IS & Ex


Safety laser scanner for outdoor ­applications

July 2019 IS & Ex

SICK Automation has launched another global innovation: the first safety laser scanner certified to IEC 62998 for use in outdoor applications. The outdoorScan3 allows automated guided vehicle systems to navigate through outdoor industrial environments. With its innovative outdoor safeHDDM scanning technology, outdoorScan3 works safely and reliably whatever the weather, closing the gap in the automation of industrial processes.

Safety laser scanners enable humans and machines to work together safely in industrial environments by reliably protecting stationary and mobile applications. With the outdoorScan3, certified safety sensor technology can be reliably used outside of production halls for the first time. This opens up huge potential for automating and increasing the efficiency of intralogistics production processes – and brings the vision of a self-managed value chain in the spirit of Industry 4.0 one step closer to reality.

Unique functionality in all weather conditions

The outdoorScan3 is characterised by an exceptional ruggedness when subjected to sunlight, rain, snow, and fog. Outdoor safeHDDM scanning technology means the laser scanner can work without errors when exposed to sunlight with an illumination intensity of up to 40 000 lux. The intelligent software algorithm of the outdoorScan3 detects rain and snow, easily filtering out these environmental influences – rain, for example, up to a precipitation intensity of 10 mm/h. Even in fog with a meteorological visual range of up to 50 metres, the range at which aircraft are grounded, the outdoorScan3 detects all obstacles with total reliability.

Automated processes outdoors

Automated guided vehicle systems facilitate a flexible and productive material flow and will be a key technology in the automation concepts of the future. But currently, these systems can only be used in a working environment that is shared by humans and machines. With the outdoorScan3, automated guided vehicle systems will be able to perform tasks outdoors with no physical partitions whatsoever and without having to significantly lower their speed.

Versatile range of applications

Performance-tested under real-world conditions, the outdoorScan3 is already used on passenger boarding bridges as well as for protecting and navigating automated guided vehicle systems. A safety laser scanner with a broad range of applications, the outdoorScan3 is available worldwide.

Logisticians, engineers and safety officers have one wish: the conquest of industrial outdoor areas. Intralogistic processes across all boundaries pave the way to the smart factory of the future. Stepping outside for man and machine is now becoming a reality.

For more information contact Stephen Eltze, SICK Automation Southern Africa, +27 10 060 0550, [email protected], www.sickautomation.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.

Read more...
Leading the way in PDS technology
IS & Ex
Booyco Electronics, an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment, has witnessed a surge in demand for its proximity detection systems (PDS) and collision prevention systems (CPS) since the Mine Health and Safety regulation focusing on trackless mobile machinery was promulgated. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities.

Read more...
Ensuring lone worker safety
IS & Ex
The Conextivity Group’s startup – Wearin’ – has developed a solution connecting the lone worker with the control centre. This was commissioned by concrete producer, Pro Beton to ensure the safety of its teams of machine operators and cleaners working on production sites during the day, night, and weekends.

Read more...
Safety breakthrough in live testing of large equipment
IS & Ex
While essential to effective maintenance, the live testing of mining vehicles and equipment can be hazardous and time consuming; but this has all changed with the SafeGauge range of digital testing systems. Developed in Australia, SafeGauge is now distributed in South Africa by Booyco Electronics, known for its leading role in promoting safety on mines through its proximity detection systems.

Read more...
Explosion-protected control units
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
The new range of control units from Pepperl+Fuchs offers a clever solution for switching and controlling circuits in hazardous areas that are designated ATEX/IECEx Zones 1/21 and 2/22.

Read more...
The importance of understanding SIL ratings
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
Major industrial accidents around the world, like the Bhopal chemical plant disaster, have occurred due to insufficient and poorly designed safety systems. Gary Bradshaw, director of alarm and safety system specialist Omniflex, explains how SIL ratings work and the dangers of the misconceptions that exist around them.

Read more...
The importance of understanding SIL ratings
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
Major industrial accidents around the world, like the Bhopal chemical plant disaster, have occurred due to insufficient and poorly designed safety systems. Gary Bradshaw, director of alarm and safety system specialist Omniflex, explains how SIL ratings work and the dangers of the misconceptions that exist around them.

Read more...
Mobile workers 4.0
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Intrinsically safe smart devices enable lone mobile workers to work seamlessly throughout the plant with the help of digital support. The significant increase in production efficiency and reliability is noticeable.

Read more...
Functional safety over EtherCAT
Eagle Africa Technology IS & Ex
HMS Networks has released a new version of the Ixxat SafeT100 module, allowing users to implement safe I/Os for FSoE (Functional Safety over EtherCAT), which was previously available only for PROFIsafe and CIP Safety.

Read more...
Overcurrent protection for explosion-protected areas
Phoenix Contact IS & Ex
The customisable Caparoc circuit breaker system from Phoenix Contact now also offers modules for explosion-protected areas, thereby extending the range of possible applications.

Read more...