Sensor integration machines boost SICK’s ‘Edge’ processing power

With up to four Ethernet ports, they support interfaces for cameras, lighting, LiDAR scanners, encoders, photoelectric and displacement sensors, as well as to higher level controls and to the Cloud. 

Neil Sandhu, SICK’s National Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement, Ranging and Systems, said: “For all kinds of factory or logistics operations, the new SICK SIM1000 and SIM2000 make progress towards so called ‘edge computing’ as part of Industry 4.0 straightforward.  They have also extended the possibilities for engineers from SICK and our system integrator partners to imagine new multi-sensor applications via SICK’s AppSpace development platform.

“In Industry 4.0, computing power is increasingly being relocated to the network edge, making new applications possible, as well as saving load and space in the PLC.  The beauty of the SIM is it is also plug and play for a quick project start, without the need for additional hardware and a time-consuming search for software drivers, components and cables.”

The SICK SIM1000 and SIM2000 collect and evaluate data from multiple sensors working together at the field-level via standard interfaces including Ethernet for cameras and LiDAR sensors, and as well as IO-Link, CAN and Serial. The multi-sensor outputs, values and results can be used to drive typical industrial automation applications such as camera-based inspection, measurement, or identification of objects.  

Collected data can be processed and displayed e.g. for quality control, process analysis, material management or condition monitoring purposes, while the information is monitored, archived and distributed for diagnostic purposes via cloud-based services.

The programmable SICK Interface and Algorithm API facilitates full image and sensor processing with a range of model options to cover all industrial sensor, LiDAR and vision applications, as well as a configurable firewall for security in data capture. The SIM2000 processing core also facilitates interfacing with a HALCON image library for advanced sensor data and image processing.

Additional connection options are also available, for example via the FlexiSoft safety controller, allowing integration of safety systems with factory automation functions.

The SICK SIM1000 and SIM2000 do not require fan-cooling and are housed in enclosures rated to IP20 or IP65, depending on model, so are compatible with a range of industrial conditions, including dirty, dusty and humid environments. The flexibility of the housing options enable mounting at the machine or in a separate cabinet.