BBH Products, Gerhard Bauer in an interview
Safety for AGVs and robots
BBH Products has added the 'SARC' function library to the 'SafePLC' programming interface in order to apply even complex safety-related tasks. Managing Director Gerhard Bauer explains what exactly is behind this.
Mr. Bauer, what is SARC all about?
Gerhard Bauer is Managing Director of BBH Products.
© BBH ProductsGerhard Bauer: SARC stands for 'Safe Arithmetic Calculations'. We have thus created the possibility of implementing float calculations within a safety controller for the first time simply, clearly and, above all, without any certification and testing effort on the part of the user.
Which function blocks are available for the calculations?
Bauer: In addition to the basic arithmetic operations, SARC includes trigonometric and root functions as well as matrix calculations in an extension module. The whole thing is rounded off by conversion modules for converting 16/32-bit integers to floats and vice versa. This means, for example, that speed, load or position data can be converted, result values calculated in a kinematic model and subsequently evaluated using standard monitoring functions.
What are the benefits for the user?
Bauer: The user can carry out calculations at PLC programming level, using a so-called LVL language, which require float accuracies. This is regularly the case for all trigonometry calculations, but also for scaling. A large number of tasks that were previously impossible or very difficult to perform with safety controllers can now be implemented with little effort using the certified SARC functionality. FBD-based programming, the correct calculation sequence ensured by SARC and diagnostics with online display of all intermediate results in the FBD display provide support. With the matrix extension module, SARC also offers the option of simple implementation of coordinate transformations, for example using the DH method for forward transformation in robotics. Safe robotics can therefore be implemented by the user based on the respective kinematic model - without the need for additional certification.
Who is the offer aimed at? Which applications are the focus?
Bauer: The offer is actually always of interest when positions, speeds, loads or other analog values need to be calculated. The spectrum of applications ranges from simple winding drives with variable winding diameters to position-dependent distance or load calculations, speed and direction-dependent management of monitoring areas in AGVs and safe robotics with Safe TCP, pose, speed and force monitoring.
How does working with SARC work in detail?
Bauer: The programming is FBD-based with our engineering tool 'SafePLC². Based on the theoretical model or the calculation rule, the calculation blocks are put together in the same way as FBD logic programming and the respective input and output data are assigned using connecting lines. SARC offers all available calculation blocks in a library window, sorted by function type. The SARC function ensures the correct calculation sequence. The properties of calculation blocks are adjusted by clicking on the blocks in the properties window that then opens. The float calculation compiled in this way can be loaded into the device after a compilation process and validated using the diagnostic functions. After the user has checked the safety application created in this way and with the help of a retrievable validation report, the process is already complete.
In addition, 'SafePLC²' in combination with our safety controllers offers the possibility of object-oriented PLC programming, which can now also be used for SARC. This means that users can combine validated function plans into function blocks, define modifiable parameters and create their own library of function blocks with defined properties. When reused in a project, this minimizes the effort for programming and validation and a proprietary knowledge base can be created.
What is the purpose of the 'virtual axes'?
Bauer: The result data from the SARC calculation is stored in the virtual axes and converted into integer data at the same time. They are thus available for use in standard monitoring functions such as SOS, SLS, SLP or 3D safety functions such as SWM. The user can thus ultimately implement his safety task with the safety functions he is generally already familiar with in combination with safe logic processing.
How does safety monitoring work?
Bauer: As already mentioned, SARC output data is monitored for limits etc. using standard monitoring functions or separate SARC function blocks. The binary result data generated in this way is linked in the usual way in a safety logic and thus ultimately implements the safety functions defined in an applicative risk analysis.
Are there applications in which SARC is already used? Which ones?
Bauer: Although certification of the SARC function was only recently completed, the first applications are already being implemented. For example, the function is being used for the management of monitoring areas at an AGV manufacturer and also for safe room monitoring in robotics.
What other functions are planned or already in preparation?
Bauer: The next step is to integrate functions for program run control and to develop further safety functions for monitoring people. The world of collaborative robots and freely navigating vehicles in particular offers a wide range of safety-related tasks.
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