Sick is Busting Myths at ProMat 2023

Sick is tackling some major myths in the industry. Why myth busting? Well, for starters, it’s easy for rumors to spread when technology evolves so quickly. Even with widely used technology that’s not so new, certain components can still be misunderstood. 

All throughout the booth at ProMat 2023, Sick (Booth #S3831) will present common misconceptions and present the actual truth about different types of technology. In addition to booth demonstrations, Sick experts will be presenting an educational session called, “Busting Myths: The Auto ID Episode.” 

Dispelling Auto ID Myths

Have burning questions about auto ID technology? Sick experts dispel myths from the simple to the outrageous when it comes to automatic identification and track and trace systems. If you're curious about the day-to-day of utilizing auto ID products, like installation and maintenance; the capabilities of such products, like read rates and overall performance; or you feel like a novice in this space, stop by the Sick booth to learn all about auto ID technology.

Sick is premiering the latest vision-based technology, Lector850. This system offers improved throughput with the ability to speed up operations, as the high-resolution camera is better able to pick up readings, meaning the conveyor belt can move at a faster rate. The increased speed is also possible thanks to more illumination, which increases contrast to improve read rates. Lastly, the larger depth of field and field of view decreases the number of cameras needed for lower operating costs.

Vision-based technology allows logistics centers to record all data needed for shipments at the touch of a button. In addition, 2D and 3D vision can be used to enable deep learning on conveyor systems to ensure only the correct materials make it through the system, eliminating any potentially hazardous materials. 

In addition, attendees can sit in on an educational session on Monday, March 20 at 1:30 PM in Theatre E.

Safety AND Productivity? Not a myth! 

At ProMat 2023, Sick is answering all your burning questions about safety, including some common misconceptions around the industry. 

For example, did you know that safety does not hinder productivity? One such way this may happen is with a safety light curtain. Many think that a light curtain must be muted to allow a rectangular object to pass through. However, that’s not true. 

Smart Box Detection is a new and innovative feature on the deTec4 that uses sensor data to increase the productivity of the customer and ensure safety in the application in parallel. This is the first solution for reliable human-material differentiation for the deTec4 that works without muting sensors or external signals (from PLC or conveyor), allowing the area above the boxes to be always safeguarded.

Or did you know that Sick provides numerous options for your AMRs? Many think that LiDAR is a limited technology, and Sick doesn’t provide alternatives to solve AMR needs.

Sick has developed new products using new technologies to help solve AMR applications. These include:

•    safeVisionary2: 3D LiDAR array that can guard a 3D space

•    scanGrid2: compact, 2D LiDAR device that is solid state, meaning it has no moving parts

•    safeRS3: device using RADAR technology. RADAR detects movements in line of sight, whereas LiDAR detects physical objects

Industry 4.0 Simplified

Lastly, Sick is busting myths about Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. Many believe that you can’t benefit from Industry 4.0 technologies if you use manual processes or legacy systems. But that’s not true. 

Modern-day manufacturing is all about digitization, which means converting existing information (e.g., information from legacy systems or manual processes) into a digital format. A simple conversion tool, like Sick's Telematic Data Connector, will do the trick.