TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
Pekka Nurmi, Director, Enterprise Architecture & Digitalisation at Cimcorp
ADVERTORIALS
3-D Volume Measurements on Conveyor Belts
In mining, a wide variety of bulk materials, such as different types of ore and soil, are transported over long distances by conveyor belts to loading silos and other areas of the plant. It is necessary to calculate the material volume with dynamic measurement systems along the routes. The control of produced material is carried out by these systems at strategic points along the conveyor belt, and knowing how much ore has been extracted and handled is directly related to the company’s profits. However, the harsh environmental conditions pose a particular challenge for the sensor solution used.
How AI is making automation even more of a game-changer
AI (artificial intelligence) is driving a new era in automation, where the fusion of advanced technology and smart systems creates solutions that are faster, more adaptable and fit for the future. Unlike traditional automation that relies on predefined instructions, AI-driven systems learn, adapt and make real-time decisions through machine learning and data analysis. This shift enables businesses to handle complex, dynamic environments with greater flexibility and precision, continually improving and optimising based on real-world conditions. AI-powered automation predicts needs, identifies inefficiencies and evolves with each interaction, facilitating faster and smarter decision-making, without human intervention. “Cimcorp’s vision is to create solutions that meet the shifting demands of industries from
grocery retail to tyre manufacturing, where precision and speed are paramount,” explains Pekka Nurmi, Director, Enterprise Architecture & Digitalisation at Cimcorp Group. “With AI, we are reimagining automation for a smarter, more adaptable future. This commitment ensures that our customers stay ahead in an evolving market, equipped with the smart and efficient tools they need to succeed.”
Benefits of AI-powered automation AI is enhancing automation by making it more flexible, efficient and sustainable. Using data, AI supports better decision-making, predicts when maintenance is needed, ensures quality and improves workflows to keep operations running smoothly. In grocery retail, AI is changing how retailers forecast and plan for the future. With AI, distribution centres can better anticipate demand, make faster decisions and deliver products more quickly. Predictive tools ensure inventory levels are just right to meet customer needs, without having too much or too little.
In tyre production, AI-based monitoring and quality control bring a new level of efficiency, enabling manufacturers to reduce waste, improve product uniformity and quickly adapt to market demands. This intelligent approach not only enhances product reliability but also supports sustainable practices by minimising material waste and optimising production resources.
AI and the future of automation The journey towards an AI-powered future is filled with both challenges and opportunities. Data security is a critical concern as AI systems process and analyse sensitive information, requiring robust measures to protect against threats. “While we are at the forefront of AI integration,” says Pekka Nurmi, “we do not risk our own or our customers’ information. Instead, we develop secure frameworks, working with responsible partners and environments to safeguard data.”
Cimcorp
cimcorp.com
The challenge is to measure the volume of material on the conveyor belt without coming into physical contact with the material. In addition, a device that performs reliable measurements and requires less maintenance compared to conventional volume measurement systems is required. The corresponding sensor solution must have a range of more than 5m, be equipped with software filters that make it possible to filter the environmental influences on the measuring data, and also provide information about the presence of dirt on the lens. Communication with an industrial PC via an Ethernet switch would enable the product to be operated with different types of controllers.
The solution The Volume3D volume acquisition system from Pepperl+Fuchs, which consists of an R2000 2-D LiDAR sensor, a multiscan evaluation unit (MSEU), an ENI58IL incremental rotary encoder, and all the required connection cables, is the ideal solution for this application. Equipped with a flexible measurement data filter, the R2000 is positioned on a gantry facing the conveyor belt and can measure the volume without coming into contact with the ore. The ENI58IL incremental rotary encoder with BlueBeam precisely captures the speed and direction of the conveyor belt, while the MSEU processes the sensor data and allows the volumetric scan data to be transmitted directly to other controllers to obtain variables such as flow rate. In addition, the maximum and mean height of the loaded materials on the conveyor can be output. The R2000 sensor offers a number of technical features including easy mounting above the
conveyor belt without major adjustments to the system, precise monitoring of wide belts with a width of over 5m, through high angular resolution and an integrated lens contamination monitor (LCM) which evaluates the degree of contamination of the lens. It also offers Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) for measurement precision and highly accurate contour detection with a high angular resolution of 0.042° and a scan rate of up to 50 Hz.
Pepperl+Fuchs
info@de.pepperl-fuchs.com
www.pepperl-fuchs.com/en/contact-us-gp25882
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | APRIL 2025 45
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