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Manufacturers of mobile machines need powerful systems that make it easy for them to implement their robotics solutions and highly automated processes. With the HPX.ai-vision, the specialists from STW in Kaufbeuren offer a user-friendly solution for this. The high-performance platform processes camera, radar and LIDAR information in parallel, for which a large number of interfaces are available. This allows up to 8 cameras to be connected. Thanks to the integrated AI algorithms and the powerful multiprocessor system, developers can use the HPX.ai-vision to create high-performance and functionally safe environment detection systems that previously required several controllers. Thanks to an integrated multi-core microprocessor that supports functional safety and cyber resilience, the high-performance platform offers options up to ASIL-B safety certification. Applications in mobile robotics in particular require automation components that meet functional safety requirements and offer protection against cyberattacks.

As with all STW components, the HPX.ai-vision is designed for the most challenging environmental conditions. Although the platform offers high-performance components such as a quad-core CPU, an integrated FPGA and an AI accelerator, the system comes in a robust die-cast aluminum housing with protection class up to IP6K7 without active cooling.

The high-performance platform is delivered as a preconfigured but flexibly customizable environment detection system – optionally also with compatible cameras. Thanks to Linux support and a dedicated AI development environment, application developers can quickly and easily implement their application and manage data for downstream automation components and software.

Holistic system realization 

At iVT Expo, STW will be showing a glass demonstrator to show how holistic automation systems can be built using STW control, sensor and communication components. The HPX.ai-vision, which processes the environmental information with AI support from several cameras and thus recognizes objects or people, is also at the center of the automation system presented here. A powerful ESX.4cl-ag controller is responsible for the functionally reliable processing of data from the SMX.igs-a (inclination) and SMX.dms-a (strain) sensors and for controlling the actuators. The machine data is forwarded to the TCG-4 connectivity module, which sends the data to the cloud.

The TCG-4 enables access to the AWS (Amazon Web Services) ecosystem using the STW Basic IoT Bundle. This service prepares the machine data according to industry standards and makes it usable for AWS services. Among other things, cloud services for (AI-supported) visualization, data processing and analysis as well as machine learning are available in the AWS universe. It is also possible to forward the processed data to ERP systems.

With its LTE, Bluetooth and WiFi support, the TCG-4 is also the ideal solution for over-the-air updates, as required by the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which comes into force in 2027. This means that software features can be added later or cyber security measures can be conveniently installed remotely.

Securing competitive advantages 

STW offers machine manufacturers an all-round package to create future-proof machines with a competitive advantage. The requirements of the market in terms of AI-based assistance systems, functional safety, cyber security precautions and cloud service support can be easily met with the STW modular system consisting of powerful hardware and user-friendly software.

The automation experts from STW will be welcoming trade visitors at stand 6190 at the Cologne exhibition center on June 11 and 12.