At SPS 2026 in Nuremberg (24–26 November), SICK will build its stand around three themes: safety technology, machine vision and digitalization. In Hall 7A, Booth 340, visitors will find configurable safety solutions for guarding hazardous points and access areas. The stand will also feature new code readers and AI-based 2D and 3D vision systems for quality inspection.
A further focus is Sentio, SICK’s IIoT platform, which shows how IO-Link sensors can be integrated into scalable digital solutions and how networked sensor data adds value. Track & Trace solutions for following material through the flow of goods round off the line-up. SICK experts will also answer questions about the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
The company is exhibiting under the motto “We create value together,” presenting itself as a full-scope partner for automation and digitalization across industries. Tobias Güttler, Vice President of Product Management at SICK Vertriebs-GmbH, explains that SICK supports customers from a single sensor up to complete systems, throughout engineering and the full product lifecycle. That support includes tackling the Machinery Regulation and CRA requirements from the start of a project.
Safety solutions that tell people from material
Safe Adaptive Access (SAA) is a non-contact protective system for material handling. It monitors the infeed and outfeed zones of machines with hazardous movements. It can distinguish between people and conveyed goods without additional external signals or sensors. The system combines two microScan3 safety laser scanners, a SIM1200 interface and a Flexi Net safety controller. It reaches Type 4 / SIL 3 / PL d and adjusts its protective fields automatically to the height, width and position of the load, such as cartons on pallets. This makes flexible, work-oriented safeguarding possible in automated handling plants.
The DCM4 extension module adds smart functions to deTec4 safety light curtains. These include fixed and floating blanking, smart restart interlock and, in the Advanced version, extended reduced resolution, all of which raise productivity in finger and hand protection. As an alternative to muting, its Object Pattern Recognition (OPR) safely monitors access points while material is moving. It distinguishes people from pallets, transfer cars and mobile robots while the protective field stays active.
The new Flexi Net safety controller, certified up to PL e, targets both stationary and mobile machines as well as networked lines. The CPU can be expanded with up to 12 modules, such as Flexi-IOs and Flexi-Gateways, and several machines in a line can be linked together. The logic supports up to 512 function blocks. TÜV-certified blocks shorten validation and reduce the effort of conformity assessment. Integrated HTL inputs and dedicated function blocks for Safe Motion make the controller suitable for mobile robotics in production and logistics.
SICK will also show safety simulation and hazard-zone protection for indoor and outdoor mobile robots and vehicles. Further demonstrations cover safe human-robot collaboration and reliable object identification in pick-and-place tasks.
Getting ready for the Machinery Regulation and the CRA
Two regulations that affect machine builders take effect in 2027. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies from 20 January 2027. Unlike the old Machinery Directive, it explicitly covers software-based control, artificial intelligence and networked machines. It also requires protection against corruption of safety-relevant hardware and software, which brings cybersecurity into scope. The CRA becomes mandatory on 11 December 2027 and sets minimum cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements.
SICK has followed a binding cybersecurity strategy for years. All new products with digital elements are developed in a CRA-compliant process. Its safety products therefore meet the PL and SIL functional safety requirements of the new Machinery Regulation. With its Flexi series controllers, SICK says it is one of the first suppliers to apply the new CRA requirements to industrial automation.
AI-based quality inspection with machine vision
SICK will introduce SICK Nova 3D, the 3D edition of its SICK Nova machine vision software. Users can evaluate 3D sensor data with graphical tools instead of code. The software inspects objects using spatial features such as volume, position, shape and surface texture. With Nova 3D Intelligent Inspection, these checks can be AI-based. The software runs on devices such as the Ruler3000, Visionary-T Mini and LMS4000, covering both 3D imaging and LiDAR.
The Lector82x is a compact, image-based code reader for industrial and logistics identification tasks. It reads codes reliably at short distances and offers a large depth of field, so it fits tight installation spaces. Its connection concept, rugged design and wide range of interfaces simplify integration into automated lines.
Sentio by SICK: an IIoT platform for digital transformation
Reliable data acquisition, integration and analysis form the basis for monitoring and optimizing processes. SICK’s Sentio IIoT platform takes a multi-level, end-to-end approach. It covers engineering, device management and the seamless connection of SICK hardware and software to existing systems, making technology selection for digitalization projects less complex.
- Sentio Integration builds scalable solutions for connecting IO-Link sensors on top of SICK’s gateway range, including the SIG300 IO-Link master.
- Sentio Insights visualizes and analyzes sensor data across the whole portfolio, from simple IO-Link sensors to complex track-and-trace systems.
- SICK CorivaHub is a real-time locating system (RTLS) for industrial use that keeps track of material throughout the flow of goods.
Visitors can find more information and book meetings via SICK’s SPS page.