The distributor RS Components is taking part in a virtual trade fair for the first time. Frank Behrens, PR & Advertising Manager Central Europe at RS Components, explains the decision to take part: "Even in these difficult times, we want to show our customers that we are at their side. That's why we are also happy to explore alternative paths that create new opportunities despite the current restrictions. Ultimately, this is generally what drives innovation and shapes our brand. In this way, we can ask our customers virtually, in direct conversation, where their particular 'shoe is pinching' at the moment and then respond quickly. With SPS Connect as the virtual version of our 'secret' main trade fair SPS, there could hardly be a better place to meet our target group. As we are also committed to innovations in eCommerce in general, we are also interested in this channel and its potential from this perspective."

Visitors can exchange ideas with the experts from RS Components on the platform until December 4. Products and solutions relating to Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0, from sensor technology to power supply for drive and control technology to command and signaling devices, will be on display.

Smart solutions in the corona pandemic

One trade fair highlight, for example, is the People Counter PC-10 from Barth. Originally conceived as a maker project to support compliance with social distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, a ready-to-use version was developed. This device enables customers to "plug and count" very quickly.

The PC-10 monitors the number of people entering and leaving a room. A simple traffic light display is used in combination with a buzzer. This allows the number of people passing through the device's light barrier to be controlled. RS supplies the entire system in a robust aluminum housing from Bosch Rexroth (LxWxH: 350 mm x 360 mm x 1180 mm) with a stainless steel base and a weight of 12 kg. The housing contains two Sick blocking light sensors for visible light, which detect the direction of movement, as well as a lococube Barth STG-800 mini PLC with a CAN bus and five I/O interfaces. The device continuously calculates the number of people entering and leaving a room in real time. A password-protected Barth DMA-15 2.4-inch CAN color HMI touchscreen is located on the back of the device. It displays the user interface.

Own brand RS Pro

In addition to partner products and solutions, the distributor will also be showcasing its own RS Pro product range, which consists of high-quality, low-cost industrial products and electronic components and is constantly being expanded. The range offers users a cost-effective alternative. All products and components from it are provided with the "Seal of Approval". This stands for pioneering industry standards in auditing, inspection, testing and certification.

One example of this is the first own-brand digital multimeter (DMM) with an integrated thermal imaging camera. The RS-9889 combines the functions of a classic digital multimeter for measuring circuit parameters such as voltages, currents and resistances with those of an infrared thermal imaging camera. In this way, hot and cool points in electrical components can be identified on a visible thermogram.