Sick joins Industry 4.0 with its first IO-link encoder

Jon Lawson

With the launch of the AHS36 (singleturn) and AHM36 (multiturn) IO-link absolute encoders, Sick has opened up new possibilities to integrate rotary motion sensing into the ‘smart’ sensor configurations.

 
The AHS36 and AHM36 36mm IO-link encoders are Sick’s first range of absolute encoders with an IO-link. They achieve easy higher-level fieldbus integration via an IO-link master. Developments to advanced IO-link versions of the encoder will also enable processing of Smart Tasks within the encoder itself. 
 
“The AHS36 and AHSM36 encoders are a vital building block on the transition to unlocking the benefits of Industry 4.0 in automated machinery,” explained Darren Pratt, Sick’s UK Product Manager for encoders and industrial instrumentation. 
 
“IO-link has already made it possible for many devices, such as presence detection and process sensors, to be economically connected into an IO field gateway and at the same time provide transparent access to the intelligence contained within the sensor. Sensors with integrated Smart Tasks offer the potential for reducing the processing load on the PLC. Now, adding motion sensing into the IO-link mix offers countless new possibilities for machine builders and engineers to develop smart solutions for both new and existing plant and machinery.”