Focus on intelligent networking

Automation, digitalization and networking are at the heart of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Users benefit not only from greater flexibility, but also from fast and efficient processes. Sensor and automation specialist Balluff already offers its customers a wide range of intelligent solutions for the factory of the future. At this year's SPS (Smart Production Solutions) - the international trade fair for electrical automation technology in Nuremberg - the company will be presenting its broad portfolio from November 14 to 16. The focus: network technology.

Seamless communication

"Network technology - i.e. the intelligent connection between individual components of control systems - is an important part of our data generation, transport and processing offering," explains Daniel Oszczeda, Market Segment Manager at Balluff. Balluff recognized the potential of seamless communication early on and promoted the IO-Link communication standard for a fieldbus-independent point-to-point connection between intelligent sensor and automation system. Since 2021, Balluff has also been one of the first on the market to offer the wireless variant IO-Link Wireless. This is used wherever classic data transmission was not possible or only possible with difficulty.

Visitors to the stand will gain an insight into the constantly growing range of network solutions. In addition to selected IO-Link sensors, the new generation of IO-Link hubs will play an important role: The new BNI I/O modules BNI from Balluff impress, among other things, with a completely new, more sustainable housing concept with recyclable and more environmentally friendly materials. They also offer an ideal introduction to IO-Link technology - and uncomplicated integration thanks to multi-protocol functionality and IIoT interface with MQTT protocol. "The big advantage lies in the even simpler handling," emphasizes Oszczeda. The idea: "Less is more."

Bundled under one roof

Another important component in the Balluff portfolio is industrial image processing. With the complete integration and renaming of Matrix Vision GmbH, all vision products have been marketed and positioned internationally under the Balluff brand since mid-October. This is reflected, among other things, in the new BVS 3D-RVI 3D camera, which is characterized by fast implementation, a robust housing and, with its twelve-megapixel sensors, high detection accuracy. Since 2022, the BVS Ident sensor has also guaranteed high reading quality and robustness as a stationary and user-friendly code reader with IO-Link and expands traditional data transmission with modern functionalities.

Numerous other new products

"As a technology and market leader, Balluff supports customers in their monitoring and diagnostics with well-coordinated and individually tailored sensors and network components," says Oszczeda. The goal: "Making more out of the data with comprehensive solutions." In addition to network technology and industrial image processing, visitors to the stand can therefore expect to see numerous other products from the Balluff portfolio:

One new product is the independent software-as-a-service solution Asset Data Provider (ADP) for the collection, pre-processing and provision of data originating from the operational technology (OT) level. It supports the creation of a holistic data pipeline for IIoT applications. One component of the software is based on edge computing technology, prepares data decentrally and delivers it to the relevant IT systems in an efficient, bundled, secure and resource-saving manner.

The second-generation BCM is a milestone in smart IO-Link sensor technology that makes condition monitoring simple, efficient and intelligent. High-frequency vibration data is converted into frequency spectra directly in the sensor. The user decides which data should be transmitted - and can transmit up to 24 process values simultaneously. This means that various monitoring functions such as ISO vibration monitoring, bearing monitoring, imbalance detection and temperature monitoring can be covered with a single sensor.

Also BFD: The ultrasonic position sensor is an innovative solution for monitoring hydraulic clamping elements and has been the first product of its kind on the market since August. The technology is based on the echolocation system used by dolphins.

As an industrial 3D imaging system, the radar imager from Balluff uses electromagnetic reflections to scan packaging for completeness and integrity, thus enabling the detection of hidden objects