACD Antriebstechnik GmbH

SMC Deutschland GmbH

YASKAWA Europe GmbH

Conrad Electronic SE

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Oriental Motor Europa GmbH

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

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Our editors have curated a selection of eight groundbreaking products and developments set to transform the factory industries. Highlights include a comprehensive automation platform, radio-based IIoT condition monitoring through vibration measurement, two advanced embedded PCs, and a new compact incremental encoder.

1: iCube Control platform available

One year after the presentation of the iCube Control platform by Yaskawa, the complete control portfolio is now available with the iC922x series. It forms a technically coordinated complete solution for industry-specific controls—from engineering software to controller hardware to integrated chip technology. And looking to the future, it goes even further: Designed as a motion concept, iCube Control is gradually being expanded into a comprehensive system for motion control and automation.

The goal is a seamless platform through which machine builders can access all functions—from frequency converter control to motion control and safety to robot programming and control—in the same environment. The iCube Engineer software opens up the entire ecosystem, which is characterized by openness, flexibility, and scalability based on a Linux-based operating system. The heart of the series is the Profichip Triton from Yaskawa. The processor, specially optimized for industrial applications, is suitable for the quick processing of demanding motion sequences.

2: Wireless IIoT condition monitoring

For existing systems, mainly with rotating system parts, Althen offers an easily retrofittable Condition-Monitoring-System through vibration measurement. Vibration measurements usually generate a lot of raw data, the transmission of which via radio requires a large amount of data. The wireless vibration sensor from Althen does not pass on the raw data unfiltered, but it can be determined in advance which data of the vibration acceleration should be processed and transmitted. The information is passed on via a self-organizing mesh network of several measurement nodes that communicate with each other and with the used gateways. Depending on the system situation and open space, a gateway is responsible for radio communication for up to 25 sensors. The network can be expanded or reduced at any time by measurement nodes and gateways, as needed.

3: Wireless fieldbus module expanded to include Ethercat protocol

With the expansion of the EXW1 series to include the Ethercat communication protocol, SMC offers more flexibility and expands the application range. For the protocol, up to 63 wireless remote modules can be integrated over a distance of 100m via a wireless base module. In combination with the EX600-W series module, the Profinet, Ethernet/IP, CC-Link and IO-Link protocols are also available. In the case of the latter two, up to 127 wireless modules can even be connected over the same distance. The wireless solution continues to use the license-free ISM band and enables a fast establishment of the radio connection in only 250 ms. Thanks to the frequency-hopping method within 2 ms at 79 existing channels, as well as SMC's own encryption, process security is also ensured. The high frequency also reduces susceptibility to interference.

4: Cincoze introduces two new compact embedded PCs

Cincoze has launched two embedded PCs in the Rugged Computing-Diamond product line. The DA-1200 is a palm-sized device. It features an Intel Alder-Lake-N processor with ultra-low power consumption of 12 watts and supports 16 GB DDR5-4.800-MHz memory. Equipped with two M.2 Key B slots (convertible to M.2 Key E with an adapter card), the DA-1200 can cover any need for wireless communication (5G, WiFi, GNSS etc.) and provides storage options such as 2.5-inch SSD, half-slim SSD and M.2 SSD. The DA-1200 measures only 150 mm x 105 mm x 52.3 mm and offers maximum application flexibility in a tiny case.

The DV-1100 supports the latest Intel Core CPUs of the 13th and 12th generations and up to 32 GB DDR5-4.800-MHz memory, and offers high-speed NVMe SSD storage to maximize processing power. With a size of 224.1 mm x 162 mm x 62 mm and support for 2.5G LAN and 10G USB3.2 Gen2x1, the DV-1100 is Cincoze's smallest high-performance model and an ideal choice for industrial applications such as machine vision and real-time image monitoring.

5: Solution options for end users in the manufacturing industry

Belden has announced the release of new network and data functionalities for the manufacturing industry. Network fault tolerance, edge computing and data interoperability are made possible through the Belden Horizon platform. Today's production lines generate enormous amounts of data through connected OT devices. As companies further develop their network infrastructures and data processing processes, they can capture and make meaningful use of this high-quality data, thus increasing their productivity and revenue. Belden provides solutions to network all aspects of a plant—including machines, employees, processes and robots. By quickly and securely capturing and analyzing important, highly efficient performance data, the solutions translate data into actionable insights that enable better operational decisions.

6: Also suitable for confined spaces

Oriental Motor is launching a small incremental encoder with high angular accuracy. The incremental encoders are available with resolutions of 1,000 and 2,000 pulses per revolution and measure with an angular accuracy of ±0.36°. Since the rotary encoders have an outer diameter of only 30 mm and a depth of only 22 mm, they can be easily integrated into applications with tight space conditions. The company offers the incremental encoder with a round shaft and with a hollow shaft. All versions have a voltage and a line driver output. The line driver output is particularly suitable for applications with longer signal lines, as it amplifies the output signal. This improves signal quality and allows for higher frequencies. In combination with a line receiver, better protection against electromagnetic interference can also be achieved. The incremental encoder outputs three signals (A, B, Z).

7: Smartphone and tablet as functionally safe HMI

The wireless and functionally safe HMI solution from ACD Antriebstechnik GmbH meets the strictest safety standards SIL3 and PLe and can be used regardless of the operating system and hardware. This innovative solution allows any existing safety system to be retrofitted with mobile and wireless safety technology. In addition, the wireless safety hardware is available as a standalone component set, enabling customers to easily integrate it into their own enclosures.

The associated gateway can be seamlessly connected to any safety control, provided there are three free 2-channel inputs and one free 2-channel output available. The operation of the safety hardware on the HMI device is simple and clearly arranged, with functions such as the selection of the gateway, the command to establish a connection, and the command to disconnect from the gateway. ACD Antriebstechnik provides its own apps for Android and Windows, which offer these functions. Customers also have the option to integrate or implement this functionality in their own HMIs, using a CDC-Acm-SerialDriver via USB.

8: Prevent machine downtime, reduce costs

The safe operation of machinery in industrial production is the main theme of the new EU Machinery Regulation. Although the regulation does not fully apply until 2027, it makes sense to inform yourself about any necessary adjustments now. Currently, the focus at Conrad is on maintenance and repair.

Professional maintenance and repair begins with the right equipment. Because the use of custom-made and high-quality tools ensures efficient and smooth operation of the system. In this area of basic technical equipment, the Conrad Sourcing Platform is extremely broad, so MRO professionals can easily and quickly supply themselves with all the necessary tools.

Consultation and discussion about machine safety and specifically the new Regulation 2023/1230 or the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) can take place, for example, within the framework of the "Safety Dialogue" offered on the Conrad Sourcing Platform. On top of this, there is also a guide for specific questions.

This article was first published on our sisterbrand 'elektrotechnikAUTOMATISIERUNG' (German edition), Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG