INTERCONNECTION
Interconnection for Automated Material Handling
Automated material handling (AMH) has revolutionised the way goods and materials are made, moved, packed, stored and shipped. It continues to evolve through innovations in robotics, AI, machine vision and RFID technologies.
A MH optimises logistics and
manufacturing operations, increasing efficiency and enabling faster, more precise material movement with increased accuracy and enhanced worker safety. AMH and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) provide real-time data on operational performance, material flow and inventory levels benefitting the entire organisation, from procurement to accounting.
Components of AHM systems Mechanical equipment includes check-in machines, sorters, conveyors, stackers, totes, bins and trolleys. Conveyors utilise rollers or chains to move goods between locations. They can be straight, curved or inclined, making them customisable to the materials transported.
Industrial robots and cobots have the torque capacity to handle large payloads for applications such as palletising, while having the dexterity, speed and accuracy for more delicate tasks such as pick and place. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) navigate autonomously along predefined paths or use mapping technology.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) combine hardware such as cranes, shuttles and conveyors, as well as software that controls movement and maximises storage density. WMS control the flow of materials from the time they enter a facility until they are packed and shipped out, optimising the entire AMH process through real-time inventory management.
Electrical connectivity in AMH Electrical connectivity involves the network of systems, components and devices used to power, control and communicate. Connectivity is essential for ensuring smooth and efficient operations, as well as enabling data exchange for monitoring, control and power optimisation. It plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, safety and overall system performance.
Sensors play a vital role in detecting objects, measuring distance or monitoring
32 OCTOBER 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
conditions. Connectivity facilitates the integration of sensors with the central control system, enabling real-time data acquisition and decision-making. Actuators perform physical actions based on control signals, are interconnected to execute various tasks, such as opening and closing gates, activating brakes or controlling robots. PLCs are at the heart of electrical connectivity in material handling controlling and automating processes based on input from sensors. They coordinate the movement of materials, manage traffic flow on conveyors and synchronise the operation of different machines, enhancing the system’s overall efficiency. The information is presented on a Human-Machine Interface (HMI), providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing operators to interact with the material handling system.
AMHs rely on communication networks for high-speed data transfer via industrial ethernet protocols such as Profibus or PROFINET and wireless technologies facilitate seamless data exchange, enabling real-time monitoring, diagnostics and optimisation.
Circular connectors in AMH applications
Connectors are the essential small pieces and backbone to keep data and power transmission running. They must be robust to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, vibration and other mechanical stresses. Constructed from corrosion-resistant materials they should provide protection to IP67 or higher to guard against dust, moisture and other contaminants. A reliable locking mechanism is required to prevent accidental disconnection to ensure stable and secure electrical connections.
Connectors must provide low resistance and impedance to minimise power loss and ensure efficient energy transmission. They should also have minimal signal interference to maintain reliable data communication and electromagnetic shielding where required. Compatibility in terms of the electrical and mechanical specifications of the equipment is important to ensure easy integration and interchangeability. Industry standard M12 and M8 automation connectors and cord sets manufactured by binder are a good choice offering IP67, IP68 and IP69K with coded variants for handling signal, AC & DC power and high-speed data up to 10Gbit/s for Ethernet and PROFINET etc.
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