Top Sensors Used for Process Automation

Throughout history, people have used manual labor for almost everything, from hunting to farming to crafting tools and building houses. Even early industrial revolutions required it to operate machines.

However, recent industrial revolutions focus more on its alternative –process automation. The reason: labor is slow, error-prone, and outright frustrating.

Statistics don’t lie:

●? ? ? The industrial automation market is set to reach nearly USD 340 billion by 2026.

●? Many industries have earmarked 25% of their capital for automation expenses in the coming years.

Finally, robots are here. With over 3.5 million robots installed in industries as of February 2023, things are rapidly changing.

Most industries use process automation since it is faster, more efficient, and safer than human labor. Nonetheless, they face implementation challenges such as successfully installing new tech and ensuring its compatibility with existing systems.

That’s where Hokuyo comes in. Our vast inventory of sensors helps ensure the smooth integration of industrial robots with existing processes. Be it a delta, an AGV, or a cobot, Hokuyo’s sensors ensure efficient operation, precise navigation, and enhanced safety for all robotic applications.

Unleashing Efficiency: How Automation is Transforming Industries

Process automation involves using software, robotics, and sensor technologies to automate various industries, including automotive, agriculture, mining, and steel. Several emerging technologies, such as industrial robotics, sensor technology, AI/ML, IIoT, and cobots, enable the automation of almost every industrial process, from fabrication to finishing to packaging and storage.

Among these technologies, sensor technology forms the core layer with real-time information gathering. Data from the sensors

●? ? ? Enables efficient, cost-effective processes.

●? ? ? Drives other technologies (e.g., AI/ML).

●? Helps effective decision-making.

Moreover, the recent advancement in sensors has opened up the doors for a new breed of intelligent and adaptable robots: mobile robots.

Colossal, stationary robots are out. Smaller mobile robots are in. Compact, lightweight AGVs and AMRs now intelligently traverse tight, diverse spaces, efficiently handling/moving materials. Their benefits across industries are enhanced efficiency, improved safety, and reduced labor needs.

The mobile robot market size is projected to reach nearly USD 72.5 billion by 2030. The availability of several affordable, accurate sensors drives this evolution:

●? Vision Sensors

Cameras and hi-tech IP techniques allow mobile robots to navigate complex surroundings, detect objects, and perform tasks accurately.

●? ? ? Perfect for: Pick-and-place, quality checks, and obstacle detection.

●? ? ? Applications: Material detection and inspection, warehouse logistics.

●? Proximity Sensors

Robots use ultrasonic, LiDAR, and infrared sensors to measure distance and map their surroundings.

●? ? ? Perfect for: Collision avoidance, 3D mapping, and real-time path planning.

●? ? ? Applications: Hot metal detection, material handling, AGVs, AMRs.

●? Force/Torque Sensors

These sensors precisely measure the forces and torque a robot’s end effector exerts and provide real-time feedback for instant decisions.

●? ? ? Perfect for: Precise force detection/control, safe interaction with humans.

●? Applications: Steel forging, cobots, mining robots.

Unveiling Hokuyo’s Top Sensors for Process Automation

When it comes to automating industries using robots equipped with high-quality sensors, Hokuyo has your back. We offer state-of-the-art sensors for several robotics applications, including process automation, distance measurement, indoor and outdoor navigation, obstacle detection/collision avoidance, hot metal detection, and safety scanning.

Some of our top sensors for process automation include:

LiDAR for Precision Navigation

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an essential sensor technology that enables robots to perceive their environment more accurately. Hokuyo’s 2D and 3D LiDAR sensors act as the “eyes” of your automated machines, providing real-time, high-resolution spatial data, allowing precise navigation, obstacle detection, and accurate 2D/3D mapping of the surroundings.

For instance, Hokuyo’s new 3D LiDAR sensor (YLM-X001) offers real-time data with high accuracy for stationary or moving objects. Plus, its wide scanning range (120° Horizontal, 90° Vertical) enhances AGV/AMR navigation and obstacle detection even in the most demanding environments.

Another range of 2D LiDAR sensors (UST-LX series) in Hokuyo’s arsenal guides an AGV/AMR in seamless maneuvering around obstacles with a 270° wide field of view up to 30 m. Besides, its low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-operated systems.

TOF for Collision Avoidance

TOF (Time-of-Flight) sensors are perfect when you require portability and need to identify and track objects with lightning speed. While mostly identical to LiDAR sensors, TOF sensors are smaller and suitable for medium- to short-range functions.

For instance, Hokuyo’s TOF sensors use pulsed light to instantly measure distances. This makes it ideal for applications ranging from product sorting to presence detection and collision avoidance.

TOF sensors work well over shorter distances. These sensors excel in real-time measurements. They reliably identify objects at a short to medium range while being energy-efficient.

Laser Distance Sensors for Precise Measurements

If you need sensors that excel in high-precision, long-range distance measurements for challenging industrial processes, Hokuyo’s laser distance sensors are ideal devices.

Hokuyo’s PGL series laser distance sensor is a powerful distance scanner suitable for industrial indoor and outdoor environments. This laser device offers high millimeter accuracy over long distances, making it ideal for applications ranging from loop control in continuous casting to overhead and gantry crane positioning.

Safety Laser Scanners for Disaster Prevention

Safety laser scanners allow you to prioritize employees’ safety and prevent disasters in industrial spaces. They use lasers to create a virtual field around the scanner, detecting any object that enters the zone.

They immediately halt any machinery in marked restricted areas upon detecting an object, safeguarding workers from potential hazards.

Hokuyo’s laser scanner (UAM-05LP) is one of the smallest in the world and boasts features like a 20m-long detection range, 270°-wide scanning angle, and fast response times, making it a versatile choice for several industrial applications.

Some of its applications include but are not limited to, industrial AGVs, AMRs, warehousing and distribution, and material handling in metal industries.

Why Choose Hokuyo For Process Automation Requirements

At Hokuyo, we believe in pushing boundaries with cutting-edge sensor innovation. We are committed to providing high-quality, accurate, and durable sensors for your various process automation requirements.

With our dedicated technical assistance and detailed spec sheets, you can rest assured. We are your trusted partner for providing sensors to automate both your mobile and stationary processes.

Get ready to unlock the immense potential of industrial automation.

Reach out to us today to discuss your specific needs or explore our product inventory to find sensors best suited for your applications.