Sensor-Technik Wiedemann (STW) will be showcasing control, communication, and service solutions at this year's Agritechnica in Hanover – both for challenging high-end requirements and for pragmatic, streamlined automation applications. OEMs benefit from full flexibility and comprehensive support from the experts in mobile automation.
Modern agricultural processes demand more and more transparency and efficiency. At the same time, functional safety and cyber security must be considered from the beginning. STW, based in Kaufbeuren, Germany, offers agricultural machinery manufacturers a comprehensive portfolio of control, sensor, communication, and service solutions to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of machine operators and (EU) regulations. The company will be presenting the highlights of its portfolio from November 9-15 in Hanover at Agritechnica in Hall 17, Booth D12.
High-performance controllers for autonomous machines and (high-speed) ISOBUS applications
One of the highlights of STW's presentation will be the technology-leading HPX.ai-vision high-performance platform. It enables the comprehensive automation of machines and robots in a single device. The HPX.ai-vision is a preconfigured, flexibly adaptable, and expandable surround view system with optional ASIL-B safety certification. It offers a user-friendly basis for complex (partially) autonomous processes and powerful assistance systems using sensor fusion. With its multiprocessor architecture, the system can take on automation tasks that previously required multiple controllers. For Agritechnica, STW has once again expanded the range of functions and is now enabling the functionally safe connection to brake assistance systems. This allows the creation of autonomous vehicles that react dynamically to objects in their path and independently recognize and avoid dangerous situations.
STW presents the powerful ESX.4cl-ag for controlling actuators and attachments. Optimized for agricultural applications, this mobile controller is “High-Speed ISOBUS ready” thanks to its integrated Ethernet switch with single-pair Ethernet interfaces and features 6 CAN interfaces as well as 56 low-side and high-side outputs. For functionally safe applications, the controller can be pre-certified according to SIL 2 / PLd, AgPLd Cat 2, and ASIL B.
The BCX.4cs-ag body control unit addresses for agricultural machines, first of all implements, but is also used in other industrial sectors as an all-in-one solution. It handles the protection, distribution, switching, and control of electrical energy on these devices. The control unit is ISOBUS-certified and can switch up to 15 A via 4 high-side outputs. Thanks to the absence of electromechanical components and its compact dimensions, the BCX.4cs-ag can also be installed in inaccessible locations. With the help of the on-board power supply control unit, future-proof tractor implement management solutions can be implemented.
Powerful, newly developed communication modules
STW has expanded its TCG data management and connectivity family for communication between agricultural machines or with cloud-based management systems. In addition to WiFi and Bluetooth communication, the TCG.5 supports the 5G standard and therefore high-speed data transmission and real-time capability via the mobile networks. Other communication channels such as machine-to-machine or via satellite are also planned. With RTK, machines can be positioned with an accuracy of 0.8cm, enabling precision farming. Linux-based programming makes application engineering easy. The new ARM quad-core CPU enables the processing of large amounts of data in real time, which can primarily be fed in via four single-pair Ethernet interfaces.
The TCG.nano also optionally supports 5G communication and Linux, is equipped with an i.MX9 processor (optionally as a dual-core) and has a single-pair Ethernet interface. This makes it an economical alternative for less complex applications. Just like the TCG.5, the TCG.nano is also out-of-the-box software-ready for connection to cloud platforms and the use of cloud computing services, for example from the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem.
Cyber security for agricultural machinery
STW also provides comprehensive support to OEMs in future-proof protection against cyber security risks. A team of specialists helps with the design and testing of software modules for compliance with upcoming EU regulations such as the Machinery Directive (MVO) and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Among other things, STW offers penetration and zero-day security tests to identify any security gaps and initiate countermeasures.
Last but not least, the long-established Kaufbeuren-based company will present its comprehensive portfolio of sensor solutions for measuring acceleration, rotational speeds, inclinations, strains, temperatures, and pressures. Like the entire STW product range, they are designed for use in the harshest conditions and have protection classes up to IPX9K.
STW at Agritechnica: Hall 17, Booth D12.