The answer to this question will be provided by Steute's Leantec division at Motek. With Nexy, Steute has developed a radio-supported automatic material retrieval system (AMS) that ensures a seamless flow of data and information in intralogistics and production. This enables much more precise production and assembly planning as well as improved replenishment. At Motek 2023, Steute will be presenting the latest version of the Nexy wireless network for assembly workstations on a demonstrator. At store floor level, for example, sensors ensure the detection of containers in material stations, staging areas and at the workstations themselves. They transmit their signals via access points and the sWave.NET radio protocol to a sensor bridge, which in turn ensures connectivity to the higher-level IT infrastructure (ERP, WMS, MES, etc.).

A dashboard can also be configured for each AMS installation, which displays the "health status" of the entire system. Each sensor is displayed with its current function and battery status, as are the access points. New sensors can be conveniently integrated and configured both via the web interface of the Sensor Bridge and, on site in the field, via an app. One of the features of the Nexy system is that logical functions such as "traffic light controls" (red/yellow/green) can be stored and, of course, visualized via the dashboard. This is done via a software module developed by steute that docks onto the Sensor Bridge.

There are also various preconfigured applications, including for controlling eKanban systems and AGV fleets as well as for Andon systems for order picking and for the location-independent control of signal towers via radio. Several applications can be operated via one and the same wireless network - increasing the efficiency of the AMS or the wireless infrastructure and at the same time increasing transparency in the material flow.

Motek, Hall 5, Stand 5230