FEATURE Smart factories and AI
Feature sponsored by
SICK Augmented Reality Assistant (SARA) for AR data visualisation
S
ICK UK unveiled its trailblazing SICK Augmented Reality Assistant (SARA) at Smart Factory Expo 2024 in Birmingham (June 5th and 6th). The intuitive augmented reality app provides data visualisation and error analysis by merging machine, sensor and diagnostic information with the real environment using technology most people carry in their pocket. With the unique SARA app, you can take data from any source and map it into the SARA augmented reality (AR) engine for review on a handheld device, such as a mobile phone, without requiring costly wearable devices or fixed HMIs. SARA provides visibility of information that can’t be seen with the naked eye, taking you directly to the site of the problem that needs maintenance. Created in response to customer demand, SARA provides access to data and faults at the location where they arise to accelerate commissioning, diagnostic, condition monitoring and maintenance activities. The market- leading engine empowers shop floor staff to diagnose faults and monitor the performance of machines to get the best results.
SARA offers assistance as skills shortages continue to bite UK manufacturers and OEMs are experiencing significant skills gaps and the problem is showing no signs of abating. According to the WorldSkills UK Manufacturing Excellence report published last year, over a half (55%) of manufacturers questioned were experiencing shortages in advanced manufacturing skills and 61% in traditional manufacturing skills. Similarly, the Manufacturing Commission warned in October 2023 that labour shortages and skills gaps in the sector are costing between £7.7bn and £8.3bn a year in lost economic output. With increasing use of automation, it
is more important than ever to monitor and maintain machinery and prevent costly stoppages. However, the skills
34 June 2024 | Automation
and recruitment problems dogging the industry are particularly acute when it comes to qualified operators and maintenance technicians. As companies require more from employees on the ground, SARA offers the ideal opportunity to upskill existing staff and get new hires up to speed fast, empowering them to carry out more tasks such as machine monitoring and basic maintenance. OEMs and equipment providers also report increasing numbers of callouts as end users struggle to hire the maintenance staff and operators they require.
SARA capabilities on show The potential applications of SARA for OEMs, equipment providers and manufacturers/end-users are limitless and as SICK UK Data Solutions Consultant Charlie Walker explained to visitors at the SICK stand at Smart Factory Expo 2024: “You can let your imagination do the talking”. SARA was in action on the SICK stand (#4-R31) at Smart Factory Expo 2024 as part of demonstrations of SICK products working in harmony to deliver digital manufacturing solutions. These included a demo on the use of various SICK devices (load detection, line guidance, height measurement, safety laser scanners and barcode readers) to enhance the safety and performance of AGVs, and another demo showcasing
the vertical integration of SICK smart encoders and sensors. With such a vast range of potential applications, SICK has created various licences (including LiDAR and robotics variants, in addition to the base licence) that unlock specific features of SARA to allow users to customise solutions for specific use cases. There are plans to develop further specialist licences in the future.
“SARA is a unique application, blending data visualisation with the real environment and delivering it via the technology you have in your pocket. Using SARA, teams can reduce the risk of outages, increase machine availability and boost productivity by ensuring equipment is performing optimally,” said Walker. “SICK’s SARA AR app can be used to bring employees up to speed quickly with equipment, to regularly monitor machines and to enhance safety. Codes can be scanned and linked to relevant documentation to provide access to critical information where and when it is needed. The possibilities and opportunities SARA can bring are vast and we are excited to officially launch it to the UK market to see how companies unleash its potential.”
CONTACT:
SICK (UK)
www.sick.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
