Pick-by-light Solution Facilitates Assembly Processes
How the digitalization of order picking, assembly and planning processes reduces work for employees and makes it more efficient
Errors occur wherever people work. In production and assembly processes they happen now and again even to the most conscientious and experienced workers. The wrong component or the wrong number of components may for example be taken from a container. They may possibly also be assembled in the wrong order. The worker must be able to identify the next parts container quickly and easily if greater efficiency and accuracy in assembly is to be achieved. A customized system for light-guided worker support clearly indicates the container from which the co-worker is to take the next part. The system also logs the removal and indicates immediately the next container.
As individual solutions are normally very expensive due to the high development costs, the CSAE system house developed a pick-to-light software based on the experience, ideas and customer requirements of the past 25 years. This provides functions to cover most typical requirements as well as the needs of new customers. This controller software is the basis for customer applications and is considerably less expensive than the programming of a tailored solution.
Easy modular expansion
The controller software is the central component in the “Smart Light Touch” modular system. Another element is the shelf, although the system always operates independently of the shelf type and can be adapted both to new shelf systems as well as to existing shelf systems of the customer. Modbus/TCP-capable components from Turck complete the CSAE pick-by-light solution, which primarily includes the PTL110 indicator with a 7-segment display, light buttons and optical sensor, the small K30 Pro LED indicator with a light button as well as the WLS LED work light without a button element.
TBEN-L-PLC eliminates the disadvantages of PC-based controllers
CSAE looked for a PLC for the controller software of Smart Light Touch that has capacity for SAP and other interface connections as well as options for visual indication. The company decided to use Turck’s robust TBEN-L-PLC compact PLC. The IP67 controller is designed for industrial use and, as a block IO module, enables the design of cabinet-free modular machine concepts for Industry 4.0 and IIoT. It not only comes with a Codesys PLC on board but also allows a direct cloud connection. Thanks to its multiprotocol technology, it can also communicate via different Ethernet protocols at the same time.
Easy installation and commissioning
The easy installation of the CSAE system is unique on the market – from the setup of the shelf right through to commissioning: “Not even a screwdriver is needed for the setup,” says Gundlach. “And the commissioning is simply carried out via a web page – nothing more. A USP that is yet to find its equal.” The system is designed so that any customer can plug together the hardware components of Smart Light Touch on their shelf on their own – without any technical instruction. The individual components are fitted to the shelf with click and screw mechanisms.“We also take into account the needs of small to medium-sized businesses that cannot afford a programmer,” says sales manager Sarah Wedekind.
Personalization through individual color settings
Smart Light Touch detects at any time via a higher-level system or a transponder which worker is currently working. After logging into the system, workers can set the colors to their individual preferences or needs. A worker with red-green color blindness, for example, can select alternative colors to red and green in order to carry out the work without any difficulty. Corporate colors can also be set or the favorite colors with the worker. The colors can naturally also be set to indicate to workers immediately the tool they are to use with the currently taken part. This enables each worker to design their workstation as they like.
Further Information
- Automotive
- Smart Cable Prevents Machine Downtimes
- Inductive Couplers Ensure Precise Material Feed
- Assembly Management with a Direct MES Connection
- Car Body Identification in Automobile Production
- Reliable Skid Detection in Automotive Production
- Error-free JIS Order Picking for Bumpers
- Laser Sensor Detects Shiny Cylinders in Battery Production
- RFID Bus Mode Ensures Quality of Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Level Measurement in Dip Coating Line
- Level Control in Central Lubrication System
- Quality Assurance on the Gluing Robot
- Tilt angle sensor accelerates platform alignment
- Motor Control with Condition Monitoring
- IP67 Hybrid Module Processes Safety Signals
- Decentralized monitoring of cooling stations
- Robot welding cells networked with Ethernet
- Monitoring the cooling circuit on welding clamps
- Flow monitoring in drum washers
- Press Shop – Sheet Metal Thickness Measurement
- Condition Monitoring of Motors as a Retrofit
- Cloud-based Level Monitoring
- Press Shop – Tool Identification
- Body Shop – Welding Nut Detection
- Paint Shop – Skid Identification
- Final Assembly – Robot Assembly
- Powertrain – Contactless Verification
- Body Shop – Area Guarding
- Item-level Detection with UHF RFID
- Supply of cooling lubricant in machine tools
- Press Shop: Controlling hydraulic pressure
- Measuring process pressure on scissor lifts
- Body Shop – Automotive Welding Tip Inspection
- Body Shop – Manual Load Weld Cell
- Final Assembly – Black Parts Detection
- Final Assembly – Moonroof Detection
- Final Assembly – Long-Range Inspection
- Powertrain – Rubber Washer Detection
- Powertrain – Part-In-Place Detection
- Electric Vehicle Detection
- Vehicle Detection in a Self-Serve Car Wash
- Success Stories
- Modular Plant for Flexible and Efficient Production
- Laser Sensor Detects Black Bumpers in Assembly Cell
- Decentralized Safety Technology for Modular Production
- Modular Conveyor System
- RFID and I/O modules for Safe Tool Changes
- RFID Guides AGV in Suspension Production
- IO-Link Wired Silencer Production
- Workpiece Carrier Identification in Rear Vent Production
- Weld Nut Sensing
- RFID Traceability
- RFID in Engine Production
- Bumper Production with Identification
- Solutions for Paint Shops
- Welding and Assembly Sensors
- Angle Sensors for Assembly Systems
- Tool Identification
- Pick-to-Light Improves Cockpit Production
- RFID Identification of Injector Nozzles
- RFID in the Body Shop
- IO-Link Eases Differential Gear Production
- Chemical
- excom I/O System Enables Safe Hydrogen Liquefaction
- Decentralized Automation in Ex Areas
- RFID Control of Tube Connections in the Ex Area
- Ethernet Signal Connection in the I&C Room
- Ethernet-based Automation of Modular Skids
- Ex Isolation in Modular Process Plants
- Detection of Pigs
- Remote Signal I/O
- Easy Connection of Field Devices
- Signal Processing with System I/O in the Control Cabinet
- Signal Separation with Interface Technology in the Control Cabinet
- Identification of Hose Connections
- Efficient Monitoring of Cabinets in the Field
- Monitoring of Quarter Turn Actuators
- Planning and Assembly of System Solutions
- Success Stories
- Control Cabinet Monitor for Transmission of Condition Data
- Record Silo Fill Levels in Real Time Thanks to Sensor-to-Cloud
- Efficient Cooling of Industrial Furnaces
- I/O System Excom Creates Space in the I&C Rooms
- Zone 2 and 22 RFID
- Efficient Testing Control
- Intrinsically Safe Field Communication
- Process Control System Partnership
- Hazardous Area Remote I/O
- Dual Valve Position Feedback
- Flexibility with Fieldbus
- Asset Management with Remote I/O
- Correct Positioning with RFID in Carbide Production
- Compact Ex Protection
- Energy
- RFID System Identifies Solar Cell Carriers
- Decentralized I/O System for Hazardous Areas at H2 Refueling Stations
- Decentralized I/O Solution in Ex Zone for H2-Fueling Station
- I/O Module Facilitates Setup and Mobile Use of Fuel Cell Test Stand
- Wind Turbine Rotor Positioning
- IP67 I/O in Coal Production
- UHF RFID Identifies Switch Gear
- Remote I/O in Biogas Plant
- Food and Beverage
- RFID Tracking Reduces Food Waste in Ice Cream Production
- Condition Monitoring Sensor Automates Climate Control
- Condition Monitoring of Control Cabinets
- Condition Monitoring in Storage Rooms
- Dough Thickness Control in Rolling Machines
- Identification of Food Containers
- Container Check
- Quick Sensor Replacement in Beverage Plants
- Detection of Pipe Elbows
- Identification of Chocolate Moulds
- Success Stories
- Cloud-based Maintenance for Steam Generators
- RFID Support Enables Track and Trace in Food Production
- Reliable Linear Position Detection in Ex Zone 22
- Decentralized Control Modules in Coldstore
- Track and Trace in Meat Production with RFID
- Contact-free Encoder in Potato Production
- UHF RFID in Food Distribution Center
- RFID for Chocolate Production
- Distributed I/O for Food Equipment
- Remote I/O for Distilleries
- RFID and Autoclaves
- IP67 Power Supplies for Conveyors
- Bottle Detection with Camera
- Logistics
- Preventing Package Jams in the Logistics Center
- Height Control and 3D Spatial Monitoring on Autonomous Forklift Trucks
- Decentralized Control of Conveyor Modules
- Tracking Big Bags with RFID
- Distance Detection in Container Cranes
- Access Control for Protected Areas
- Decentralized Muting of Electro-sensitive Protective Equipment
- I/O Blocks Control Roller Conveyor Modules
- Container Check
- Fast Tag Detection at Warehouse Gates
- Item-level Detection with UHF RFID
- Preventive Maintenance on Conveyor Belts
- Detection of Transport Containers
- Level Detection in Vessels
- Identification of Cryovessels
- Identification of Mobile Containers with Handheld Devices
- Identification of Food Containers
- Tier 1 – Bumper Identification
- Condition Monitoring in Storage Rooms
- Collision Protection on Reach Stackers
- Success Stories
- Logistics: RFID Reduces Error Quota by 99 Percent
- RFID: ROI Achieved After Three Avoided Delivery Errors
- Reliable AGV Control through Sensor-based Complete Solution
- Efficient Truck Navigation in the Limited Maneuvering Area
- Sustainable Tracking of RTIs thanks to RFID
- RFID Solution for Error-Proof Material Logistics
- RFID with HF Bus Mode Eases Seed Storage
- Pick-by-Light accelerates manual logistics by over 60 percent
- Pick-by-light Solution Facilitates Assembly Processes
- RFID Enables Unmanned Store at Major Building Site
- I/O and Safety Modules Increase Throughput in Intralogistics
- Shipment Tracking for Raw Materials
- RFID-based Shipment Control Minimizes Errors
- RFID-based Tracking of Inbound and Outbound Materials
- Decentralized UHF RFID Solution
- Contact-free Encoder in Potato Production
- Decentralized Control Modules in Coldstore
- Speed Control via Radar Sensor QT50
- IP67 Power Supplies for Conveyors
- Modular Conveyor System
- RFID Solution for Warehouse
- RFID Guides AGV in Suspension Production
- RFID Identifies Pharmaceuticals
- UHF RFID in Food Distribution Center
- Autonomous Parking Assistance for Trucks
- Mobile Equipment
- Animal and Object Detection on the Combine Harvester
- Condition Monitoring Sensor Automates Climate Control
- Automatic Slope Compensation
- Distribution Lines for Field Sprayers
- Angle Measurement on a Field Sprayer
- Material Flow Monitoring on a Combine Harvester
- Determining the Boom Angle Position
- Equipment Compartment Illumination on Fire Engines
- Two-Axis Tilt Measurement on a Combine Harvester
- Collision Protection on Reach Stackers
- Success Stories
- RFID Solution with Smart Forklifts in Autombile Production
- Safe Remote Maintenance of Irrigation and Drainage Pumps
- Access Control with RFID System
- Selective Asparagus Harvester
- Position Measurement with RFID and Encoder
- Speed Control via Radar Sensor QT50
- RFID Guides AGV in Suspension Production
- Block I/O Modules on Super Yacht
- Wear-free encoder on hopper dredger
- I/O for Dust Suppression
- Cabinet Cooling
- Quick Disconnect Connectivity
- Automation Solutions for Extreme Cold
- Remote I/O for Cranes
- Rugged Heavy Metal Lifting
- Rollercoaster Positioning
- Mobile Machinery Solutions
- Exact Height Positioning
- Critical Angle Sensing
- Angle Sensor Detects Platform Lift
- Oil and Gas
- Packaging
- Decentralized RFID Package Verification
- Identification of Printing Color Cartridges
- Reliable Operation of Machines
- Container Check
- Monitoring of Caps in Filling Lines
- Monitoring Changeover Processes
- Identification of Test Bottles
- Level Monitoring of Ground Coffee
- Level Detection in Vessels
- Detection of Transport Containers
- Success Stories
- Pharma
- End-to-End Sample Tracking with RFID
- RFID Control of Tube Connections in the Ex Area
- Decentralized Package Verification
- Automate Modular Skids
- Pharmaceutical Skids with Decentralized I/O Technology
- Ex Isolation in Modular Process Plants
- Control of Valve Interfaces
- Monitoring of Quarter Turn Actuators
- Detection of Pipe Elbows
- Remote Signal I/O
- Planning and Construction of Super Skids
- Easy Connection of Field Devices
- Identification of Cryovessels
- Identification of Mobile Containers
- Identification of Mobile Containers with Handheld Devices
- Securing Hose Connections for Preliminary Products
- Identification of Hose Connections in Sterile Areas
- Identification of Big Bags and Bioreactors
- Identification of Single-Use Applications
- Success Stories
- Semiconductor
- Electronic Marking Verification
- Counting Integrated Circuits
- Inspection of Two Barcodes
- Compact Safety Control
- Adhesive Detection on PCB Assembly
- Great Detail Inspection of Mobile Electronic Devices
- Error Proofing for IC Chips in Pocket Tape
- Presence and Orientation of IC Chips Seated in Nests
- Detection of Hard Disks
- Multiproduct Light-Guided Assembly Station
- Indication of FOUP Progress
- Safeguarding Small Access Points
- Success Stories