Positioning Systems

With noncontact technology, the patented inductive positioning systems (PMI) are especially rugged. They reliably detect linear positions and angles, even in dusty or dirty environments and where there are extreme temperature fluctuations. With inductive technology, no special target is needed—only a simple, steel actuator element. The result is an unlimited range of applications, e.g., detection of crane boom position or metal part positioning in machine building. The PMI inductive positioning system is available in various designs and can be easily integrated into any application layout.

Distance sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs are based on innovative Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) and are used for accurately positioning stacker cranes and shuttles. They are an ideal solution for material handling applications that require many articles to be transferred in a short time and for other applications such as those in automotive manufacturing or electroplating. PRT enables the distance sensors to work with high precision. Distance sensors for positioning tasks include the R1000 and the R200 with PRT.

The photoelectric WCS position encoding system is rugged and perfect for harsh conditions, even in outdoor areas. It consists of a metal or plastic code rail combined with photoelectric sensors for scanning. With code rail lengths of up to 629 m, the position encoding system is suitable for long distances. Even when there are curves, declines, dips, and lane changes, the WCS reliably detects the exact position. Pepperl+Fuchs offers a special outdoor version for use in areas such as ports. For safety applications, Pepperl+Fuchs combines the advantages of the WCS positioning system with a safe evaluation unit. The system consisting of the safe evaluation unit (Position Unit Safe, PUS) and two safeWCS/PUS read heads enables safe position and speed detection up to SIL 3 and PL e.

The PXV and PCV Data Matrix positioning systems and the safety versions combine a 2-D camera system with multi-redundant Data Matrix code tape. This combination enables precise position detection and is suitable for use in warehouse and conveyor systems or lifting and elevator systems. With code redundancy and large reading windows, the Data Matrix positioning systems reliably detect position even if the code tape is dirty or damaged. With a code tape length of up to 100 km, they are also suitable for expansive installations. With the safePXV and safePXV/PUS, Pepperl+Fuchs offers two safety versions that enable safe absolute positioning up to SIL 3/PL e. 

The optical position guided vision (PGV) positioning system combines route tracking via colored tape and accurate positioning via Data Matrix codes in one device. It is an ideal solution for the reliable navigation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), whether in material handling or automotive manufacturing applications. Due to its large reading window, PGV reliably detects colored route tracking tape and paint, even around tight curves or if tape is dirty. In addition, Data Matrix codes can be used for turning, accurately positioning an AGV, and other tasks. The safety absolute positioning system (safePGV) enables safe absolute positioning according to SIL 3/PL e for the first time with just a single sensor.  

The optical PHA positioning system has been specially developed for precise positioning in high-bay warehouses. The PHA’s unique camera system uses existing drill holes in rack systems for positioning. This means no additional targets are necessary. With internal illumination and contrast compensation, PHA positions independently of interferences such as dirt, ambient light, or material fatigue. With a temperature range down to -30 °C, PHA can even be used in deep-freeze warehouses.