WILSEN IoT Wireless Sensor Solutions for Automated Material Provision

WILSEN Series IoT Wireless Sensor Solutions Ensure Quick and Reliable Retrofitting

The Application

In production logistics, there is a wide range of possible situations and processes relating to material provision and collection that require status data in order to be automated. For example, this type of data is used to ensure containers are moved into specified positions by auto-guided transport systems (AGTS). Before transportation, an automation system checks whether the position is occupied. At occupied positions, the fill level of the container is monitored so that the system triggers an empty container to be delivered and replenished as punctually as possible. The system can determine when a reporting limit or critical threshold has been reached on material provision vehicles or in kanban racks. In many cases, installing wired sensors for such tasks is too expensive or time-consuming, or it is not technically feasible. For this reason, most companies have historically relied on manual checks.

The Goal

It should be possible to automate such checks with as little effort as possible, and they should encompass mobile applications such as material provision vehicles. The solution should be cost-efficient and easy to install or retrofit. The selected sensor should function autonomously, have a long, maintenance-free operating time, and have the ruggedness to withstand industrial conditions. It should be easy to integrate data communication into existing structures. Commissioning should also be as simple as possible. The checks should still be carried out as before—with a high level of reliability.

The Solution

The WILSEN concept encompasses autonomous sensors with a battery-operated central unit that communicates with the higher-level IoT platform via LoRaWAN®. The energy-saving wireless technology facilitates a battery life of up to ten years. The intuitive WILSEN app allows simple commissioning and parameterization on-site. The downlink channel provides remote access to the sensor. The devices are encapsulated in a strong plastic housing with IP66/67 degree of protection. The following device versions are available:

WILSEN.sonic: An ultrasonic sensor (measurement distances: 2.5 m, 4 m, or 7 m) is integrated into the central unit. The device can monitor various processes such as the status of positions (free/occupied) or measure the fill level of containers precise to the millimeter.

WILSEN.node: Several hundred sensors from the Pepperl+Fuchs portfolio can be connected, for example inductive and capacitive devices. These devices are suitable for various noncontact detection tasks. Capacitive sensors can be used to detect non-metallic materials such as plastic containers or cardboard boxes on provision vehicles, while inductive sensors detect metallic objects—from small components such as screws right through to large objects, for example a vehicle door.

Several WILSEN.node central units are mounted to the kanban racks.

Two capacitive sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs are connected to each WILSEN.node central unit.

WILSEN.sonic sensors can be used for precise fill level measurement as well as for position status detection (free/occupied).

The WILSEN.sonic is available in different versions for measurement distances of up to 2.5 m, 4 m, or 7 m.

The Benefits

Due to their technology, WILSEN.sonic ultrasonic sensors are resistant to functional impairment caused by adhering dust or liquids. WILSEN.node can be combined with various types of sensors to automate complex detection tasks. WILSEN series devices can be connected to any LoRaWAN network without any running costs or license fees.

For more detailed information on Pepperl+Fuchs range of products, please contact our Product-Manager Oleksandr Kutsenko:

E-mail: oleksandr_kutsenko@kck.ua

Phone: +38 (067) 658-07-78