Automation Region visits Hanover
For the first time, Automation Region is participating in Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial fair. Together with the Swedish Congress and Exhibition Centre and ten exhibiting companies, we are building an automation pavilion – a shop-front for our Swedish expertise and tradition of collaboration and innovation.
“We want to help promote the Swedish automation industry, which in many respects is world-leading,” says Catarina Berglund, Process Manager at Automation Region. “Together with the Swedish Congress and Exhibition Centre and our exhibiting companies, we are laying the foundations for new businesses and innovative collaborations which also encompass other strong Swedish industries.”
The automation pavilion constitutes an open surface of some 100 square metres in hall 11 at Hannover Messe. The pavilion features a café area with a “play corner” where visitors can enjoy a virtual experience or meet over a cup of coffee. There is also a stage where exhibiting companies and invited guests can present good examples and discuss smart solutions.
Every day of the fair, a gathering is arranged at the pavilion – either in the morning, during lunch or in the afternoon. The aim is to create a natural social forum for Swedish automation companies attending the fair whilst also stimulating new contact with international companies.
Ten Swedish companies are participating as exhibitors in the automation pavilion. In a compact format, visitors meet representatives from the Swedish automation sector, actors who present their unique contributions to the smart industries of the future. Below we will acquaint ourselves with three of these companies – Ekkono, Lumenradio and Stylaero.
Ekkono – local machine learning for quick decisions
Ekkono is developing software for edge machine learning – gathering and analysis of direct data via the units linked to an IoT network. The advantage of “local machine learning” is that each unit can make quick decisions without the need for data transfer and analysis in the cloud. The learning is also based on the individual unit’s specific conditions, environment and usage.
“We demonstrate our technology using a toy train,” says Jon Lindén, CEO of Ekkono. “The train is equipped with a compass sensor which feeds data into a machine learning module.”
After just a few circuits, the train has learned the track. Based on this information, it is then possible to detect deviations if something changes or goes wrong. All types of sensors, as well as combinations of different kinds of sensors, can be used.
“We count ABB, Volvo Husqvarna and Alfa Laval among our customers. With strong references and experience of working together with major companies, we feel well prepared to meet the German market,” Jon Lindén explains.
Lumenradio – stable connection in sensor networks
Lumenradio develops built-in software for the reliable wireless connection of products in industrial environments. The company’s patented wireless technology makes optimal use of the frequency spectrum. The technology is referred to as “cognitive coexistence”, which means that there is no interference with other radio traffic.
“Many competing technologies within adaptive frequency-hopping flood channels with a weak signal,” explains Christian Sahlin, Sales Manager for industrial customers at Lumenradio. “This works in smaller networks but quickly leads to synchronisation problems in more complex ones. Instead, we switch places between the good and bad channels, which means that the synchronisation also works in larger networks.”
Lumenradio’s technology can be used to create stable connections in industrial sensor networks where, for example, there are a large number of connected units feeding back operating data and machine status.
“At the fair, we will present a striking demo with one unit which records all current radio traffic and another which finds gaps in this traffic and sends data. Our aim is to make contact with OEM companies which may benefit from our solution,” says Christian Sahlin.
Stylaero – magnetic positioning and algorithms
Stylaero develops algorithms which combine various types of sensor data in order to solve challenges in the industrial sector. These include positioning problems, collision prevention, detection of changes or quality control. The company has its own patented sensor system which is based on changes in the static magnetic field.
“Using disturbances in the magnetic field we can for example identify and separate different metal objects on a production line,” explains Jörgen Nord, CEO of Stylaero. “We can also attach a permanent magnet to a machine or product that we wish to monitor and then follow its movements using magnetic sensors.
The magnetic sensor system is unique, but it has a limited range and is therefore often combined with other sensory technology. Stylaero’s algorithms interlink, categorise and analyse all available data. This creates new opportunities in areas such as room scale positioning, where magnetic and optical sensors can provide a high level of reliability when used together.
“We will demonstrate magnetic positioning and speak about the areas of use and benefits we envisage. Visitors to the stand will also be able to challenge us with concrete problems. The goal is to make contact with major industrial companies or with product developers in the industry.”
Visit us at Hannover Messe
Welcome to the automation pavilion at Hannover Messe, 1-5 April, hall 11. If you have any questions, please contact Marie Söderkvist Nyberg, marie.soderkvist.nyberg@automationregion.com or +46 (0) 73-662 14 06.
Our exhibiting companies
Automation Region and the Swedish Congress and Exhibition Centre’s automation pavilion is one of two satellites of the Swedish Pavilion which is coordinated by Business Sweden. Hosting the other satellite is the Swedish Energy Agency, which is participating in the fair together with a number of small and medium-sized enterprises within the Swedish energy sector.