This year, Automation Xperience in The Netherlands again focuses on the practical question of how Dutch manufacturing companies can apply automation in concrete ways. For Balluff, the core of that discussion is not only about robots, AI or vision, but especially about the technology that determines whether an automated application works reliably in practice: sensors, identification, condition monitoring, industrial networks, vision and safety.

According to Roel Olde Monnickhoff, General Manager Benelux at Balluff, customers are increasingly approaching the company with concrete automation questions. These are not only large enterprises. Smaller manufacturing companies are also looking for ways to make processes smarter, more stable and less dependent on scarce labour.

“Many new technologies are reaching companies at the same time,” says Olde Monnickhoff. “You can now see, for example, how AI is being integrated into business processes. Companies are looking more explicitly at automation because of labour shortages, employee absenteeism and the need to make processes more stable. As a result, smaller companies are also asking themselves which steps they should take now.”

Robots

Balluff does not manufacture robots itself, but it does play an important role in robotics. According to Olde Monnickhoff, that role has two sides. “On the one hand, we are involved in the production of robots and robot components. For example, we supply products that have been approved for applications around Tesla Optimus. These originate from technology that was already used in the production of Tesla cars.”

In addition, Balluff supplies technology that is used on or around robots. “Among other things, we supply components for the production of robot motors. Wherever something is produced, our products can play a role. At the same time, we see vision-related challenges becoming increasingly important. Robots must be able to perceive, inspect, recognise and respond.”

Frictionless

This is not only about cameras. Contactless solutions for moving parts also play a role. “One example is our inductive coupler. It enables I/O to be transmitted in a freely rotating system, without physical wear. There is air between the components, which means the system operates without friction. That makes it an alternative to older solutions using slip rings.”

For Balluff, robotics is therefore not a separate product area, but a collection of applications in which sensors, communication and data come together. “We develop camera systems for simple identification, but also solutions for 3D bin picking and everything in between. In 2022, we also started our own robotics initiative to further strengthen our position and visibility in this market.”

Experience

Balluff also sees this focus on robotics reflected in its own operations. “In our warehouse, we use a mobile robot ourselves to move goods from A to B. Many companies do that, but for us it is also important to gain experience ourselves with the technology we discuss with customers.”

An important part of Balluff’s role in robotics lies in what Olde Monnickhoff calls the senses of machines. “You can see our technology as the fingertips and eyes of a robot. Sensors and camera systems give a robot the information it needs to act reliably.”

That comparison is relevant because modern robotics is becoming increasingly dependent on perception. Robots need to know whether an object is present, whether a tool is properly attached, whether a product is in the right position and whether a movement can be carried out safely. That does not always require complex technology.

Simple

Olde Monnickhoff says: “Our starting point is that a solution should be as simple as possible. If a QR code on a product is sufficient to identify that product reliably, then that is often a good choice. Only when the application requires more should you look at more complex technology.”

The same applies to vision: a camera is not automatically the best choice. “It is not only about price, but mainly about complexity. What do you want to achieve? Sometimes a simple sensor is enough. An inductive sensor, for example, can check whether a tool is properly attached to the robot arm. If that sensor switches, the robot is allowed to continue. Such a simple component can be crucial in the right application.”

Safety

In addition to robotics and vision, Balluff sees safety as an important growth area. As robots are used more often in production environments, safe integration becomes more important. Especially when robots work closer to people or when robot cells are configured more flexibly, sensors, switches and control systems must work together reliably.

“Safety is a separate discipline,” says Olde Monnickhoff. “Everything has to be one hundred percent correct. If a safety function does not work properly, the consequences can be serious. That is why we look very carefully at our role in that part of automation.”

One example is a new safety master that Balluff is bringing to market. “That safety master is an important development for us. It allows safety components to be connected in a structured way. For parties designing safety around robots, this can be an interesting solution.”

Visitors

For visitors to Automation Xperience, a practical approach is important. At the trade fair, Balluff does not only want to show products, but above all to discuss applications. Olde Monnickhoff sees that customers often come to the stand with a specific problem. “Last year, engineers came to us who already had part of their solution in place. For example, they had already selected a camera, but could not get the application to work reliably. We then work with our specialists to see what adjustment is needed. Sometimes additional lighting for a camera system turns out to make the difference.”

According to him, that is exactly the value of a trade fair such as Automation Xperience. “We have a lot of technology in-house to enable automation, but also a lot of application knowledge. The customer brings the concrete question. At the trade fair, that creates the conversation about what is technically and practically the best solution.”

Rocking Robots will report from Automation Xperience, see one of our videos from last year: