Hailed as “an exciting new eco-system for bespoke application development”, AppSpace gives users unprecedented flexibility to exploit Sick’s growing range of smart vision systems and intelligent sensors.
SICK AppSpace is supported by the new Sick SIM4000 Sensor Integration Machine, a high performance, one-box, multi-core processor that can integrate multiple cameras and sensors together with powerful image processing.
The SIM4000 offers up to 25 interfaces for Ethernet-based fieldbuses, cameras, illumination, sensors and encoders. Its functionality includes 10-gigabit Ethernet interfaces for 2D or 3D cameras and, in some cases,features a voltage supply over Ethernet (PoE).
Sensors, including RFID and laser scanners, can also be integrated via IO-Link for distance and height measuring purposes.
Data from Sick sensors and vision devices can be merged into a point cloud, evaluated, archived, and transmitted via the SIM4000. It can be used in factory and logistics automation for multi-sensor or camera-based inspection for measurement and identification, as well as for data acquisition, archiving for quality control, process analysis or predictive maintenance.
User-Specific Requirements
Says Neil Sandhu, SICK’s National Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement, Ranging & Systems: “SICK AppSpace is all about integrating hardware and software to achieve user-specific requirements efficiently through made-to-measure sensor apps. SICK’s programmable sensors, such as the new Inspector P family of programmable 2D vision cameras provide the foundation. The SIM4000 Sensor Integration Machine then enables multiple device image processing and data collection, where needed.
“Meanwhile, on the software side, the solution encompasses the SICK AppStudio for application development and the SICK AppManager for implementing and managing apps in the field. The SICK AppSpace Developers Club forms the final part of the concept. This is a growing community where developers from SICK and our customers can exchange information and ideas.”
