Worker guidance system – connect two worlds with the Ixxat INpact

Sarissa‘s core knowledge includes the technology for locating the worker‘s hands and hand-guided tools in space, as well as the development of algorithms to calculate the coordinate data correctly and reliably at all times. 

The core of the Sarissa system is the PositionBox, an innovative xyz coordinate sensor that makes it easy to determine the 3D position of hands and hand-held tools without the need for additional length and angle measuring systems.

In combination with Sarissa‘s QualityAssist software, the system supports the operator in his work and decision-making processes through innovative operator guidance.

The Sarissa system: The core of the system is the PositionBox (left), an innovative xyz coordinate sensor that makes it easy to determine the 3D position of hands and hand-held tools (right).

The challenge

In order to address customers with existing worker guidance systems - especially in the automotive industry - Sarissa was looking for a way to offer its own localization system as a product for integration into third-party worker guidance systems.

The PositionBox is based on an industrial PC (IPC) with application software programmed in .NET. This IPC was connected via Ethernet TCP/IP to the PLC or the PC of the customer-specific worker guidance system. 

Particularly in connection with PLC systems, which are designed for cyclic processes with I/O values, increased latency times were found in the complex processing of coordinates using PLC function blocks.

The processing of coordinates with PLC programming languages is very complex and not least „uncharted territory“ for programmers.

Ixxat INpact is the solution for connecting PLC systems with the high-level languages used on PCs. These are definitely two worlds! They collide with the wrong approach; but the Ixxat INpact is the chain link that makes this connection possible – simple and powerful!

R. Rode, Sarissa GmbH, Development Director

The solution

In order to solve the problems mentioned above, the pre-processing of the extensive data streams, such as the real-time coordinate values, should be carried out on the PositionBox.

The direct connection to the customer‘s own fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet systems was the method of choice for achieving a high data throughput with low latency times. 
To make this possible, Sarissa decided to use the Ixxat INpact multi-protocol interface card.

In collaboration with Sarissa, the HMS team created a .NET-based, protocol-independent programming interface within a few weeks’ time to easily integrate the interface into the Sarissa application software.

Both the high demands on data throughput and latency were successfully met with the Ixxat INpact and the system was presented to a wide audience at MOTEK 2017.

In addition to the certified PROFINET connection, the Ixxat INpact allows easy connection to other fieldbuses and industrial Ethernet networks – making it an extremely flexible and future-proof solution for Sarissa.