n TECHNOLOGY June 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com 20 SICK HAS ANNOUNCED an IO-Link master that, it claims, sets new standards in terms of flexibility, connectivity and user-friendliness. The SIG300 master has a built-in logic editor, allowing it to solve remote control tasks directly on the device, while an onboard IODD interpreter can be used to configure and parameterise connected IO-Link devices via a Web interface, without needing any extra software. Sick believes it will become a crucial component for efficient automation. When used with Sick’s SIG100 IO-Link sensor hub, the IP67-protected SIG300 offers a total of eight ports and can process up to 102 digital signals. It is configured via a USB-C interface. The SIG100 can act as a bridge between OT and IT environments, assuming the role of an intelligent data broker. Users can integrate sensor and actuator data into IT and cloud platforms in real time via several interfaces, including the MQTT JSON-REST API. This is said to be particularly useful for applications such as condition monitoring, process control and remote maintenance. Thanks to its support for Ethernet-based fieldbuses such as EtherCat, Profinet and EtherNet/IP, the SIG300 allows flexible integration into a variety of control systems. This simplifies connection to PLCs without needing complex adaptations. By accessing Sick’s Function Block Factory online, users can generate manufacturerindependent function blocks, making it easy to integrate the master with fieldbuses and controllers from different manufacturers, and into existing automation environments. The built-in logic editor allows decentralised filtering and analysis of IO-Link device data. Logic operations such as counting, averaging or limit value monitoring can be performed onboard and the data can be bundled for data transfer. Users benefit from increased responsiveness, reduced loads on automation systems, and smaller data transmission volumes. This can lead to significant savings when using cloud services. A “backup and restore” function makes it easy to replace connected devices. As soon as a sensor or actuator is replaced, the SIG300 transfers the previously saved device configuration to the new device automatically. The same applies to the master’s configuration, which can be duplicated and transferred to other SIG300 devices, avoiding the need for programming. The IO-Link master records, manages and integrates process and device data, opening up applications such as: n Quality control, where it can detect production errors early by identifying deviations from defined sensor parameters. This reduces scrap, increases yields and ensures high product quality, while consuming fewer resources. n Automated assembly processes, where both product quality and process reliability can be improved through data-supported control of robots, grippers and other handling systems. SIG300 analyses the sensor data, allowing error-free recording and placement of objects. n Condition monitoring of machines, where it records critical changes in real time and displays them via multiple channels. Connected signal lamps can alert operators to critical messages, while the master forwards the data simultaneously to monitoring applications at the IT level. The device can also record the status of the sensors, allowing them to be maintained and replaced rapidly. Bidirectional communications with the connected devices allows efficient remote maintenance, reducing downtime. www.sick.com p A group of industrial network users, including BASF, John Deere and Miami International Airport, have set up an initiative to accelerate the secure and efficient adoption of private 5G and LTE networks in operational technology environments. The 5G Operational Technology Alliance (5G-OT Alliance) will focus on security, interoperability, education, and use case development, fostering collaboration and standardisation across industrial sectors. The alliance says it distinguishes itself by placing control and direction in the hands of network owners, ensuring unbiased knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation. www.5gotalliance.org p Digi International has announced the release of MQTT for its battery-powered Digi Connect Sensor XRT-M monitoring system for remote sensors. It says the development will simplify and accelerate IIoT sensor connections. It will offer users rapid setups, flexible reporting options, and high reliability. www.digi.com p The German machine vision specialist Framos has announced plans for embedded systems that incorporate a sensor developed by Sony which has a record resolution of 247 megapixels. They will be aimed at ultra-high-resolution applications such as inspecting solar cells. The IMX811 sensor family includes both colour and monochrome versions – and can capture up to 12 images a second. www.framos.com p Pepperl+Fuchs has announced an industrial smartphone for use in Division 2 and Zone 2/22 hazardous areas. The Smart-Ex 203 phone allows continuous and reliable operation in challenging industrial environments. It covers public and private 5G and 4G mobile networks and is suitable for global use in areas with an increased risk of explosion. The phone supports 52 frequency bands, including 24 5G and 28 4G bands. A dual SIM function simplifies switching between private and public networks. A glove mode increases the touchscreen’s sensitivity so that the phone can be operated even when wearing gloves. www.pepperl-fuchs.com p The EtherCat Technology Group (ETG) says that there are now around 88 million EtherCat nodes in use worldwide. A further 11 million nodes were added in 2024. The node figures are based on actual chip sales, which are reported by chip manufacturers to Beckhoff Automation, the inventor of EtherCat technology. Beckhoff uses the license revenue to finance the ETG and the ecosystem surrounding the technology. p Spatial, which offers 3D software development toolkits for design, manufacturing and engineering applications, has collaborated with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to develop a nextgeneration offline robot programming tool called neoRoset. The tool enables faster verification of robot implementation without disrupting on-site operations. It optimises workflows, reduces labour hours, and enhances quality, from the design and evaluation of robotic production facilities, to their operation and maintenance. TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS Sick believes that its SIG300 IO-Link master will become a crucial component for efficient automation IO-Link master with onboard logic editor ‘sets new standards’
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