Sick has launched scanGrid2, its latest solid-state safety solution for small line-guided vehicles and automated guided carts (AGCs) designed to boost productivity.
The multi-beam scanner is said to be the first of its kind and features in-house developed solid-state lidar technology.
Certified as a Type 2 / SIL 1 safety sensor according to IEC 61496-3, scanGrid2 has been designed to protect hazardous areas up to Performance Level C and can be used for collision avoidance.
The solution’s sensor detects a variety of objects within the configurable protective field zones. A warning field zone can extend up to 4m, as well as evaluating multiple fields. The solution can also execute configurable monitoring cases.
The solid-state lidar technology is based on the principle of time-of-flight measurement and eliminates all moving parts.
Instead, the device uses only semi-conductor elements in conjunction with geometrically arranged optics modules to span a protective field of 150 degrees.
Furthermore, an app and cloning function ensure a high level of usability and fast commissioning of the sensor solution.
“We are seeking to offer manufacturers of autonomous and line-guided AGCs, in particular, a cost-effective safety solution that they can use to boost the productivity of their applications,” said Marco Faller, strategic product manager at Sick.
“Specifically, this means increasing the speed or payload of the vehicles, or being able to eliminate mechanical barriers such as fences.”
According to Sick, conventional safety laser scanners are not a suitable solution for simple and cost-effective small vehicles due to economic reasons.
The company claimed that users have been faced with a choice of limiting the speed or payload of their AGC or avoiding operating them in unfenced areas to minimise risks associated with the vehicles.
Thus, scanGrid2 reportedly offers users new possibilities for successfully increasing the productivity of their small autonomous and line-guided carts.
For example, switching to a safety sensor is now a viable option with initial installations showing productivity increases between 50 and 70%.
Faller added: “When it comes to the use of safety sensors, easy configuration, fast commissioning, and diagnostics are the key aspects our customers are looking for.
“Ensuring fast servicing also saves valuable time and money.”
