SICK demonstrates intelligent sensor technology in the cloud

The intralogistics evaluation station, which is fitted with high-performance sensor technology from SICK, is used to generate object data from transported goods on a continual basis and to analyse it locally. The exhibit will demonstrate the networking of the object data from different intralogistics evaluation stations around the world by means of a cloud system. If changes to this object data are detected, e.g., damage to a parcel, an alarm message is triggered autonomously and automatically, including the transfer of all available status data, and optimisation of the quality process is initiated.

Various goods are transported at high speeds and with a high degree of variance, while being weighed and measured at the same time. The sensor technology identifies the goods with camera-based and laser-based code readers, while the volume is determined with laser scanners, light grids, and encoders. At the same time, an integrated weighing system determines the weight of the goods.

The main task of the sensor technology is to ensure high performance levels for the sorting and, hence, the transport of the goods. As well as the object data, additional performance data relating to the status of the sensors, the speed of the conveyor belt, or the quality of the labels is constantly being generated. This data is analysed using the Package Analytics software from SICK in order to produce a comprehensive picture of the actual local situation.

The presentation of data at a local level can be condensed at system or factory level if necessary before being transferred to the cloud. The data delivered to the cloud by the sensors can be evaluated according to different user criteria. For example, apps can be developed which allow the end customers to track the individual goods during the transport process on their smartphones. It is also conceivable that alarm workflows will be triggered in the event of performance problems or faults and that changes in the status of the goods will be detected in the logistics chain.

This enables performance and status control within a worldwide company/production network. The system allows local performance control in real time, cloud-based automation and optimisation of processes and, furthermore, a multitude of new possibilities for evaluating and processing the centrally collected sensor data.

To learn more about Sick's intralogistics evaluation station, go to www.sick.co.uk.