Pilz Automation Safety LP introduced what it says it the world’s first 3D safe camera system for control and monitoring, called SafetyEye, at the International Robots & Vision Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, June 12-14. Also at the Stephens Convention Center was Sensors Expo 2007, June 11-13.

Pilz calls SafetyEye, a “revolutionary, sight-based, three-dimensional safety technology that monitors and controls potentially dangerous work processes without light curtains and other guarding.” The new product also can be used for security applications. It places an invisible, customized, 3D protective cocoon around a robot cell or other danger zone. The single system has potential to replace a multitude of two-dimensional sensors currently in use today, Pilz says. The system offers increased safety without barriers, detection zones that are easily configurable on a PC, and fast diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting.

Other products at the Pilz exhibit include the modular Pnozmulti multifunctional safety control and PSSuniversal, a new modular safety and standard remote input/output platform. The Pnozmulti can control and monitor emergency stops, safety gates, safety sensors, light curtains, two-hand controls, safety mats, and speed monitoring. The IRVS demonstration is mounted on a seven-foot tower module, which includes a working Pnozmulti with graphics; visitors used a nearby laptop to generate the safety circuit.

The PSSuniversal is said to be the first distributed input/output (I/O) platform that works with all major bus systems, as well as with the Pilz SafetyBus p and SafetyNet p. It uses modular I/O slices that can be stacked together in unlimited numbers. At the booth, a Pilz demonstration of “block switching” shows how de-centralized I/O nodes can be controlled by standard and safety PLCs, in a distributed platform design.

Products include sensor technology, electrical monitoring relays, automation solutions with motion control, safety relays, as well as programmable safety and control systems. Pilz also provides a range of consulting, engineering, and training services. Accredited consultants are available for risk assessment, safety concept, safety design, CE services, and safety sign-off. Applying lean manufacturing and safety principles, such as Pilz Leansafe methods, can increase productivity and safety.

Pilz Automation Safety LP is the Canton-MI-based U.S. subsidiary of German Pilz GmbH, maker of safety automation equipment and control products.

www.pilzusa.com