May 2020

48 n NEW PRODUCTS May 2020 www.drivesncontrols.com RARUK is offering an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that can automate the movement of goods in premises such as factories and warehouses. The MiR250 AMR, from the Danish manufacturer MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots), can carry loads up 250kg at speeds of up to 7.2km/h (2m/s), while avoiding both static and dynamic obstacles. The 300mm-high robot can move under objects and through 800mm-wide doors. It is claimed to have more built-in safety functions than other mobile robots, and is designed to work alongside people without any external safety measures. It can be charged twice as fast as MiR’s smaller AMRs, adding about three hours of operation per day. The MiR250 can be programmed by people with no previous experience. You simply download CAD files of the facility, or use the robot’s laser scanners to create a map. The AMR always chooses the most efficient path and calculates alternative routes automatically if needed. Its open platform can be customised using different top modules, for duties such as lifting and transporting pallets, or collecting and delivering shelves, carts and other items. RARUK Automation 01462 670 044 www.rarukautomation.com Mobile robot can transport loads of up to 250kg Ifm has launched a multi- function sensor that provides real-time condition monitoring of electric motors and other machines. The compact VVB001 sensor is said to offer cost- effective continuous monitoring of vibration and temperatures, providing early warnings of potential problems, eliminating unnecessary routine maintenance, and reducing downtime. The sensor, which is fitted easily to existing machines using a simple mounting system, acquires and analyses information about machine vibrations without needing any extra equipment. It provides real-time data via an IO-Link interface which makes it easy to integrate with factory automation systems. The sensor performs four types of analysis continuously on the vibration data: v-RMS analysis to help identify component fatigue; a-RMS analysis to indicate excessive friction; a-Peak analysis to identify mechanical impacts; and crest-factor analysis to indicate the machine condition. The device also monitors temperatures and warns if it detects a rising trend. The sensor can provide raw data for detailed analysis or long-term trending. This data is transmitted via IO-Link as a Blob (binary large object) for use by external systems. Ifm electronic 020 82132222 https://www.ifm.com/gb/en Motion Control Products is offering a stainless-steel servo actuator for food and beverage applications. The Tolomatic IMA-S actuator delivers forces up to 11.1kN and stroke lengths of up to 450mm, with options for planetary rollerscrews or ballscrews. The IP69k-protected actuator’s 316 stainless-steel construction provides good corrosion resistance and withstands high- pressure, high-temperature and caustic washdowns. It meets clean-in-place requirements, allowing open machine designs without the shrouding needed to protect standard actuators. The integrated hollow-rotor servomotor can be used to convert fluid power systems, thus boosting efficiency, improving control and eliminating the risk of product contamination. Motion Control Products www.motioncontrolproducts.com Sick has released its first stainless-steel photoelectric sensor with on-board Smart Tasks that control functions such as counting products, checking sealing caps and pack sizes, and switching actuators. The IP69K- protected W4 Inox sensor combines stainless steel- shielding with built-in intelligence for wet areas in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical plants. The Smart Task logic functions remove processing loads from PLCs or other higher-level controls. They are particularly attractive in high-speed food processing plants, filling and packaging lines, and can improve production efficiency, and allow more frequent product changeovers. The Smart Tasks process the sensor’s detection and measurement signals, linking them with binary switching signals from external sensors, if necessary. They use this data to generate and output signals. For example, they can detect and measure objects and gaps between bottles on a filling line, or goods to be multi-packed on a secondary packaging line. The sensor alerts the controller only if there are deviations from preset values, while controlling processes autonomously – for example, operating diverter gates for quality-control rejects. The sensor’s red-light LED delivers reliable performance in harsh environments. It is immune to ambient light, and with good background suppression, it can detect reflective, transparent, and jet- black objects. Sick (UK) 01727 831121 www.sick.co.uk Stainless-steel servo actuator handles demanding applications Smart photoelectric sensor performs control tasks on-board Multi-function sensor warns of problems with machines