26 n SPS REPORT February 2024 www.drivesncontrols.com Automated goods receipt system delivers transparency Sick has unveiled an all-in-one system for automated goods receipt. Using a digital platform to gather, process and prepare package-relevant data, it employs cutting-edge scanning technologies to manage shipments of any size. The system is scalable from manual to fully automated package recording, and can be integrated with handling and sorting systems. Sick argues that there is a case for using digital data, even when shipment traffic is relatively low. When goods are unloaded from a delivery vehicle onto palettes, employees scan each package, recording it in the receipt system. Anyone waiting for urgently needed shipments can be informed immediately. Returns and repairs can also be recorded quickly and easily. The system can be combined with an indoor localisation system to offer precise positioning data, and allowing users to validate storage locations. The automated goods receipt system manages all shipment- and process-relevant data, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Sick argues that automated, all-in-one goods receipt systems make financial sense with traffic levels of 150–300 packages. The key elements include ramp and conveyor systems in the goods receipt area; a scanner portal to record all incoming shipments automatically; and a sorting line. Stations for measuring the weight and volume of packages can be added. The additional data not only improves transparency regarding shipments arriving at goods receipt, but also offers data for negotiations over any shipment discrepancies. For both manual and automated goods receipt systems, the data is visualised in real time on digital dashboards. Users can use the platform to find packages or call up information on individual packages. Sick suggests that, in future, its goods receipt systems could be integrated with OT and IT systems and combined with ERP systems to offer additional, digital value-added services. www.sick.com Baumüller says it is offering one of the fastest drive-integrated PLCs on the market with its new b maXX 6000 servodrives, which deliver field bus cycle times of up to 250µs. The b maXX PLC di drive-integrated controller can handle scalable control tasks up to high-performance synchronous multi-axis applications. It can replace central process loop controls because the PLC can also be used as EtherCat master for controlling other servo converters. The PLC can be used to implement smart applications as well as providing movement control. A fast interface between PLC and servocontroller provides access to drive parameters such as voltage, current, power, torque, revolutions per minute, and position. Machinebuilders can use their own control algorithms and IoT functions to offer added value to customers. New IoT applications are possible using analogue high-speed inputs that do not need any additional hardware and offer minimum scanning times of 1μs. For example, mechanical vibration sensors can be attached directly to perform vibration analyses on the drive’s PLC. A new Linux-based IEC 61131 runtime environment, developed in-house by Baumüller, supports current high-level programming languages and IoT connections. It allows PLC programs to be coded using object-oriented programming, resulting in modular, reusable programs which reduce developer workloads, and increase flexibility. High-level programming languages such as C++ are also integrated into the platform. The new runtime system is available for the b maXX PLC di from launch and will be available later for Baumüller’s other control platforms. The new b maXX 6000 servo controllers support new safety functions for applications requiring dynamic, precise handling. Safety modules are integrated, allowing safety-relevant encoder signals to be analysed at a high resolution, helping to reduce machine cycle times. As well as the space-saving b maXX 6300 sideby-side system, the mono devices (b maXX 6500) are also much smaller, reducing installation volumes, for smaller control cabinets. Baumüller is also offering smart vibrationmonitoring software that allows machinebuilders to provide condition monitoring without needing external sensors. The software is integrated in the servo-controller using softdrivePLC, making it easy to retrofit and update. The function uses previously recorded and analysed process parameters as reference values for monitoring items such as motors, fans or hydraulic pumps. The software detects vibrations, such as those created by imbalance or improper alignment, and sends an error signal, allowing planned maintenance to be carried out, preventing further damage. www.baumueller.com/en Drives-based automation system is ‘one of the fastest’ The latest generation of Baumüller’s b maXX platform includes the 6300 side-by-side devices and 6500 mono units Sick’s automated goods receipt system is designed to integrate with handling and sorting systems
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