Boxes containing small metal parts are stacked to the ceiling in a narrow bay resulting in barely enough space to manoeuvre a single pallet between the wall and liquid tanks. Behind this assembly, there are rows of tightly packed electroplating tanks.

On the electroplating floor of Collini’s Swiss site near Zurich, Switzerland, space is certainly at a premium. That is why the company, which specialises in surface coatings, was looking for a space-saving solution that would give it a fast and reliable way of hanging small parts on racks for the electroplating bath. The conventional method of loading the racks by hand requires a lot of space and human resources because several racks need to be loaded at the same time.

“For that reason, we wanted to switch to a new coating system with automated loading,” explains Marco Fuchs, Head of Product Engineering at Collini. Since a system of this type has yet to be created, he embarked on a search for companies that would have the pioneering spirit to accept the challenge.

Fuchs found the right partner in Swiss automation company Roth Technik, which in turn relies on smart sensor solutions from Baumer for its projects. A specialist in smart, bespoke automation solutions, Roth Technik collaborated closely with its customer Collini to develop a fully automatic and compact loading line.

At the heart of the line are four robots that automatically load parts onto the empty hooks on the racks. The biggest challenge for the system to overcome was the fact that no two racks are the same. The hook positions are not located exactly in the same place on the welded racks every time, and some hooks may be bent, or missing entirely. This is not a problem for human personnel to deal with, but it is very much for robots that require precise positioning data. The enormous variety and high throughput of parts presented two more challenges.

Robots guided efficiently by a smart Baumer sensor

So how did the Roth Technik team solve the problem of rack position inaccuracy, enabling the robots to learn the exact positions of the hooks for each rack?

The development team found a simple yet effective solution in the compact OXM200 profile sensor from Baumer. Mounted on the robot arm, it detects the exact position of each individual hook as it moves down the rack and reports this back to the robot control. With the help of a camera, the robot then picks up one part after the other from the separating carousel and hangs it on a hook. The robot uses the position coordinates previously collected by the profile sensor to finely adjust the position of the part. This method is what enables the smart profile sensor to guide the robot precisely and quickly on the electroplating rack.

To begin with, Markus Roth’s team tested various solutions with camera-based systems and other laser-based scanners. “In the end, we went with the profile sensor from Baumer because it was the best solution for our strict requirements regarding accuracy, compact design, and ability to detect objects,” states Markus Roth, CEO of Roth Technik. The compact OXM200 reliably detects the thin hooks and is still able to scan several hook positions at the same time. Using the control, it then decides whether or not to load the hook.

Thanks to powerful, integrated measuring tools, the sensor outputs measured the values for the X and Z coordinates directly in mm, significantly reducing the number of calculations in the control. The conclusion is that these smart ultra-compact profile sensors are ideal in applications where space is at a premium, whilst eliminating the need for additional human resources.

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Launched officially on 1 June, SIS-TA introduces a fully digital and transactional sales platform for smart industry components, strategically expands STEMMER IMAGING’s existing business model by complementing its established consultative approach with a scalable online sales channel focused on speed, simplicity, and direct availability.

Responding to changing customer expectations

Industrial purchasing behaviour has fundamentally changed in recent years. Customers increasingly conduct product research, technology comparisons, and supplier evaluations digitally and independently. At the same time, expectations regarding transparent pricing, immediate availability, and direct ordering capabilities continue to rise.

SIS-TA was specifically created to address these market developments with a digital-first approach tailored to customers who require fast and efficient procurement processes for industrial automation products.

“The market is shifting from education to execution,” explains Mike Weccardt CEO, SIS- TA “Customers increasingly know exactly what they need and expect frictionless purchasing experiences with maximum transparency and speed.”

A transactional platform for industrial automation

The new online platform serves as the central customer interface, covering the complete purchasing process from product selection and availability checks to transparent pricing and direct ordering.

At launch, SIS-TA focuses on machine vision products including cameras, optics, lighting, and frame grabbers. Over time, the portfolio will expand to include additional smart industry technologies such as cobots, AMRs, industrial sensors, smart cameras, motion control solutions, industrial I/O, and PLC systems.

SIS-TA will provide AI-powered first- and second-level support to ensure fast and efficient customer assistance. For more complex projects, solutions, and applications, customers will have access to STEMMER IMAGING’s expert support organization and its highly specialised engineering teams.

Strategic expansion into new customer segments

SIS-TA is specifically designed to address customer groups that increasingly prioritize speed, price transparency, and simplified procurement processes. The platform enables STEMMER IMAGING to expand into new market segments while strengthening long-term customer relationships within the broader group ecosystem.

The operating model has been intentionally designed to remain lean, scalable, and highly automated, allowing rapid adaptation to changing market requirements and future portfolio expansion.

With SIS-TA, STEMMER IMAGING takes the next strategic step in industrial digitalisation – combining competitive products, digital sales models, and integrated services into a future- oriented smart industry platform.

With the INLINE pressure sensor from M-P Sensor, there are no longer any connection threads. You just cut the hose, put INLINE in between the lines, and you’re done. INLINE’s ultra-compact design and light weight requires no additional fastening or bracketing, making it ideal for applications in the fields of vacuum lifting, industrial automation and robotics.

The INLINE stands out with its rugged construction and compact size. Its durable PBT/PC housing and PI68 protection rating make it ideal for demanding environments, with pressure ranges from -14.5 PSO to 174 PSI available.

The user-friendly installation has push-in connections for 4, 6, 8 or 10mm fluid ports, and has an MTTF of up to 2,528 years. Operating medium is filtered, dry or oiled air and non-corrosive gases.

In high-dynamic environments, such as multi-head combination weighers, dynamic filling processes, or robotic systems exposed to variable load profiles, manufacturers are under growing pressure to achieve short cycle times, high throughput and high repeatability, whilst maintaining Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and advanced diagnostic capabilities. As a result, conventional weighing solutions are increasingly reaching their mechanical and digital limits.

To address these cross-industry requirements, HBK has developed the PW22i single point load cell, specifically designed for high-dynamic mechatronic systems, spanning both high-speed packaging applications and advanced robotic use cases. By embedding IO-Link communication directly at sensor level, the PW22i turns weighing into an intelligent automation component, seamlessly connected to the control layer.

Thanks to its exceptional mechanical stiffness and very high natural resonant frequency, the PW22i has an extremely short settling time, which is a critical requirement for fast cycle applications. These characteristics enable precise and repeatable measurements, supporting giveaway reduction in packaging processes, as well as measurement stability under dynamic loads in robotic systems. Available in 10 kg, 20 kg and 50 kg capacity – and certified to accuracy class C3MR – the PW22i ensures reliable results under demanding operating conditions.

“The PW22i was designed for environments where mechanical dynamics are high and measurement reliability is critical in real time,” said Product Manager Weighing Sensors at HBK, Simon Kleefeldt. “Whether in high-speed packaging lines or robotic applications with rapidly changing load profiles, we combine ultra-fast dynamic weighing with IO-Link intelligence directly at sensor level. This enables plug-and-play integration, faster commissioning and direct use of weighing data within existing control architectures.”

The standardised IO-Link interface and M12 4-pin connector simplifies commissioning, replacement and retrofit of existing systems. Smart functions such as data preprocessing, self-monitoring and diagnostics provide continuous visibility into sensor condition and process behaviour, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and OEE optimisation, across both packaging lines and robotic cells – or end-of-arm tooling systems.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, the PW22i features an IP67 degree of protection and a patented overload stop, allowing it to withstand up to five times its nominal capacity. This robustness ensures reliable operation under mechanical stress, eccentric loading and transient forces, which are common in high-dynamic industrial and robotic applications.

The PW22i supports machine builders, system integrators and manufacturers in designing faster, more connected and more intelligent systems, where weighing becomes a key enabler of operational performance, product quality and data-driven process control, across packaging automation and industrial robotics.

This session will show how PPS’s TactileGlove captures real human touch data, including force, pressure and grip and uses it to train humanoid robots to manipulate objects with greater precision and reliability.

Hosted by Dr. Jae Son, Founder and CEO of PPS, the webinar will bring together engineers, innovators, and robotics specialists to examine why modern robots still struggle with physical interaction and better understanding of contact mechanics. While advances in vision systems and motion control have enabled significant progress, they fail to truly capture contact mechanics information required for dexterous manipulation.

Without tactile data, robots cannot accurately judge how to grip, adjust or handle objects, limiting their ability to replicate human performance.

PPS will introduce tactile sensing in practical, engineering terms, helping attendees understand how pressure distribution and contact mechanics underpin reliable robotic manipulation. A key demonstration will show how humans instinctively adjust their grip when handling objects, such as differentiating between an empty and a full water bottle, an ability that robots currently cannot replicate due to the absence of meaningful tactile data.

“Robots today can replicate movement, but they don’t understand contact mechanics,” said Dr. Jae Son, Founder and CEO of PPS. “Without tactile data, they are effectively operating without feel. What we’re showing is how capturing and learning from human touch enables robots to move from simply performing tasks based on vision.”

Central to the discussion is a new approach to robotic learning – using human manipulation data for AI based robotic systems. PPS’s TactileGlove enables this by capturing real human interaction data via 65 sensing elements, allowing organisations to measure how humans handle objects and use that data to train or inform robotic systems. This approach allows companies to bypass the long hardware development process and begin collecting meaningful data immediately.

PPS will also showcase RoboTact, which integrates tactile sensors directly into robotic finger tips, enabling real-time force control and slip detection to close the loop between learning and execution. The session will also feature guest speaker Tesollo, who will present insights from their humanoid robotics programme and robotic hand development. Having already deployed both the TactileGlove and RoboTact, Tesollo will share real-world findings, demonstrating how tactile sensing is already being applied in practice.

At the core of the webinar is a simple message: without understanding contact mechanics, robotic systems remain incomplete. PPS aims to guide the audience to this conclusion and position itself as the partner to help organisations move forward in building more capable, intelligent robotic systems.

The first session will take place on 21 April at 4pm PST / 8am KST, followed by a second session on 22 April at 8am PST / 4pm UK, with a recorded replay of Tesollo’s presentation also available. Registration details can be found on the PPS website.

Recent industry conferences and technology showcases have highlighted major advancements shaping the future of AI and robotics. This year, Physical AI is taking centre stage – with rapid advances in foundation models, simulation-to-real workflows, and increasingly capable robotic systems.

In this webinar, experts from Robotiq and Universal Robots will share key insights from these events and highlight the Physical AI applications and trends that robotics teams should be watching closely.

The webinar will break down the top five Physical AI breakthroughs demonstrated across recent industry gatherings, discuss where AI still faces challenges when interacting with the physical world, and explore why richer multimodal sensing, especially touch, is becoming critical for training and deploying intelligent robots.

During the session, Robotiq will also introduce its new TSF-85 tactile sensor fingertips, designed to bring pressure, vibration, and proprioception sensing directly to robot grippers. You’ll see how tactile sensing can help generate richer datasets, improve grasp reliability, and support the next generation of Physical AI systems.

Click here to register for the webinar

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With an exceptionally high participation rate, the survey reflected strong employee engagement at SICK and a willingness to contribute to its future development. Responses confirmed the trust that exists within and across teams, providing clear direction on how SICK UK can build on its strengths.

Great Place To Work sets a global standard for workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership, and it comes at a significant moment for SICK UK. The organisation is continuing its strategic transformation within the Europe South and West Cluster and the survey results demonstrate the strength of business growth and people focus working hand-in-hand.

The SICK UK team worked consistently on enhancing leadership, fostering communication within the workforce, creating a more structured and transparent working environment, and putting practical initiatives in place that make the company a Great Place To Work. These include development, mentoring, community engagement, organising company-funded social events bringing together both office-based and remote-based staff to enhance team cohesion, and even arranging for fruit deliveries to promote healthy eating.

Praising SICK UK for achieving its certification, Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work states, “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that SICK stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.” Being recognised by Great Place to Work serves as proof of a healthy workplace environment, boosting the morale and productivity of employees, and helping to both attract and retain high-quality talent.

Alan Reeves, UK Managing Director of SICK, says, “We are thrilled to receive Great Place to Work certification, as it is a direct reflection of our employees’ feedback. We pride ourselves on creating a positive workplace culture. It is more important than ever to maintain trust, transparency and community during a period of strategic transformation. This certification really comes down to our dedicated leaders and teams, who work hard in pursuit of our shared goals. It is well-deserved recognition of their hard work creating a workplace in which people feel included, supported and proud to belong.”

Following the survey, SICK UK has put in place a structured action plan focused on measurable follow-up on employee feedback and sustainable improvement. SICK continues to invest in people development and remains committed to strengthening its position as an employer of choice within the industrial technology sector.

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This powerful new sensor is engineered for universal application in materials handling, robotics, assembly automation, and logistics, offering a versatile solution for confined spaces and complex detection tasks.

The O6D100 leverages PMD time-of-flight technology to ensure reliable and robust object detection, regardless of an object’s colour, angle, or surface characteristics. A key feature is its high excess gain, which enables it to accurately detect challenging objects, including those that are deep black or highly reflective. With an extended detection range of up to 3 metres, the sensor provides flexibility for applications both within and outside the immediate process environment.

To meet the demands of a wide range of applications, the O6D100 features three distinct operating modes – Fine, Standard, and Fast – which can be easily switched via IO-Link. This adaptability allows a single device to fulfil multiple sensing requirements, enhancing efficiency and reducing stockholding. The sensor also includes adjustable hysteresis, with a factory setting optimised for stable switching states even with changing object colours, which can be customised by the user for single-colour object detection.

Designed for rapid integration, the O6D100 fits seamlessly into existing machine setups using the industry-standard O6 design and a simple M8 connector for electrical connection. Its IO-Link capability allows for quick integration into modern control architectures and enables remote configuration, streamlining setup and maintenance procedures for automation professionals.

If you are looking for the widest range of sensors which offer the important combination of best-in-class precision, optimum measuring ranges and frequencies, backed-up by in-depth expertise, Baumer delivers the complete connectivity solution from Sensors to PLC and lloT. Whatever challenges you face in your application, you will find the right sensing solution in the Baumer toolbox.

Sensing applications requiring precise position control, quality inspection and thickness measurement performed to the highest levels of precision and repeatability, is where Baumer’s OM60 Laser Distance Sensors excel. Typical applications are in the automotive, electronics and robotics industries where the benefits of OM60 sensors include the ability to measure distances up to 1000mm, linearity deviation up to 0.03 % MR, measurement frequency up to 3.3 kHz, along with a digital interface such as IO-Link or RS485.

Furthermore, thanks to an exceptionally fine line beam shape, reliable measurement performance, even on challenging surfaces, can be achieved, means these sensors are ideal for applications requiring very precise positioning, or tight tolerances in quality inspection.

Other highlights of Baumer’s IO-Link sensor portfolio include the 50 Series Process Sensors, which the company says offer best-in-class precision, measuring range and response time. Although a compact design, they feature an-easy-to-view large touch colour display within a robust, sealed stainless steel housing, along with easy and standardised operation across the entire 50 series. When a processing application demands the need to measure pressure precisely and reliably across different media, the 50 series are ideal for demanding hygienic and other similar applications.

Baumer’s Incremental Encoders are another important product in the range offering Low Harmonics signal correction and wear-free design for precision under the most testing conditions. Other key features include auto calibration which eliminates temperature and mechanical signal errors, resolution up to 65,536 ppr, accuracy up to 0.05deg, along with smart condition monitoring and flexible configuration of switching output.

Completing the Baumer portfolio are Ultrasonic Sensors which meet the latest IO-Link standard of 1.1 and ensure outstanding ultrasonic object detection and distance measurement. Features include modification of the sensor cone, filtering, individual sensor setting, fast implementation and easy sensor exchange with automatic parameter transfer.

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The brochure opens with the latest sensing technology, with sections on Smart inductive and photoelectric measurement sensors; the innovative PocketCodr No-code IO-Link sensor configurator; and Contrinex’s new 3D Smart camera.

The vast array of inductive and photoelectric sensors, which include unique solutions, is detailed before outlining Contrinex’s Machine Safety and RFID ranges.

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