Pepperl+Fuchs Blog

Autonomous mobile robots, AMRs, typically use LiDAR sensors for the detection of objects. These sensors emit light and rely on a reflection to measure the distance to a particular surface. This is a great method for detecting solid objects but can create challenges when surrounded by transparent materials like glass. In these cases, the emitted light can pass through the material and cause collisions or false readings and loss of position. This type of false reading can result in product damage, downtime, or human injury.  

Mobile robots typically use some version of a LiDAR sensor for navigation. LiDAR, which stands for light detection and ranging, is a remote sensing method that measures variable distances using light in the form of a pulsed laser. LiDAR helps localize, navigate, and avoid obstacles so the robot can perceive surroundings and select a collision-free path. As new industries continue to adopt mobile robots, they must be able to navigate new, dynamic environments. One of the challenges in these environments is navigating around drop-offs or cliffs, also known as negative obstacles.

Data Matrix codes pack a tremendous amount of digital information into a postage-stamp-sized footprint. Found in seemingly endless commercial and consumer areas, such as warehouses, distribution centers, automotive, and production facilities, their full potential in industrial automation applications is only now being tapped. Want to elevate your logistics? Read on to learn how this powerful technology enhances the control of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated guided vehicles (AGV).

In the automation world, many different types of positioning systems are available. Whether mechanical, optical, magnetic, ultrasonic, inductive, camera-based systems, or a combination of technologies, determining which of these is effective for your positioning application is critical to the success of your automated processes.

There are many ways to achieve the kind of reliable machine-to-machine connectivity that powers the Industrial Internet of Things. Incorporating MQTT devices is one of them. Do you wonder if switching to MQTT-compliant devices could improve your application? Here is what you must know to build an IIoT-ready system.

Industrial monitors and operator workstations are installed in process plants and hazardous areas to safely monitor processes. To support and simplify input, a selection of keyboards is available. The EXTA2 industrial keyboards from Pepperl+Fuchs are specially designed for use in hazardous areas. They are ATEX and IECEx certified for Zone 1/21 and have UL Class I/II, Division 2 approval for use in the USA and Canada.

In early 2011, Pepperl+Fuchs released its first Data Matrix positioning system, the PCV absolute positioning read head. This 2-D camera system uses multi-redundant Data Matrix code tape to provide position data with submillimeter resolution. Along with position, it provides information on the Y-offset (movement up or down) and speed. Since its debut, the PCV has become a sought-after solution for accurate and reliable positioning in a variety of applications.

Industry 4.0 applications require sensors that do more than just deliver process data to the PLC. Sensors must also be able to communicate with PLCs and higher-level SCADA or cloud systems. Pepperl+Fuchs IO-Link masters make this possible.

The safety integrity level, or SIL for short, is an indicator that makes risk reduction quantifiable. Plant and machinery can pose risks that are so dangerous that people and the environment should not be exposed to them under any circumstances. If such a hazard exists, the associated risks must be mitigated to meet the need for safety.

SIL is a core element of functional safety and simultaneously the object of many misconceptions. Pepperl+Fuchs clarifies three of the most common misunderstandings.

Digitalization can be daunting. But with the right technologies, you can take the following steps to prepare your factory for Industry 4.0: