Wireless, real-time communication with maximum reliability
In industrial automation systems, it is common for some of the sensors, actuators, and other system components to be installed on movable subsystems. Examples include tools mounted on robot arms, slide rails, or rotary and coordinate tables. These subsystems require a means of communicating with the central control system capable of operating at very short cycle times in the single-digit millisecond range. Nowadays, these connections are typically realized using cable drag chains, rotary feedthroughs or slide contacts. But they present numerous disadvantages: for instance, heavy weight and susceptibility to wear and tear. They also restrict the mobility of the subsystems and limit the possibilities for expansion.
To solve this problem, Fraunhofer IIS is developing a new radio technology that is deployable as a wireless extension or substitute for wired field buses as well as Time-Sensitive Networking. Compared with currently available radio technologies, the Ultra reliable Wireless Industrial Network (UWIN) enables communication in real-time with extremely short cycle times of 125 μs and a maximum of reliability.