Empowering autonomous mobility with HMI-X: IDEC and ez-Wheel’s integrated approach (part 2)

Transformation: calling it simply a corporate ‘buzzword’ plays down the real, constant changes and evolutions in technologies and how people work.

Many manufacturers and other companies are aiming for ‘transformation’ in their industry. They could just say ‘change’, but transformation takes more effort and dedication. It involves rethinking how they do business from the ground up.

You may see ‘X’ used to represent transformation in a business context. Take DX (digital transformation) as one common example.

At IDEC, we plan to transform human-machine interfaces (HMIs) through the HMI-X concept. Industry 4.0 will naturally be followed by further stages of technological advancements, and we’ll continue working to redefine HMIs and what they’re capable of.

In part 1 of this series, we explained the HMI-X concept and several IDEC products born from new initiatives. This time, we’ll go into more detail on other products that demonstrate our progress so far and the ongoing potential of HMI-X.

In this article:

• Building on the HMI-X concept: Safety Wheel Drive

• HMIs and their applications evolving in harmony

• Transforming workplace safety with HMI-X and automation

Together, IDEC and ez-Wheel have continued to take this holistic approach to technological transformation and product development. The innovative Safety Wheel Drive system is the result.

It’s designed to work with a variety of IDEC safety devices to create a flexible, reliable industrial safety system.

For example, when Safety Wheel Drive and the SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner are installed on an AGV, the result is a simple, safety compliant AGV.

Installing Safety Wheel Drive on AGVs/AMRs that operate in the same areas as humans immediately gives those AGVs and/or AMRs advanced safety controls:

• Safe motor disconnection (STO) when a stop is requested

• Safe brake control (SBC) to ensure a standstill

• Safe direction (SDI) in case of collision risk

• Safely limited speed (SLS) to prevent hazardous situations

• Safe maximum speed (SMS) to secure operating range

The SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner has a 270° sensing angle. It senses when someone (or something) is within the warning area or safety protection zone for the AGV. If the scanner detects a person or object in the warning zone, Safety Wheel Drive will slow down. In the safety protection zone, Safety Wheel Drive will stop.

In this HMI-X system, the definition of ‘HMI’ has started to change. The ‘interface’ aspect of ‘human machine interfaces’ is even more interactive.

The balance is shifting – before, users (humans) actively used interfaces by pressing buttons and touching displays. Now, the ‘machine’ element of HMIs plays a stronger part, with passive technologies that sense humans and automatically act to keep them safe.

Together, the devices and technologies that make up HMI-X systems create working environments where machines and humans can safely coexist.

Combined with IDEC’s SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner, the motorized Safety Wheel Drive system addresses the functional needs of driverless industrial trucks. It also does so in full compliance with international standards for AGVs, and with ISO3691-4.

Safety Wheel Drive is currently on sale in many regions, including Japan, Europe, the USA and Canada. The SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner is available globally.

These advances in HMI-X solutions for the AGV/AMR industry are just the start. We’re developing and rolling out other ways that Safety Wheel Drive can meet customer needs and add value, especially when implemented alongside other IDEC products and technologies. Subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media for regular product updates.

IDEC is working to create the optimum environment for humans and machines. Learn more about our HMI-X initiatives on the IDEC corporate website.