Functional safety solutions

Solutions for a wide range of applications

1. Robots – Safe interaction with process sub-systems from an upper-layer safety network. For example, for the secure networking of robot cells with conveyor belts within paint shop applications. 
2. PLCs – Safe communication at the heart of the system – enabling safety PLCs to communicate with distributed safety devices.
3. Access Control – Know when someone enters a safety-critical zone by communicating the access state over the safety fieldbus.
4. AGV/AMR management – Fleet control by connecting the wireless moving devices to a central safe PLC.
5. AGV/AMR sensors – Connection of safety sensors, (e.g. Lidar) for personal detection on AGVs to safe PLCs.
6. Machine tools – Breaking down complex safety applications by adding safety communication to the different machine parts. Safe IOs or safety sensors within machines enable safe operation or shut down during maintenance or conversion of machines.

Your safety partner

Based upon more than 15 years of experience in functional safety according to IEC 61508, the Ixxat Safe solutions from HMS Networks have been developed to meet the various requirements for integration of safe data communication.
HMS also assist throughout the entire safety implementation process – from conceptual designs, with consulting services in terms of integration options for our safety solutions, to the development of safety hardware and safety software, to the certification, production, and delivery of modules and complete devices.

Q&A

Why are functional safe applications required?

Functional safety is crucial in engineering because it ensures that systems, machinery, and devices operate reliably, even in the presence of faults or errors. It involves implementing safety measures, like redundancy and error detection, to prevent accidents or failures, particularly in critical applications like automotive control systems and industrial processes, where human safety and asset protection are paramount. Failure to achieve functional safety can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Where and in what applications is functional safety used?

Functional safety is applied in various engineering domains, including automotive (ABS, airbags), aerospace (flight control systems), medical devices, and process industries. It is vital in industrial automation, robots, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), ensuring safe operation of machinery and autonomous systems, preventing accidents and harm to personnel in manufacturing, logistics, and material handling processes.

Why is functional safety becoming more and more important?

Functional safety is gaining significance in industrial automation due to emerging trends such as the proliferation of collaborative robots (cobots), the deployment of highly autonomous systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These trends emphasize the need to ensure safe operations in complex, interconnected industrial environments.