Focusing on intelligent connectivity

The Balluff stand in 2022: The sensor and automation specialist will once again be presenting its broad portfolio at this year's SPS.

Nuremburg — Automation, digitization, and connectivity are at the heart of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Users not only benefit from more flexibility, but also from fast and efficient processes. For the factory of the future, the sensor and automation specialist Balluff already offers its customers a wide range of intelligent solutions today. At this year’s SPS (Smart Production Solutions), the international trade fair for electric automation technology, the company will be showcasing its comprehensive portfolio between November 14th and 16th, focusing on network technology.

Seamless communication

“Network technology, meaning the intelligent connection between individual components of control systems, is an important part of our portfolio for generating, transporting, and processing data,“ explains Daniel Oszczeda, Market Segment Manager at Balluff. Balluff recognized the potential of seamless communication early on and advanced the IO-Link communication standard for a fieldbus-independent point-to-point connection between intelligent sensor and automation system. In 2021, Balluff was also one of the first on the market to add IO-Link Wireless to its portfolio. This product version is used wherever classic data transmission was not possible or very difficult.

At the trade fair booth, visitors will be able to take a close look at the constantly growing range of network solutions. In addition to a selection of IO-Link sensors, the new generation of IO-Link hubs plays an important role: among other attributes, the new Balluff BNI I/O modules BNI feature a completely new and more sustainable housing concept using recyclable and more environmentally friendly materials. Additionally, they are the ideal entry point for IO-Link technology, and thanks to multi-protocol functionality and an IIoT interface equipped with the MQTT protocol, allows for uncomplicated integration. “The greatest advantage lies in the easier handling,” Oszczeda emphasizes. The idea: „Less is more.“

Single source for modern capabilities

Another important element in the Balluff portfolio is industrial machine vision. With the complete integration and renaming of Matrix Vision GmbH (see further press release), all Vision products have been internationally marketed and positioned under the Balluff brand since mid-October. One example is the new 3D camera BVS 3D-RVI, which allows for fast implementation, and features robust housing and high detection accuracy thanks to its 12M pixel sensors. Since last year, the stationary and user-friendly code reader with IO-Link BVS IDENT sensor has also guaranteed a high reading quality and robustness, adding modern capabilities to class data transmission.

Numerous new products

"As a technology and market leader, Balluff supports customers in their monitoring and diagnostics with well-matched and individually suitable sensors and network components," says Oszczeda. The goal: "To get more out of data with fully comprehensive solutions." In addition to network technology and industrial machine vision, visitors to the booth can expect to see numerous other products from the Balluff portfolio, including:

• ADP:
  One of the new products is the independent Software-as-a-Service solution Asset Data Provider (ADP) for the collection, pre-processing and provision of data originating from the level of operational technology (OT). It supports the creation of a comprehensive data pipeline for IIoT applications. One component of the software is based on edge computing technology, decentrally pre-processes data, and delivers it efficiently, securely and in a resource-efficient way to the relevant IT systems.

• BCM:
  The second generation of BCM marks a milestone in smart IO-Link sensor technology, making condition monitoring easy, efficient, and intelligent. High-frequency vibration data is converted into frequency ranges directly in the sensor. The user decides which data is to 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.

• BFD (see further product press release):
  The new ultrasonic position detection sensor is an innovative solution for monitoring hydraulic clamping devices. It is the first product of its kind on the market and available as of August. The technology is modeled after the echolocation system of dolphins.

• RadarImager (see further product press release):
  As an industrial 3D imaging system, the Balluff RadarImager uses electromagnetic reflections to scan packages for completeness and integrity, thus enabling the detection of hidden objects.

About the company Balluff

Founded in 1921 in Neuhausen a. d. F., Balluff with its 3900 employees worldwide stands for innovative technology, quality and cross-industry experience in industrial automation. As a leading sensor and automation specialist, the fourth-generation family-owned company offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality sensor, identification, network and software solutions. In 2022, the Balluff Group recorded sales of around 567 million euros. In addition to its central headquarters in Neuhausen a. d. F., Balluff has sales, production and development locations around the globe and is represented by 38 subsidiaries and other agencies in 61 countries. This guarantees customers fast worldwide availability of products and a high quality of advice and service directly on site.