• ifm has launched its universal object detection sensor, which is designed to provide a simple solution to a range of potentially damaging issues for material handling businesses.
    ifm has launched its universal object detection sensor, which is designed to provide a simple solution to a range of potentially damaging issues for material handling businesses.
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Countless material handling businesses around the world face potentially damaging issues every day – and sometimes the consequences can tarnish a brand beyond repair.  Enter the ifm universal object detection sensor.

ifm has launched its universal object detection sensor, which is designed to provide a simple solution to a range of potentially damaging issues for material handling businesses.
ifm has launched its universal object detection sensor, which is designed to provide a simple solution to a range of potentially damaging issues for material handling businesses.

The universal object detection sensor provides a simple solution to a range of potentially damaging issues such as sorting errors, quality control inconsistencies, undetected defect slips, or misrouted packages, among many others.

“Sorting errors can disrupt your workflow and lead to significant losses,” says Eugene Inbaraj, technical product management – IoT, Automation Components, Machine Vision, Barcode, RFID, Pneumatic Equipment and Electric Drives at ifm.

“These pain points can lead to costly delays, increased labour costs, and dissatisfied customers.”

Better quality through precision

According to Inbaraj, the sensor excels in contour detection and BLOB analysis, ensuring that items are accurately identified and sorted.

“This precision reduces the risk of errors – saving time and resources,” Inbaraj explained.

“Keeping track of items in a busy warehouse can be daunting. But ifm’s universal vision sensor’s ability to read 1D and 2D codes, along with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, ensures that every item is tracked accurately.

“This feature is crucial for maintaining inventory accuracy and streamlining logistics.”

The multi-function vision camera’s adaptability to varying lighting conditions, Inbaraj explained, ensures that defects are detected early, maintaining high quality standards.

“The universal vision sensor’s high-resolution imaging and integrated red light/RGBW internal illumination provide optimal visibility of components, codes, and characters,” he added.

Major upgrade, minor downtime

The universal sensor is designed for easy integration into existing systems, thanks to its variety of interfaces including TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, and IO-Link.

According to Inbaraj, this compatibility means you can upgrade your operations without significant downtime or additional costs.

“Incorporating the ifm universal sensor into your material handling processes can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy,” said Inbaraj.

“By addressing common pain points and providing reliable solutions, the universal vision sensor helps businesses stay competitive in today’s demanding market.

“These days, there’s no reason to let sorting errors, tracking inefficiencies, and quality control issues hold your business back. This sensor can help you embrace the future of material handling and transform your operations today.”

With a 1280 x 960-pixel resolution and a 40Hz reading rate, the universal vision sensor is designed to capture data quickly and accurately. This operational efficiency not only reduces errors but also streamlines workflows, enhancing overall productivity.

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