IIoT Sensors from VocalZoom Include Built-in Data Processing and Wireless Connectivity
VocalZoom’s laser sensors measure location, motion, and vibration levels to monitor critical industrial processes.
VocalZoom (VZ), an Israel-based sensor company, has announced an autonomous sensor system aimed at the industrial internet of things (IIoT).
VocalZoom explains that the unit amalgamates no-contact sensing, data processing, and communications in a single package, allowing manufacturers to quickly and efficiently monitor crucial operational parameters in real-time.
Vocal Zoom’s Autonomous Sensors. Image used courtesy of VocalZoom
VZ’s sensors can operate on wet, hot, and moving surfaces and can also work through glass barriers. This system is designed to act as a complete standalone solution for monitoring, edge processing, and data analytics.
uControl’s Wireless IoT Platform
The VZ Autonomous Industrial Sensors uses Ucontrol’s IoT platform for data processing and communications.
uControl’s UPC platform is part of the VocalZoom laser sensor system. Image used courtesy of uControl Wireless
This platform offers built-in data edge processing, eliminating the need for multiple devices.
What Can the Sensor Do?
The VZ Autonomous Sensor, described as "flexible" and "multi-capable," features data processing capabilities for measuring vibration, velocity, and distance. It can also measure an object’s shape, thickness, weight, and rotation.
The device can function in tough industrial environments, resisting humidity and moisture as well as extreme cold or heat.
The device's flexible computational capabilities allow it to configure and adapt to industrial monitoring challenges. The customizable dashboard allows on-premise or cloud-based monitoring.
Stand-out Specs
- Optimal working distance: SR model: 25 mm; FR model: 700 mm
- Maximal measured velocity: sensitivity 15-bit (signed 16-bit) is 256 counts/(mm/sec)
- Distance measurement: semi-static target, average over 0.5s, (DT<0.50) - 0.2%
Physical and Electrical Considerations
Because everything for the VZ Autonomous Sensor is included in one package, installation can be quick and maintenance, simple.
When using battery power, smart power management effects low power consumption. The unit uses 3.3 V at 11 mA and 1.8 V at 75 mA. The operating temperature range is from -10℃ to +70℃.
Other Key Features
Computational flexibility. A range of algorithms enables flexible data edge processing configurations.
Connectivity. The unit automatically sets up Wireless LAN. Users also have the option of wirelessly streaming raw data to a secured gateway. Designers can also establish connections to programmable logic controllers (PLC) or to on-premises computers.
Alerts. The sensor can send urgent alerts by buzzer, SMS, or email. Real-time values and IoT system health data can be communicated via customizable dashboards.
How Will Next-gen Sensors Shape IIoT?
Tal Bakish, VZ CEO, believes that “data from next-generation sensors will shape the future of industrial IoT by reducing the cost of implementation, solving new use cases, and helping factories become smarter and more efficient.”
He continues, “Our Autonomous Sensors revolutionize the Industrial IoT by providing a complete-monitoring and edge-processing solution in a single, compact package that saves manufacturers time and money while providing the most accurate monitoring possible.”
Two of VZ’s autonomous sensors on the job. Image used courtesy of VocalZoom
VZ’s sensors will find applications in oil and gas, food manufacturing, water utilities, power and energy, and automotive manufacturing. They will also be useful for equipment operators and in factories.
Do you work with IIoT? In what ways do you think the smart factory will ramp up in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
