No driver required!
TORWEGGE Intralogistics GmbH & Co. KG represents the innovation potential of an entire region with its TORsten driverless transportation system, which has now become a fully fledged robot.

This year’s HANNOVER MESSE is brimming with innovations for visitors from across the globe to discover and deploy in driving forward their businesses. The pavilions, where exhibitors join forces to showcase not only their products but also their local region, often have their own particular charm. The pavilion of the it’s OWL technology network in Hall 16 is a perfect example. This is where TORWEGGE Intralogistics GmbH & Co. KG from Bielefeld is using its TORsten driverless transportation system to demonstrate how it can optimize high-tech processes at industrial companies and also play its part in promoting the high-tech solutions from Germany’s East Westphalia-Lippe region to markets the world over.

TORsten may well be familiar to many visitors given that the transportation system’s modular design, high load-carrying capacity and minimal height won it the German Industry Award last year. Since then, however, a powerful new computer, a multi-axis control system and special sensor technology have turned TORsten into a fully fledged robot that can be used both to transport goods and to control other units. "We took another big step forward in TORsten’s development last year, so we still consider ourselves to be a successful example of a highly innovative region," says Uwe Schildheuer, Managing Director of TORWEGGE Intralogistics GmbH & Co. KG.
Torwegge GmbH & Co. KG (33719 Bielefeld, Germany), Hall 16, Stand A04
Contact: Dieter Willudda
Tel.: +49 521 934 17-0
E-Mail: dieter.willudda@torwegge.de

Going the distance!
The industrial Ethernet professionals at KTI Networks are using this year’s HANNOVER MESSE to showcase a new device for converting serial data links into Fast Ethernet signals that will also be suitable for long-distance applications.

In the 35 years since it was founded, Taiwanese company KTI Networks has established itself as one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of Ethernet products. The innovative network solutions originating from its own hardware and software development department also meet high service and quality demands. KTI's industrial Ethernet experts are now unveiling a new serial converter in Hannover. The new KSC-361 converts serial interface signals into Fast Ethernet (and vice versa), which enables long-distance serial data link transfer – even over the Internet – and makes the device ideal for industrial automation.

The converter will be available in two models - the KSC-361-S2 with an RS-232 interface and the KSC-361-S4 with an RS-422/485 interface. On the Ethernet side, both models can be connected using either copper or glass fibers. The converter’s Power over Ethernet (PoE) feature provides additional flexibility by enabling the KSC-361 to obtain its power via the copper data cable as a powered device (PD).

What's more, the galvanic separation of its interfaces means the KSC-361 can be used in potentially explosive locations such as mines, refineries and gas stations. The scope of supply includes a mount for top hat rail mounting and an optional wall mount is also available.
KTI-Katron Technologies Inc. (22101 New Taipei City, Taiwan), Hall 9, Stand H26
Contact: Wen-chi Hsu
Tel.: +49 521 966 800
E-Mail: info@kti.de

Light enough?!
Just in time for this year’s HANNOVER MESSE, STEGO is presenting innovations including the LED Varioline - its new, powerful and compact LED enclosure lamp.

More light! Goethe's purported final words often serve as a catchy slogan for innovative lighting solutions and are entirely apt in this case, too, even though a prince among poets who is about to shuffle off this mortal coil no doubt has other things on his mind than poorly illuminated enclosures! Even electricians working with low voltages should, however, recognize the importance of good vision in this environment, which is not entirely without its dangers. STEGO Elektrotechnik GmbH from Schwäbisch Hall has been looking for a solution to this problem for some time and the company is now using HANNOVER MESSE 2018 to unveil the new LED Varioline – its most powerful LED enclosure lamp yet - which also offers users additional application options thanks to an integrated socket.

The anti-glare LED Varioline is 300 millimeters long, boasts a rotation angle of 120 degrees and is equipped with up to 30 hand-picked mid-power LEDs. With a power consumption of just 11 watts/hour at supply voltages of 100-240 V AC, the lamp delivers a light intensity of over 1000 lumens. That should be sufficient to illuminate even large enclosures homogeneously over their full height and depth for up to 60,000 hours. The tried-and-tested 6500 kelvin daylight color enhances safety further still with its natural and distinctive color reproduction. That alone, however, isn’t sufficient to justify including "Vario" in the product name. The lamp exhibits its full variability when additional electrical devices are operated in addition to the lighting function. For example, the LED 121 Varioline comes with an integrated socket for connecting diagnostic devices, laptops or other items. The LED Varioline also has a variety of power connection options. Depending on the application, users can choose from versions with an on/off switch, motion detector or door contact switch. Screw or magnetic fasteners ensure lamps benefit from a flexible hold while also being protected against enclosure vibrations.
STEGO Elektrotechnik GmbH (74523 Schwäbisch Hall, Germany), Hall 12, Stand E45
Contact: Siegfried Oerthel
Tel.: +49 791 950 581 81
E-Mail: soerthel@stego.de

AI - always one step ahead of the data thieves!
In the fight against cybercrime, DriveLock is using the first Endpoint Protection Platform to learn on its own thanks to artificial intelligence.

Like so many developments before it, the virtually all-encompassing digital networking of industrial production processes is both a blessing and a curse. Appropriate solutions are required at the right point to prevent malevolent forces such as industrial espionage and data theft from ultimately prevailing. Headquartered in Munich and with branches in both Pleasanton in the United States and Sydney in Australia, DriveLock SE has been one of the good guys for over 15 years. An internationally leading specialist in IT and data security, DriveLock has made a name for itself worldwide - above all with its Endpoint Protection Platform. At HANNOVER MESSE 2018, the Bavarian security experts are highlighting among other things how artificial intelligence can influence the eternal battle between good and evil in the future.

DriveLock Artificial Intelligence is the first Endpoint Protection Platform that faces up to the increasing complexity of ransomware attacks in the fight against cybercrime by continuously learning as it goes along. With concepts such as the predictive whitelisting method with application control, event assignment, anomaly detection & forensics and file content analysis, the measures used to ward off attacks sound almost as complex as the attacks themselves. Visitors with an interest in this field can obtain more details at the show. But in any event, it’s good to know that DriveLock security software is a solution developed exclusively in Germany without any backdoor issues, is subject to tough German data protection directives and protects devices with a multi-layer security concept.
DriveLock SE (81241 Munich, Germany), Hall 6, Stand E15
Contact: Udo Riedel
Tel.: +49 89 5463 64 90
E-Mail: info@drivelock.com

On the best of terms with the machine!
In addition to exhibiting a selection of high-quality aluminum enclosures that combine high-grade finishes with a wide range of design and styling options at HANNOVER MESSE, ROSE Systemtechnik will also be focusing on ergonomic human machine interface solutions with its innovative GTV light supporting-arm system.

Sensitive electronics and adverse environments are seldom compatible in the long term, so it's vital to reliably protect delicate components against external influences - preferably with enclosures that are designed for the relevant requirements. ROSE Systemtechnik from Porta Westfalica is one of the leading suppliers in this segment. At this year’s HANNOVER MESSE, however, the company will not simply be showcasing a selection of its robust industrial enclosures and highlighting their potential applications in a variety of sectors. It will also be spotlighting ergonomic HMI solutions with an innovative supporting-arm system.

The height-adjustable GTV light makes it quick and easy to adapt smaller loads such as machine or system control panels to the relevant user’s requirements during multi-shift operation. Even complicated programming procedures are far less of a chore with the GTV light, because it enables users to choose whether they want to work standing up or sitting down. The compact height adjustment system is ideal for use on machine tools, packaging machinery and printing equipment, and also in automobile manufacture, assembly automation and process monitoring.

Another ROSE highlight at the show will be the AluFormPlus aluminum enclosure. "This product family is a further development of our previous die-cast aluminum enclosures. It wins users over above all with its high-grade styling and is especially suitable for use in visible applications," explains ROSE's head of sales and marketing Heiko Felsmann. The sturdy industrial enclosures are made of high-quality metal alloys and meet the criteria for the IP 66 degree of protection. They offer an impact resistance of 7 joules according to EN 60079-0 and will reliably protect built-in components against dust and jets of water in harsh industrial environments.
ROSE Systemtechnik GmbH (32457 Porta Westfalica, Germany), Hall 12, Stand E49
Contact: Florian Buchtmann
Tel.: +49 571 5041-0
E-Mail: rose@rose-pw.de

What's so hard to grasp?
SCHUNK is in Hannover with a showcase that focuses on smart gripping, Industry 4.0, human-robot collaboration and digitization. Its exhibits include the latest generation of certified grippers for collaborative use.

It’s around a year since SCHUNK was honored at HANNOVER MESSE 2017 with the HERMES AWARD for the Co-act JL1 gripper - the world's first intelligent gripper able to interact and communicate directly with people. This global leader in gripping systems and clamping technology is now at HANNOVER MESSE 2018 to unveil the new SCHUNK Co-act EGP-C gripper - the first inherently safe industrial gripper, which has been certified to ISO/TS 15066 and approved by the German Social Accident Insurance Association (DGUV) for collaborative use. At the same time, SCHUNK is establishing "Co-act" (collaborative actuator) as a new brand name for its gripper technology range for safe human-robot collaboration.

Grippers of the future should be intelligent, compact, easy to use and mechanically powered. "Even though pneumatic components will continue to play an important role, the trend is clearly moving towards mechatronics," says Henrik A. Schunk, managing partner of SCHUNK GmbH & CO. KG. "The digital transformation of industrial production requires networked interaction between all components, especially in handling and assembly. At the leading world trade fair for industry, we’ll be showing how broad the spectrum of mechatronic gripping already is, how easy it is now to use the smart modules and what opportunities they offer for process monitoring closest to the part, i.e. directly on the workpiece."
SCHUNK GmbH & Co. KG (74348 Lauffen, Germany), Hall 17, Stand B40
Contact: Sonja Aufrecht
Tel.: +49 7133 103 2970
Mobile: +49 151 18800095
E-Mail: aufrecht@de.schunk.com

Harnessing analog data in digital applications
BD|SENSORS GmbH, supplier of pressure and level measurement technology, is at HANNOVER MESSE to establish an intelligent sensor level that acts as a data source for digitally controlled applications.

Since digitization has increasingly been making inroads into almost all areas of industrial production, HANNOVER MESSE has become even more important as the world's leading industrial trade fair, representing all the key technologies. For exhibitors, it is thus the ideal showcase for trends and innovations. In the Integrated Automation, Motion and Drives display area, for example, BD|SENSORS GmbH - a supplier of pressure and level measurement technology - is exhibiting its comprehensive product portfolio. This ranges from pressure transducers and differential pressure transmitters to digital pressure gages and pressure switches for use in a variety of media. Also included are level and submersible probes, data loggers and display/evaluation instruments. At HANNOVER MESSE 2018, BD|SENSORS is focusing specifically on products with digital interfaces that are particularly suitable for use in the Industry 4.0 environment.

The RS485 interface standard is already an established communications technology. It is ideal for industrial automation, yet is also resilient to interference, overcomes long distances and enables networking of sensors. At BD|SENSORS, it is always used to reliably measure system pressures, levels and differential pressures and to transmit data. The DCT 531 pressure transducer and DCL 531 correlative stainless steel submersible probe are therefore highlights in the "RS485 - Modbus" category. Both products are multifunctional tools for digitally capturing pressure and fill level data and offer impressive long-term stability. Their modular design and robust stainless steel enclosure further enhance their versatility. The DCT 531 reliably measures pressures in the 100 millibar to 400 bar range, accurate down to 0.25% FSO, while also boasting excellent temperature behavior. The same is true of the DCL 531 submersible probe, which features a pressure range of up to 250 bar and 0.35% accuracy.
BD|SENSORS GmbH (95199 Thierstein, Germany), Hall 11, Stand C51
Contact: Kristina Klimbt
Tel.: +49 9235 9811-2040
E-Mail: kristina.klimbt@bdsensors.de

3D printing in space
Astronauts may in the future be able to use 3D printing to make urgently needed tools and replacement parts themselves in a fast process, despite the absence of gravity. This is thanks to research by the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing.

On Earth, we generally don’t have any trouble if we're missing a tool or one breaks. We contact a tool dealer we trust or go to the nearest home improvement store. But what if this happens in space - on the ISS, for instance? The closest store is then at least around 400 kilometers away, and although Amazon has the appropriate delivery infrastructure in-house, they won't send their rockets for a wrench. So what can be done? One possible solution comes from Prof. Jens Günster, head of Ceramic Process Technology and Biomaterials at the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Berlin and professor of Advanced Ceramics at Clausthal University of Technology. He and his team are conducting experiments on additive manufacturing in microgravity conditions. They aim to show that astronauts on space missions can use 3D printing to make tools and replacement parts themselves where needed.

The precise name of the project, which is being presented by BAM at HANNOVER MESSE 2018, is "Powder-based additive manufacturing in zero gravity." The technology is designed to enable the production of urgently needed replacement parts or tools by applying layers of a free-flowing powder using 3D printing. The challenge is to stabilize the powder bed in the absence of gravity. To make this work, Günster has developed an innovative method that can be used to process the powder in a vacuum gas atmosphere.
German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (12205 Berlin, Germany), Hall 2, Stand C51
Contact: Fabian Fuhrmann
Tel.: +49 30 81043 035
E-Mail: fabian.fuhrmann@bam.de

Connecting the world
Stäubli Electrical Connectors is at HANNOVER MESSE to launch its new 16BL single-pole high-current connector system. This has been specifically designed with optimized safety functions and increased flexibility for (emergency) power supplies and industrial applications.

Since it was founded near Zurich in 1892, the Stäubli Group has grown continuously, both at a technological and geographical level. The international company is now divided into three main sectors - robotics, textiles and connectors. This third sector has produced the innovative 16BL connector system, which Stäubli is now unveiling at HANNOVER MESSE 2018. The 16BL boasts numerous innovations, enabling safe intuitive use and reliable power transmission under extreme environmental conditions in a temperature range from minus 40 to plus 120 degrees Celsius.

The 16BL connector system satisfies the IP65, IP68 and IP69 protection levels, is salt spray resistant and is designed for high power ratings up to 630 A. The robust components have been optimized for safe and easy use even in the most hostile conditions. The new 45-degree bayonet locking system and the crimp and reusable AxiClamp cable connections ensure reliable results. Color and mechanical coding also enables quick and intuitive identification and connection in the field with no risk of mix-ups. A microswitch integrated into the flush-mounted socket confirms to the user that the connection is in place. If the IEC 61984 requirements are met, it can also be integrated into a safety circuit for machine enabling. What’s more, besides high numbers of mating cycles, the tried-and-tested MULTILAM technology ensures consistently high contact quality with uniformly low contact resistance throughout the entire service life.
Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH Robotics (95448 Bayreuth, Germany), Hall 17, Stand C13
Contact: Lionel Holtz
Tel.: +41 613 0655 55
E-Mail: l.holtz@staubli.com

Just 30 seconds is all it takes
The patented QuickLock quick-change device, an innovative further development of the popular "S-Line" from CRE Rösler Electronic, optimizes availability times for panel PCs.

HANNOVER MESSE, the world's largest capital goods trade fair, is also frequently shortened to HMI, with the I standing for "industry", of course. However, HMI also stands for "Human Machine Interface", and optimizing this has been the focus for CRE Rösler Electronic GmbH for over 35 years. The company is a leading supplier of solutions for all areas of mechanical and process automation. Its in-house R&D department is constantly working on innovative solutions for a wide range of automation tasks. CRE Rösler Electronic is now at HANNOVER MESSE 2018 to unveil its latest developments in Industry 4.0, including an eagerly awaited revolution in the panel PC sector.

The patented QuickLock quick-change device is an innovative further development of the popular "S-Line" and is designed to help minimize fault-related stoppages. Thanks to QuickLock, a panel can now be replaced by just one person without any tools in only 30 seconds. The stand and supporting arm can be set at various angles, while the resistance moment of the rotary axis is also infinitely adjustable. All the PC's connections and interfaces are easily accessible in the large lockable connection area, with secure protection against unauthorized access. The device code and configuration data of the operating station can be stored using a storage medium located in the supporting-arm system’s wiring space. This enables users to log back on quickly and easily after replacing a panel. The panel is ready for use immediately and long production stoppages can be eliminated.
CRE Rösler Electronic GmbH (25551 Hohenlockstedt, Germany), Hall 9, Stand F81
Contact: Beatrice Kahlki
Tel.: +49 4826 3766643
E-Mail: b.kahlki@cre-electronic.de

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