Industry 4.0 & Mobile robotics - Product launches - Technology insights
Terabee launches its first industrial-grade smart distance sensor
Automation in industrial processes requires reliable sensors. Time-of-flight (ToF) sensors come with a range of advantages, but previously, ToF technology has required complicated and lengthy integration processes. Now, to meet the needs of their customers, Terabee has launched its first ToF distance sensor for industry, providing enormous versatility in an easy to install, compact and cost-effective package.
The future of industry is automated. What’s more, automation is getting smarter and more accessible. Employing sensors to monitor stock, detect, count, and sort objects is a vital component of industrial automation.
In a world where margins are decreasing, and businesses are looking for ways to increase efficiency and cut costs, companies are now scrambling to figure out how to automate their processes while avoiding high set up costs and over-complicated systems.
Unfortunately, many sensors are large and heavy, taking up valuable space in facilities and increasing the complexity of installation. What’s more, many commercially available sensors are expensive at €300-600 or more, and most sensors have very defined applications, so you may need many different sensors to automate various parts of one process.
In a world where margins are decreasing, and businesses are looking for ways to increase efficiency and cut costs, companies are now scrambling to figure out how to automate their processes while avoiding high set up costs and over-complicated systems.
Unfortunately, many sensors are large and heavy, taking up valuable space in facilities and increasing the complexity of installation. What’s more, many commercially available sensors are expensive at €300-600 or more, and most sensors have very defined applications, so you may need many different sensors to automate various parts of one process.
ToF sensors are ideal for process automation
Automation is nowadays a well established and widespread practice in industry. A quick and easy way to install sensors is therefore needed, that does not require additional support for the integration in the existing environment. As a result, Terabee has launched its first off-the-shelf ToF distance sensor with industrial communication protocols. The Terabee IND-TOF-1 smart distance sensor is easy to install and can meet the needs of many automated industrial processes.
Six-in-one smart sensor for modular environments
The Terabee IND-TOF-1 provides a simple, trouble-free setup thanks to a rigorous in-house product testing process. It is Terabee’s first ToF distance sensor that uses industrial communication protocols with an M12 connector for reliable data communication utilizing an RS485 (Modbus) interface.
The sensor has six inbuilt operating modes with programmable distance thresholds that can be set using teach-in buttons for quick and easy set-up. You can use the inbuilt modes to set custom trigger zones for proximity notification, movement detection, object counting and many more uses. Proximity notifications use a classic NO/NC (0/24V) switching output. Multi-color LEDs provide visual confirmation of distance threshold breaches, sensor power, and live data flow, simplifying sensor configuration.
Thanks to its quick setup time and 6 operating modes, the sensor is highly adaptable, so it can meet your needs throughout your process in a range of detection, monitoring, and distance sensing applications. This means the same sensor can be used for a variety of applications within the same production environment and its role can be changed on demand when the workspace is reconfigured. As a result, you no longer need numerous different specialized sensors.
Thanks to its quick setup time and 6 operating modes, the sensor is highly adaptable, so it can meet your needs throughout your process in a range of detection, monitoring, and distance sensing applications. This means the same sensor can be used for a variety of applications within the same production environment and its role can be changed on demand when the workspace is reconfigured. As a result, you no longer need numerous different specialized sensors.
You can install the Terabee IND-TOF-1 almost anywhere
The Terabee IND-TOF-1 has a much longer range than other sensors for indoor applications, at 12.5 m. It is exceptionally compact compared with other sensors and can be installed in cramped spaces or complex environments. At just 99grams, you won’t have any trouble placing it exactly where you need it. What’s more, it’s robust IP65 rated casing is dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning that you can use it outdoors and in applications that require washdowns.
Like all Terabee’s ToF solutions, the Terabee IND-TOF-1 uses eye-safe infrared light levels, so you can use it in different positions and angles without worrying about damaging employee eyesight. The sensor can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at angles using a mounting bracket accessory for ultimate flexibility.
Like all Terabee’s ToF solutions, the Terabee IND-TOF-1 uses eye-safe infrared light levels, so you can use it in different positions and angles without worrying about damaging employee eyesight. The sensor can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at angles using a mounting bracket accessory for ultimate flexibility.
Intelligence in a cost-effective package
Terabee IND-TOF-1 launched on October 17th, 2019, on their website and throughout their reseller network. The sensor is incredibly cost-effective and provides many features for added versatility, so you get a lot of bang for your buck in a tiny package. A single unit is €180, a price tag that is competitive with much simpler photoelectric sensors while providing additional intelligence, including calibrated distance data.
Contact Terabee to learn more
After listening to the demands of their customers, Terabee has squeezed an incredible range of functions and versatility into a compact, smart ToF distance sensor that is simple to install, resulting in the Terabee IND-TOF-1, their first off-the-shelf solution with industrial-grade protocols. To find out more about the Terabee IND-TOF-1 and Terabee’s other ToF solutions, visit their website.
