n TECHNOLOGY January 2024 www.drivesncontrols.com 18 PILZ CLAIMS TO BE o ering the rst safe eld-level communications system based on IO-Link. Its new IO-Link Safety (IOLS) system comprises a master, eld devices and accessories. The package is said to make it easier to integrate IO-Link Safety technology into plant and machinery, and to exploit the bene ts of the non-proprietary IO-Link system for functional safety. Among the rst Pilz devices to be equipped with IOLS functions are its PSENopt II advanced safety light curtains, PITgatebox controller and PDP67 safety master. The system o ers safe, standardised point-topoint communications, allowing safety sensors and actuators to be integrated into any existing eldbus system, independent of higher-level systems. The IO-Link Safety communication protocol is standardised in IEC 61139-2 and o ers safety up to PL e (EN ISO 13849-1) or SIL 3 (IEC 61508/62061). Users only need one eldbus for a variety of safety requirements. The PDP67 IOLS safety master acts as an interface to a safety controller, enabling bidirectional communications with the eld level. Safety sensors with IO-Link Safety can be connected to the master, alongside IO-Link Safety devices. It is also possible to connect standard IO-Link sensors and actuators, as well as older safety sensors with OSSD outputs, for example. Sensors such as the PSENopt advanced IOLS safety light curtain can be switched to the OSSD technology. The IO-Link Safety sensors provide status information and intelligent diagnostics. They can be identi ed and parameterised automatically. This makes it easier to swap components and reduces downtime for repairs. Also, fewer di erent device types are needed, simplifying purchasing and saving storage space. As a result, costs can be cut and productivity enhanced. Seamless communications with every sensor and actuator allows data to be evaluated intelligently. The IO-Link Safety communications are carried by unshielded cables and use standard connectors. This saves time and money when swapping devices. Intelligent IO-Link Safety devices also o er diagnostic functions such as self-diagnostics, supporting preventive repair and maintenance strategies. For preventive maintenance, for example, single-beam evaluation of the PSENopt advanced IOLS safety light curtains provides information about signal strengths. Pilz says its IO-Link Safety package supports networked plant and machinery to the sensor and eld level with a simple, nonproprietary solution, opening up new possibilities for Industry 4.0. www.pilz.com/en-GB IO-Link safety system is ‘the first that operates at the field level’ ABB ROBOTICS HAS COMPLETED its industrial Scara robot portfolio with a robot that, it claims, o ers the highest payload of any Scara machine in its class. The IRB 930 robot comes in three variants capable of handling payloads from 12–22kg. ABB says that the 22kg version delivers a 10% increase in throughput compared to others in its class by handling more and heavier items. The robots are also said to produce a 200% increase in push-down strengths (with a maximum downward force of 250N), making them ideal for forceintensive applications such as screwdriving, and assembly tasks involving components such as battery cells, display panels and solar modules. The new robot is designed to meet the demands of growth opportunities in traditional and new markets. It has been engineered for fast point-to-point tasks needing high payloads and large work areas. “Our latest Scara addition broadens our portfolio, o ering our customers even more automation choices,” says ABB Robotics’ president, Marc Segura. “Whether 3C, automotive electronics, electric vehicle battery cells or solar panels, our new IRB 930’s higher payload and longer reach brings the performance advantages of our wider Scara range to new and traditional segments alike. With the global Scara market predicted to grow to $15.54bn by 20271 at a CAGR of 14.4%, the IRB 930 positions ABB well for growth.” The new robot is controlled using ABB’s OmniCore controller and can achieve 0.38s cycle times, with a repeatability deviation position of 0.01mm. This will help to boost production, rates while maintaining quality, according to ABB. The IRB 930 completes ABB’s range of Scara robots which now handle payloads from 3–22kg. https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/ robots/scara-robots/irb-930 Scara robot will ‘transform’ pick-and-place and assembly tasks Pilz says that its IO-Link Safety system will allow safety sensors and actuators to be integrated into any fieldbus system ABB’s new Scara robots can handle payloads up to 22kg
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