The convergence of information technology and production engineering offers scope for lots of new ideas – and opens up exciting opportunities for start-up businesses. We profile six successful start-ups exemplifying the range of new businesses being established.
Turning data into knowledge
US company Sight Machine, founded in 2011, has developed one of the leading production analysis platforms. The software-as-a-service solution transforms machine and sensor data into usable knowledge by which companies can improve their processes and manufacturing quality. Sight Machine uses flexible algorithms to analyse data from industrial cameras, sensors and factory software. Among other features, the system provides companies with real-time reports on quality problems, retrospective analyses of product variations and errors, or predictive analyses to improve processes.
www.sightmachine.com
Developers of cyber-physical systems
Synapticon, which was established in 2010, specialises in hardware and software for connected systems involving the intensive use of sensors and actuators. The company offers flexible products and tailored solutions in the fields of robotics, self-driving vehicles, industrial automation, special-purpose machinery, and the Internet of Things. Using the DYNARC platform, developers of cyber-physical systems are able to construct, configure and program distributed computer systems fully integrating actuator control, sensor data acquisition and broadband data processing.
www.synapticon.de
Smart locating
Swedish company Locusense has developed a location system for indoor use which is able to identify the positions of objects solely over wireless communications networks. To do so, the objects are fitted with a Locusense tag. Based on a number of fixed reference tags with known positions, smart antennas can determine the positions of any number of “mobile” objects. No complex and costly configuration is required. New tagged objects are automatically detected. The cost of this solution is kept down thanks to cheap components and the low power consumption of the tags.
www.locusense.com
Build-your-own Augmented Reality
The Bitstars company has developed a software-as-a-service platform which its customers can use to create their own Augmented Reality applications. The concept is founded on very simple and intuitive operability. The platform is a user-friendly tool for creating 3D content for Web, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality applications. The generated 3D content can be easily integrated into websites as well as being used in Augmented and Virtual Reality apps for Google Glass, smartphones and Google Cardboard. Previously this almost always needed expensive custom-made software.
www.bitstars.com
Precision automated handling
The aim of Magazino, founded in 2014, is to integrate warehouse logistics systems into Industry 4.0 and connect them to the Internet of Things. To that end, the company has developed a system that permits precision handling of single items. Equipped with a state-of-the-art camera system and a gripper mounted on a three-axis linear system, the Magazino Kado enables automated handling of single items in automatic picking and into-stock procedures. The imaging system precisely detects every object on both single-type and consolidated load carriers. The handling system can be linked to existing warehouse facilities.
www.magazino.eu
Real-time imaging
Rialgo Realtime Systems develops complex real-time signal processing systems for its customers. Founded in 2010, the company develops software systems for Industry 4.0 and Smart City applications, as well as applications for automated monitoring and quality assurance which demand real-time signal processing (imaging), bulk data processing and highly efficient data communications. One example of an application is the fitting out of production lines with camera systems that perform visual inspections and automatically detect defects.
www.rialgo.de
(picture credits: Fotolia: olly)