Pilz Releases a Radar System Aimed to Make Robotic Operations Safer

Automation technology company Pilz has released a new radar sensor and analyzing unit for safe protection zone monitoring. Designed for the PSENradar safe radar system, the new sensor is named PSEN rd1.2 and can be used for Category 3/Performance Level (PL) d, including robot applications.

 

The PSENradar device. Image used courtesy of Pilz

 

The new analyzing unit is called PSEN rd1.x I/O PN is designed to facilitate incorporating the safe radar system into existing applications.

 

Shaping the Future of Industrial Automation

Established in 1984, Pilz focuses on the supply of automation products, systems, and services worldwide. The Pilz group is based in Ostfildern, Switzerland, and currently employs roughly 2,500 staff. The company also owns 42 subsidiaries and branches around the world, all focusing on the creation of “safety-first” automation products.

In terms of specific technologies, Pilz offers a variety, from sensors, controllers, and actuators to software tools, diagnostic, and visualization systems. According to the company’s website, Pilz’s solutions can be deployed across all areas of mechanical engineering. These include the packaging and automotive industry, robot applications, as well as wind energy and railway technology sectors.

 

The PSENradar System

The improvements to Pilz’s PSENradar system are two-fold, thanks to the release of the new analyzing unit and dedicated sensor.

The PSEN rd1.x I/O PN analyzing unit designed for the PSENradar system now features both an Ethernet and a Profisafe interface, together with the pre-existing interfaces. As a result of these additions, the safe radar system is potentially more versatile when incorporated into existing applications.

 

The PSENradar System is designed to be easy to configure. Image used courtesy of Pilz

 

The PSEN rd1.2 sensor, on the other hand, builds upon the existing radar sensor PSEN rd 1.1 by introducing a dual-channel structure and enabling advanced protection up to PL d Cat. 3. The radar sensor can be installed and implemented quickly and flexibly since it is mounted on three axes, enabling vertical ceiling installation thanks to the rotation around the X- and Y-axis. The device also provides an operating range of 5 meters as well as a narrow opening angle of 20° vertical or 20–100° horizontal, with the opening angle configurable in 10° increments. 

 

A visual representation of the PSENrd 1.2 sensor’s opening angle. Image used courtesy of Pilz

 

Since the operating range and opening angle are flexible and adaptable, the new sensor enables the application to be arranged quickly and individually. Thanks to its multiple interfaces and hardware adaptability, the component makes configuration easier and ensures greater plant availability.

 

Designed for Rugged and Robotics Applications

Due to its safety specifications, the new safe radar system can be used anywhere that optoelectronic sensors reach their limits. It is particularly suited to rugged applications, such as woodworking, mineral and steel processing, as well as the transport and logistics sector.

The system has various safety-related functions that include area monitoring and protection against encroachment behind the protected area.  Due to its Cat. 3 design and operating range of up to 5 meters, the new radar sensor can also be deployed in robotics applications. 

 

The PSENradar System can be deployed, for instance, to provide rear access protection in metalworking. Image used courtesy of Pilz

 

Used in conjunction with the configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2, PSENradar can deliver a safer, complete protection zone monitoring solution, including a conformity assessment. The safe radar system PSENradar now includes the new radar sensor PSEN rd1.2, as well as the new analyzing unit PSEN rd1.x I/O PN.