IDEC Blog

IDEC Engineering Insights #5, part 2: Get to know the IDEC Group (APAC)

The IDEC Group has a presence in many global regions. In this Q&A interview format, we share more about specific regions in the words of local employees.

IDEC Engineering Insights #5, part 1: a tech expert who’s witnessed the evolution of our products and solutions

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.

IDEC Engineering Insights #4: a leader with overwhelming enthusiasm for engineering who inspires the next generation

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.

The role of data visibility in preventing industrial equipment failures and operational errors (part 2)

Use quality, highly visible real-time data to prevent industrial equipment failures and work smarter IDEC’s reliable connected device range adds value in every area of an industrial control system. Discuss data visibility levels and IIoT solutions with your regional IDEC sales team. FC6A MicroSmart Plus PLC: for web server functionality The built-in web server provides two-way communication between the PLC and connected computers, tablets, etc. Remote users can view data on custom web pages, easy to create without HTML knowledge using the editing software. The FC6A MicroSmart Plus can also connect to the cloud (AWS IoT Core/Azure IoT Hub) and on-premises servers via the MQTT and MQTT Sparkplug B protocols, act as an FTP client or server for data transfer, or send system update emails and texts via Ethernet. IDEC’s IIoT-enabled and safety-related devices help you bring added data visibility to industrial systems Smart, connected devices in your system work to reduce the risk of industrial equipment failure. The IDEC product lineup makes real-time analytics in industrial automation systems easier to achieve. The ultimate cause of industrial equipment failure: a lack of accurate data Every cause listed in part 1 has something in common: the amount of information available. Specifically, that the amount of information available isn’t enough to keep equipment in the best possible condition. In manufacturing and other industrial applications, trends shaping new processes and their effectiveness are driven by real-time data. As such, the data that businesses hold must reflect their current situation as accurately as possible. Industries with poor data visibility deal with varied problems: They don’t collect enough data to gain a clear picture of their situation They can’t collect enough data due to data silos and system incompatibility They collect a lot of data but don’t trust the quality (inconsistency/bias) They collect a lot of data but don’t know how to analyze/use it effectively Thankfully, technological advancements (Industry 4.0 developments) continue to simplify data collection and analysis. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has revolutionized system design, and the ways that connected devices can be used to enhance data sharing and analytics. Alongside IoT-enabled predictive maintenance, cloud computing gives workers the ability to view the latest information remotely. HG series operator interfaces: for clarity and reporting The slimline bezel on the HG1J and HG2J is designed to maximize the display size. Both screens grant literal high visibility, with high-resolution TFT color LCDs and a glass top surface. The PCAP touchscreen’s tempered glass surface has advantages in industrial settings where displays are physically harder to see: UV resistance, scratch resistance, and easy cleaning. Both units are made for full integration with IIoT-enabled systems, with MQTT cloud communication alongside FTP server/client and web server functions, network protocol support, Ethernet, USB, RS232C, RS422/485, and Wi-Fi (using a dongle). Safety Commander series: for remote operation The HT3P and HT4P securely hold industrial-use tablets of varying sizes. The attached tablet can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and operated comfortably by left-handed or right-handed users. With a connected tablet in hand, workers don’t need to be standing in front of the control panel to view operational data and check work logs. It’s also possible to activate the machine’s emergency stop function while using a tablet, with the Safety Commander’s built-in emergency stop switch. SX8R bus coupler module: for remote I/O systems Take advantage of the SX8R’s support Modbus TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP network protocols to enhance device communication and data sharing. For preventive maintenance, some additional sensors are required to detect equipment failures. If sensors are added, wiring becomes more complex. The SX8R for remote I/O solves this wiring issue, as it can collect all sensor data via just one Ethernet cable. FT series operator interfaces (PLC + HMI): for control and monitoring The FT1J and FT2J are essentially HG1J and HG2J models with an additional PLC located behind the display. They feature dual CPUs—one dedicated to control functions and the other to HMI functions—to maintain high processing speeds. With a PCAP touchscreen at the front, full IIoT capabilities internally, and a PLC with I/O points at the back, the FT series is an ideal control and monitoring solution for equipment or systems with space constraints. Industrial equipment runs on more than power – machines and their operators need a reliable flow of data. Without it, inefficient processes and uninformed actions can easily lead to equipment failures. The resulting downtime and loss of productivity can cost businesses time, money, and more. In the first part of this series, we looked at the typical causes of equipment failures and operator errors, and the most common factors behind them. In this article, find out more about: The ultimate cause of industrial equipment failures Data visibility to anticipate errors and transform work processes IDEC safety devices that bring added data visibility to industrial systems Data visibility: the key to anticipating errors and transforming work processes The most effective decision making is informed by a wealth of reliable data, and supported by tools for accessing, analyzing, and using that data: Real-time status information: improve quality control and prevent failures. High-quality displays: see outputs, trends and anomalies with greater clarity. IIoT-connected devices: understand how efficiently and effectively devices work together in your system. Portable interfaces and controls: respond to changes and make adjustments at any time, even remotely.

The role of data visibility in preventing industrial equipment failures and operational errors (part 1)

Every business wants – and needs – to be efficient and productive. Inefficient processes and other hurdles to streamlined operation affect: Costs and time spent Output levels and quality Employee workload and motivation levels Supplier, distributor and customer relationships Equipment failure is a common cause of downtime and lost productivity. According to the International Society of Automation, downtime causes up to a 20% drop in productivity – and most facilities don’t realize how much this costs them, underestimating the total cost of downtime by as much as 300%. To quickly respond to – and ideally prevent – equipment failures, it’s important to understand the many potential causes. In the first article of our 2-part series on industrial data visibility, we’ll cover: Common causes of operational errors and equipment failure The common reasons behind these causes 4. Too much maintenance You may not think that doing even more to keep a machine in ideal condition is a bad thing. However, when that equipment is already well maintained and in good working order, “over-maintenance” can have the opposite effect. At best, additional maintenance takes time and resources away from other work tasks – at worst, it could shorten the working lifespan of the equipment. 1. Wear and tear Even if you follow best practices for operation, maintenance and storage, general wear and tear eventually affects all machinery and components. This gradual damage is unavoidable, making wear and tear one of the most common causes of industrial equipment failure. 2. Operator error Something as simple as a worker overtightening a screw could accidentally cause equipment to break down. Unintentional changes to an operation routine – skipping or repeating a step, forgetting the right timing, or pressing the wrong button in a moment of panic – could also trigger equipment failures. 5. Working remotely Some equipment requires constant monitoring for optimization and efficient running. Whenever remote monitoring of HMIs and other data outputs isn’t part of the operation and control system, workers who aren’t on site may not have the latest, most accurate information. As a result, they could make uninformed decisions and/or take unnecessary actions. 4. Outdated hardware/software Hardware and software updates often contain patches for known issues, security exploits, and other bugs. Updates can also add features that make equipment more efficient and/or versatile. Forgetting to regularly check for and install updates, or leaving longer periods between checks, increases the risk of system errors. Common causes of operational errors and equipment failure Failures can be caused by: 1. Environmental factors (hot/cold, moisture, dust and dirt, etc.) Factors such as the ambient temperature and the amount of air pollution can increase the wear on machines installed in that space. Some risks remain whether the equipment is running or in storage – for example, in harsh industrial environments where the humidity level is always high. 3. Lack of predictive/preventive maintenance Reactive maintenance – waiting for an issue to occur and then fixing it – is still surprisingly common in many industries. It keeps the complexity and up-front costs of maintenance low, but is only ever a short-term measure against the risks of long-term damage and downtime. Next time: our top tip to reduce industrial equipment failures Depending on the size and scale of your industrial system, checking for these potential issues may mean you have a lot of ground to cover. However, there’s a way to get straight to the core problem – and fix it. In part 2, we’ll look at (what we believe is) the ultimate factor in industrial equipment failures. 3. Electrical failures Issues with unreliable power sources have the potential to severely impact industrial operations. If a circuit is overloaded or a power surge happens, connected sensitive equipment may be damaged beyond repair. Facilities that don’t have safeguards and/or backups in place may also take longer to recover from outages. 2. Lack of knowledge and training ‘Improper operation’ of equipment sounds deliberate – but operator error may not always be on purpose. In many cases, errors are the result of workers not having the training, qualifications and/or information they need. Typical causes of equipment failure also have common reasons behind them When you investigate a case of industrial equipment failure more closely, you’re likely to find out that one or more of these issues played a part:

Get to know the IDEC Group: IDEC Controls India Private Limited

The IDEC Group has a presence in many global regions. In this Q&A interview format, we share more about specific regions in the words of local employees.

IDEC Engineering Insights #3: a technical support manager who enjoys problem solving and process optimization

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.

A spotlight on robust and reliable industrial LED lighting (featuring the IDEC LF3D ‘Rugged’ series)

3. Our most rugged and durable industrial LED lights yet LF3D series lights are made with reinforced glass, stainless steel, die-cast zinc, and aluminum. The secure housing helps to prevent damage from flying waste scraps, etc. In addition, the series has an IP67G/IP69K protection rating for water and oil resistance. Cleaning with high-pressure washdowns is convenient and straightforward. 1. Even higher visibility Our unique optical technology and LED arrangement ensures illuminance (up to 1800 lux) and even light distribution. It suppresses reflections and shadows, making any scratches, chatter marks and uneven surfaces easy to spot. 5. Efficiency When you look at power consumption, wasted energy, carbon emissions, etc., LEDs are one of the most efficient and cost-effective lighting solutions available. They convert more of the energy they use into light than fluorescent bulbs and other alternatives do. 3. Durability In an industrial environment, every surface can come under stresses – from water and other liquids, air pollution, airborne scrap materials, machining noise and chatter, high temperatures, etc. Where impacts, vibrations and shocks might crack or shatter glass bulbs, LEDs typically remain unaffected and reliable. 4. Safety Most of the power fluorescent bulbs use is converted into heat. This makes them more temperature-sensitive in both hot and cold working environments. Overheating or sudden exposure to cold are just as likely to break the bulb’s fragile glass. LED lights have a much wider operating temperature range in comparison. 2. Adaptability Space constraints (for example, inside machine tools) can limit the available lighting options. If lights don’t fit, or are too tricky to install, they can’t be used. A single LED can be far more compact than a light bulb. More lights can be installed in the same amount of space, and in a more effective, creative layout. Manufacturers are switched on to the many benefits of LEDs for industrial lighting Industrial lighting solutions must meet multiple demands at once – providing a light source is only the start. We’ve chosen 5 key considerations to highlight: LED lights have contributed to advances and revolutions in industrial settings over the years, and this progress shows no signs of stopping. In Japan, for example, production, import and export of all fluorescent lamps will be banned by the end of 2027. The US similarly banned the production and sale of incandescent light bulbs in August 2023, alongside other countries which have gradually implemented legislation to phase them out. In response, manufacturers and industry groups have pushed for LEDs to replace them – in shops, in offices, and on factory floors. LED lights have been widely adopted in homes and businesses globally. Compared to traditional fluorescent lighting, LEDs have a longer lifespan, lower energy consumption and carbon emissions, and offer color and brightness options. 5. Energy efficiency that helps to keep running costs down The expected light source life for the LF3D’s LEDs is 50,000 hours (based on continuous use at a minimum of 70% brightness). At the rated power of 9.2W (at the rated voltage of 24V DC), the LF3D would use a little over 0.2kWh in a 24-hour period. 4. Safe operation across a wide temperature range All LF3D series units have an operating temperature range from -30°C to +55°C (no freezing). 2. Adapted for use in machine tools and other compact work areas The LF3D is slim and light, available with either a surface mount or recessed mount to meet the constraints of the installation space. It’s also been designed to fit more LEDs onto the surface area. Further advances in industrial LED lighting: the IDEC LF3D series The LF3D LUMIFA LED light series has been a reliable option in IDEC’s industrial lighting range since 2021. The series claims robust construction and excellent optical performance. 1. Visibility It’s the most obvious requirement for industrial lights – workers need to be able to see what they’re doing. Poor lighting and patchy light distribution are also common causes of workplace accidents and injuries. LEDs are often significantly brighter than light bulbs with a filament. LF3D rugged series: a user-friendly, uniform lighting solution The IDEC LF3D series is available in all IDEC global regions. View the full range and find out more.

Resilient in harsh environments, from furnaces to freezers: the advantages of industrial equipment with a wide operating temperature range

Hot or cold, workers always need to be able to trust in devices and equipment Safety and reliability are critical in any climate. Regardless of the temperature, a key safety consideration is for the tools and equipment workers rely on to do their jobs. High temperatures could cause parts to overheat and change shape. Freezing temperatures could crack and shatter fragile materials, or solidify liquids and gels. In both cases, the industrial equipment used in that environment must be resilient and durable in order to avoid downtime, damage, and other safety risks. Choosing equipment with a wide operating temperature range helps to ensure their consistent performance in various working conditions. IDEC’s robust solutions offer safety, reliability, and environmental resistance IDEC’s automation, HMI, and switch/indicator lineups include many products designed and developed for durability in harsh environments. Products with a reassuringly wide operating temperature range include: Safe, reliable operation when temperatures rise or drop The stated operating temperature range is just one of many wide-ranging benefits of IDEC products. Our devices also fit the needs of industrial users by offering safety, durability, and long-term cost effectiveness. Explore the IDEC product lineup for your region to find many other industrial devices and components with a wide operating temperature range, built to perform in harsh and rugged conditions. SX8R bus coupler module Operating temperature range : -25°C to +65°C (no freezing) The SX8R is durable in tough industrial environments and long-distance applications (e.g. outdoors, warehouses, etc.). It can withstand harsh temperatures and rugged conditions, has an IP20 rating for protection against dust, and features enhanced vibration resistance. Increased reliability you can immediately see from the product data The ‘operating temperature range’ is the ambient temperature range at which the equipment works safely, reliably and effectively. You’ll find this information in the product specifications (on the datasheet). A device may still work outside of its stated operating temperature range, but it may not perform at its best. The ambient temperature range in commercial environments is typically narrower than that for industrial environments. As just one example, many commercial devices are not rated for use below 0°C. This difference makes purpose-made industrial components more robust and durable than commercial equivalents by design. Higher tolerance to extreme temperatures widens the use possibilities for industrial equipment Various products with high or low temperature tolerance fit the needs of specific use cases. Depending on your application, you may need a more flexible solution. There are many potential advantages of using industrial equipment with a wide operating temperature range. Devices that work effectively in both hot and cold environments can be considered for a greater variety of applications: Medical and pharmaceutical : production processes, sterilization, temperature-controlled storage, etc. Manufacturing and machine tools : hot working and cold working with metals, welding, furnaces, cooling processes, etc. Construction and agriculture : varying climates and indoor/outdoor temperatures Food and packaging : hot and cold processes for both food products and packing materials, refrigerated storage, heat sealing, etc. For many people, the workplace is a temperature-controlled office – or home, where they can adjust the thermostat. For others, it could be: A frosty cold storage warehouse A sunlit, humid greenhouse A hot or cold rolling production line A welding station Temperature plays a vital role in many industrial processes in these environments. Businesses in some industries, such as food or pharmaceuticals, may even be legally required to implement and maintain strict temperature controls for regulatory compliance. As a result, industrial work environments can be significantly hotter or colder than the average office. FT and HG series operator interfaces (FT1J, FT2J, HG1J, HG2J) Operating temperature ranges: FT1J, FT2J, HG1J: -20°C to +55°C (no freezing) HG2J: -20°C to +60°C (no freezing) The UV-resistant tempered glass screen prevents clouding and/or deterioration from UV rays, and has strong heat tolerance (separately to the main unit). All units are ideal for high-exposure applications. CW series touchless switches Operating temperature ranges : -25°C to +55°C (when in use) -35°C to +70°C (when in storage) (no freezing) These switches are made with weather-resistant material, UL Type 4X approved for outdoor use. This feature is ideal in environments that are regularly exposed to the elements, such as parking lots, public restrooms and other outdoor facilities.

IDEC SE2L Advanced: the compact safety laser scanner to enhance your AGVs/AMRs

In shared working spaces, maintaining safe operations involves collaboration Think of a safety laser scanner as the ‘eyes’ of an AGV/AMR. As ‘automated’ and ‘autonomous’ devices, AGVs and AMRs are made to work independently. However, in environments where humans are also working nearby, an AGV/AMR needs full awareness of its surroundings and the ability to safely navigate shared spaces. When mounted on an AGV or AMR, a safety laser scanner has 2 key functions: Presence detection : sensing nearby humans and obstacles Collision prevention : slowing or stopping the AGV/AMR The combination of a warning zone and a protection zone around the scanner gives the AGV or AMR more time to slow down, change direction, or come to a stop. As such, the integration and position of a safety laser scanner on an AGV/AMR are key. Getting it wrong could leave ‘blind spots’ in the sensing area, which are both dangerous and harder/more expensive to cover after the fact. A long history of innovations in automation and sensing AGVs and AMRs have existed in various forms since the 1950s. The introduction of safety scanners to help position and guide them was in the 1970s. Both AGVs/AMRs and safety laser scanners have continued to evolve since then. Laser scanners aren’t the only safety sensing device – light curtains and safety mats also detect humans in hazardous areas. Even so, scanners are popular for use with AGVs/AMRs because of their small size, wide sensing range, and flexible customization options. Enhanced capabilities that widen the scope of potential sensing applications Increased functionality ensures that the SE2L Advanced is a highly suitable safety laser scanner for use with AGVs and AMRs. Enhanced environmental resistance : reduce false positives in harsh environments (presence detection errors caused by dust, smoke, etc.) Enhanced Ethernet connectivity : connect to the AGV/AMR’s Ethernet access point to enable Wi-Fi communication with a PC. A maximum of 128 area pattern configurations : easily adjust the settings to suit the AGV/AMR’s operating environment. Master/slave function : connect up to 4 SE2L Advanced units (1 master unit and 3 slave units) mounted on the same AGV/AMR to create a 360-degree sensing range. Additional encoder input : 4 encoder inputs for 2-axis monitoring (left and right, as well as forwards and backwards). Speed-based sensing area switching : activates while the AGV/AMR the scanner is mounted on is turning. Hardware improvements : the SE2L Advanced in turn increases the AGV/AMR’s navigating accuracy. Obstacle detection : the scanner also transmits distance measurement data via the Ethernet port, while maintaining safety protection. Compatibility with other IDEC safety devices : building a custom AGV or AMR with fully integrated safety features is simpler than ever. Both automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) need sensing capabilities to safely navigate their surroundings. AGVs rely on guidance systems, which are steadily getting more sophisticated. AMRs constantly survey the area around them to learn more about their working environment. In each case, a safety laser scanner does more than just enhance sensing – it’s a vital element of AGV/AMR safety systems. A new AGV/AMR solution from IDEC: the SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner The IDEC SE2L Advanced is a compact safety laser scanner with a 270-degree sensing range. A single unit can protect a wide area – the scanner has a 5m protection zone and a 30m warning zone. It’s also possible to monitor 2 separate areas with the SE2L Advanced’s dual protection function, replacing up to 2 light curtains. The scanner’s reference monitoring function can detect sensing area boundaries and position changes, such as whether a nearby door is open or closed. Advances that keep collaborative safety moving in the right direction The IDEC SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner is designed to contribute to the evolution of wireless AGVs/AMRs. It’s available in global regions now.

Functionality and compliance, fully integrated: Safety Wheel Drive’s 5 key features to ensure the safety of AGVs and AMRs

Safe Brake Control (SBC): safe braking engagement Safety level : up to SIL2, PLd, Safety Category 3 SBC is commonly used to control external (mechanical) brakes, especially when the motor is off but still bearing a load (e.g. a hanging weight). SWD offers 2 engine braking modes for added support: internal motor braking and external braking. The internal brake essentially works by short-circuiting the motor. The external brake works by cutting power to the electromechanical brake. SBC often works in combination with STO. In SWD’s configuration, the STO function can be triggered with or without SBC. When it comes to industrial automation, any product whose name starts with ‘Safety’ needs to live up to high expectations. Safety Wheel Drive (SWD) is a turnkey solution for OEMs and industrial machine integrators seeking an easier way to build safe, reliable motion control into AGVs/AMRs. The all-in-one design incorporates the components and safety functions needed to meet both comprehensive international safety requirements and highly specific mobile robotics needs. In this article, we take a closer look at SWD’s advanced built-in safety functions: what they’re designed for, how they’re activated, and what happens after activation to ensure safe operation. Safe Torque Off (STO): safe disconnection of motor torque Safety level : up to SIL3, PLe, Safety Category 4 STO is seen as a safe way to stop the motor operation, a basic requirement for drive-based functional safety in mobile robots. It can be activated by a variety of safety devices and inputs to SWD, including emergency stop switches or a safety relay/safety controller. Connected emergency stop switches must be compliant with ISO 13850. Once STO is engaged, the motor is disconnected electrically. In this way, STO prevents any more torque (force) from being generated within the motor. This slows the AGV/AMR down, but doesn’t activate the braking function – deceleration speed is affected by the mobile robot’s inertia, so it coasts to a stop. Safe Maximum Speed (SMS): maximum speed limitation independent of activated safety functions Safety level : up to SIL2, PLd, Safety Category 3 SMS is the only safety function that’s always active if enabled by the configuration. It’s activated if a maximum speed threshold is set for the AGV/AMR. (This is different to the target speed(s) that can be set with SLS.) If the user doesn’t specify a maximum speed when configuring SWD, SMS will remain inactive (disabled as a result of the configuration). SWD users can set maximum positive and negative velocity commands – negative velocity referring to travel in the opposite direction than intended. The AGV/AMR’s velocity (speed) is constantly monitored. If the maximum speed is exceeded while SMS is active, the default response is to trigger STO. Safely Limited Speed (SLS, SLSa): safe speed limitation Safety level : up to SIL2, PLd, Safety Category 3 SLS prevents the drive (the motor) from going over a pre-set target speed. Exceeding this speed triggers the safety function, activating and maintaining deceleration until the AGV/AMR reaches the target speed again. The SLS function continues to monitor the AGV/AMR’s speed to make sure it stays at the target level. SWD has 8 levels of SLS speed limitation, so up to 8 different speed limits can be monitored at the same time. Speeds can be limited in both rotation directions (forward/reverse) in a symmetrical (SLS) or asymmetrical (SLSa) way. If SLS is active and the motor’s rotation speed exceeds the set threshold, STO may be automatically triggered. Safe Direction Control (SDI): safe control of direction of rotation Safety level : up to SIL2, PLd, Safety Category 3 SDI activation is based on commands that can prohibit rotation of the motor in either direction. This is designed to prevent the AGV/AMR from moving in an unintended direction – for example, toward a worker. Similarly to SMS, SDI has positive and negative thresholds that represent the AGV/AMR’s forward or reverse motion. With SWD, it’s possible to set 2 threshold levels for positive movement and 2 for negative. When a threshold for the direction of movement is exceeded, SDI activates and prevents further motor rotation. If SDI is active and the motor’s rotation speed exceeds the set threshold, this condition can also automatically trigger STO. 5 advanced safety functions that streamline design, certification, and use These integrated functions remove any need for additional safety monitoring devices and safety logics when using SWD as part of an AGV/AMR build. Safety requirements applied to mobile robotics AGVs/AMRs made for use in collaborative work environments must be equipped with essential safety functions. These requirements are guided by ISO 3691-4 (Industrial trucks – Safety requirements and verification, part 4: Driverless industrial trucks and their systems). ISO 3691-4 is a relatively recent standard, published in response to how industrial mobile robots’ capabilities have evolved. It specifies requirements for all of these safety measures: Speed and direction control Speed monitoring and limitation Obstacle detection Braking system Emergency stop SWD’s certified safety functions are used to achieve safe motor control and support AGV/AMR designers in meeting current safety requirements. These functions can be split into 2 categories: Safe motor shutdown and brake functions : Safe Torque Off, Safe Brake Control Safe speed supervision functions : Safe Direction, Safely Limited Speed, Safe Maximum Speed SWD, in combination with other safety devices (such as the IDEC SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner), contributes to the safe operation of AGVs/AMRs with tailored motion and safety management. Each safety function is triggered automatically when a hazardous condition or other specific event is detected: Detection : sensors monitor the environment. As an example, a safety laser scanner sends safety signals to the safety controller built into SWD. Monitoring : the safety controller monitors whether a dangerous condition has been reached (e.g. the AGV/AMR is moving too quickly, or the AGV/AMR’s movements are abnormal). Action : the safety function is triggered. This Detection > Monitoring > Action process chain enables mobile robots to maintain a consistently high level of safety and protection. Safety Wheel Drive: a solution that lives up to its name Safety Wheel Drive enables AGV/AMR designers to embed advanced safety functions into their build, without any additional components or effort. Explore the many other benefits of Safety Wheel Drive here on the IDEC website.

IDEC Engineering Insights #2: a relays and sensors product manager who balances firm foundations with new innovations

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.