Electricity and Control November 2020

SENSORS + SWITCHES

At a glance 

Sensor solutions are being used in mobile collaborative robots to enable robot vision, end-of-arm tooling, position feedback, environment perception, and safety.  Mobile cobots are especially suitable for flexible applications and can be temporarily or permanently positioned in production lines.  Sensors are used to move cobots to their workstations and position them reliably. part of the solution. Furthermore, the motor feedback systems integrated into the cobot report the position of the robot arms to the controller. This data enables the entire workspace right through to the end-of-arm tooling to be securely monitored. The last mile The concept of the ‘last mile’, as used in logistics, is also used in robotics. In logistics the term refers to the final, fully- automated steps in delivering the goods to the customer. In robotics, the last mile describes the challenge of ensuring that a deployed robot operates in a safe way and can be controlled down to the last millimetre. It is particularly acute in the case of precisely calibrated robots working in an open space with no protective fences. The interplay of a large number of sensors, especially the motor feedback systems, allows safe and trouble-free end-of-arm tooling on the gripper. New solutions at the end of the arm for completely eliminating the risk of injuries to workers’ hands are in development. These will use 2D and 3D image-based robot vision solutions, providing a type of ‘cobot vision’. □

A cobot solution can be implemented efficiently by using the Robot Operating System.

Collaboration in the community A cobot solution can be implemented efficiently by using the so-called Robot Operating System (ROS). ROS is an open source framework developed in a university setting and has found its way into industrial applications around the world. SICK is working with its partners to optimise cobot solutions with the help of ROS. Small and mid-sized companies in particular can benefit from this because it enables them to save on development costs and resources. Robots without fences Cobots generally have a high level of movement flexibility. A wide range of sensor solutions is therefore required to protect their working space. SICK offers solutions for all aspects of these applications. Laser scanners, for example, guarantee the reliable positioning of cobots in the workspace and protect workers nearby. This includes monitoring the surroundings using safety laser scanners, which reduce the speed of the cobot when a person approaches. An automated restart after a complete stop, requiring no manual intervention from the worker, is also The DFS461 short-wave infrared – SWIR – Digital Fibre Optic sensor available from Vepac Electronics is tuned to detect the presence of clear fluids effortlessly, using fibre optic light guides. The slim-line housing with protective lid allows for it to fit in small spaces. The DFS is adjusted by a single push of a button, no guesswork is required from the operator. The sensor default settings work for most applications and the DFS can be adjusted to many configurations to serve simple and more complex applications. Features and options of the DFS461 include the following. - Detects water-based fluids - Intuitive numerical/percentage diagnostic OLED display - Attractive 10 mm wide housing Digital fibre optic SWIR sensor

For more information visit: www.sickautomation.co.za

SENSORS + SWITCHES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

- Low power and wide operating voltage - Advanced remote programming - Six Autoset modes including window - Crosstalk rejection between two sensors without a wire - Programmable output/input configurations - Combinable dual times and counters - CE approved. It also allows for easy setup, provides

accurate readings, has low maintenance requirements and is durable and reliable.

For more information contact Vepac Electronics. Tel: +27 (0)11 454 8053 Email: sales@vepac.co.za Visit: www.vepac.co.za

The DFS SWIR sensor is tuned to detect the presence of clear fluids.

Electricity + Control NOVEMBER 2020

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