Pilz Offers New Radar Sensors Plus Analyzing Unit for Safe Protection Zone Monitoring, Including for Robotics

Pilz, an innovative leader in machine safety automation technology, now offers a sensor for the safe radar system PSENradar. The new radar sensor PSEN rd1.2 can be used for Cat. 3 / PL d and can safely protect robot applications too. In conjunction with the equally new analyzing unit PSEN rd1.x I/O PN, it is now even easier to incorporate the safe radar system into existing applications. The safe radar system is used anywhere that optoelectronic sensors reach their limits. Particularly in rugged application conditions, such as in the metalworking, woodworking, steel processing, and the transport and logistics industries. The new PSEN rd1.x I/O PN analyzing unit within the safe radar system now offers both an Ethernet and a Profisafe interface in addition to the existing interfaces.

The PSEN rd1.2  has a dual-channel structure, enabling advanced protection up to Performance Level (PL) d Cat. 3. As such the new radar sensor can be used for applications with increased safety requirements. This radar sensor is mounted on three axes, so that vertical ceiling installation is also possible due to the rotation around the X- and Y-axis. At the same time the new radar sensor PSEN rd1.2 provides an operating range of 5 meters as well as a narrow opening angle of 20° vertical or 20-100° horizontal. Another benefit is that the opening angle on the new sensor is configurable in 10° increments.

Due to its Category 3 design and operating range of up to 5 meters, the new radar sensor can also be used in robotics applications. The safety-related functions covered by this system solution include area monitoring, i.e., the machine is brought to a safe state as soon as the danger zone is violated. There is also protection against encroachment behind the protected area. This prevents the machine from restarting automatically if there is still somebody within the danger zone. As a result, downtime can be avoided, and the availability of the robot application can be guaranteed.

The self-teaching background function of the safe radar system is also new and can be used to make changes within the warning or protection zones during operation. This includes depositing a toolbox or material waste, for example. Teach-in mode ensures that this is not evaluated as a protection zone violation but as an adjustment. A new configuration is not required. Users benefit from more flexible handling of the material flow when changes are made retrospectively; this saves unnecessary extra work when setting up the application.

About Pilz

For 75 years Pilz has been a supplier of products, systems and services for automation technology. Today the Pilz Group employs around 2,500 staff in 42 subsidiaries and branches globally. As the pioneer of safe automation, Pilz creates safety worldwide for man, machine and environment with its complete automation solutions. The portfolio of the technology leader includes sensor, control and drive technology, as well as systems for industrial communication, diagnostics and visualisation. An international range of services with consultancy, engineering and training completes the offer. The safety and security solutions are used in many industries beyond mechanical engineering, such as intralogistics, railway technology or the robotics sector, for example. Pilz US is headquartered in Canton, Michigan.