SICK has unveiled its new IO-Link Wireless Gateway, providing greater freedom and flexibility to industrial operations. The Industry 4.0 solution reduces installation costs, delivers real-time data streaming and supports advanced analytics for improved efficiency without the need for expensive cabling.
As demand for wireless connectivity and data communication grows, SICK is meeting evolving industry needs for intelligent, industrial communications and IIoT technology with a robust, easy-to-install wireless IO-Link solution that enables data capture and analysis from multiple sensors.
Working in harmony with SICK’s world-class sensors and actuators, the IO-Link Wireless Gateway reduces installation and cuts downtime, while enhancing flexibility and safety. It features an intuitive design and enables real-time data streaming to enterprise and cloud platforms for advanced analytics, predictive maintenance and greater operational efficiency.
Preparing for the smart factories of the future with an advanced wireless solution
Ideally suited to applications where wired connections are impractical or impossible, SICK’s IO-Link Wireless Gateway is the next evolution of the IO-Link global, bi-directional, smart, industrial communication standard. It enables innovative new machine designs that weren’t previously possible and is also simple to retrofit to existing technology for unparalleled flexibility, future-proofed automation and greater scalability.
Comprising the IO-Link Bridge, IO-Link Hub and the IO-Link Master, the new suite of wireless IO-Link solutions available from SICK is the easiest way to make sensors and actuators wireless. Both the Bridge and the Hub can be used to feed data back to the master, with the IO-Link Hubs facilitating multi-sensor connectivity through their four IO-Link ports. The IO-Link Master can support up to 16 sensors at once, with the SICK Wireless IO-Link Gateway delivering smart connectivity at a distance of up to 20 m, with low latency of 5 ms.
Seamless integration of accurate, uninterrupted data collection into any operation
The SICK IO-Link Wireless Gateway offers simple, hassle-free installation with its ‘plug-and-play’ functionality, eliminating the need for programming or complex wiring. Sensors can be easily configured remotely via the IO-Link Wireless Gateway and the IO-Link Wireless network ensures uninterrupted data transmission and accurate data collection through dynamic frequency hopping and blacklisting. Localised power cabinets reduce interference, voltage drops and electrical noise, to further safeguard data accuracy.
The point-to-point wireless communication system adapts to any existing data infrastructure on the PLC, while ensuring accurate data transmission. Using the ‘Connect X’ platform, it provides access to various IIoT interfaces, such as REST API and MQTT, as well as multiple fieldbuses, including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCat.
Optimise production within harsh industrial settings
The exceptional flexibility offered by the SICK IO-Link Wireless Gateway is ideal for automation solutions where wired connections are impractical or unfeasible across a wide range of industry sectors, with applications including:
- Helping food & beverage manufacturers uphold strict hygiene standards by eliminating cabling, which can harbour bacteria and cause cross-contamination.
- Providing rapid cost-effective scalability to conveyors & cross belt sorters by supporting more sensors over longer distances, enabling additional sorting stations and extensions without costly hardware upgrades.
- Enabling real-time device-to-device communication among devices like AMRs, AGVs, and forklifts with low latency and data integrity, ensuring cohesive coordination and high flexibility with no cabling to minimise downtime.
Charlie Walker, SICK UK Data Solutions Consultant, says, “Now more than ever, wireless industrial communication systems, particularly IO-Link Wireless, are pivotal in realising smart factories. This technology provides all the benefits of SICK sensor intelligence with cable-free, simplified machine designs that enhance functionality and scalability. The SICK IO-Link Wireless Gateway also delivers versatility and mobility through remote control and configuration.
“IO-Link Wireless Gateways are part of fostering an advanced, adaptive manufacturing industry, bringing operations into the Industry 4.0 era and achieving unprecedented operational performance.”
