SIKO Releases Safety-Certified IMU for Mobile Machinery

SIKO GmbH has introduced the IMS365R, a safety-certified inertial measurement unit (IMU) for use in mobile machinery and off-highway vehicles. The sensor is designed to provide precise inclination measurement in dynamic, safety-critical applications.

The IMS365R is certified to SIL2 and PLd standards. It incorporates an integrated Kalman filter and a sensor-fusion algorithm to filter out disturbances such as lateral acceleration, shocks and vibrations from the inclination signal. This allows the unit to deliver stable and precise inclination values for machines like excavators, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), and agricultural equipment.

The sensor measures inclination, acceleration and rotation rates along all three spatial axes. It outputs this data, as well as Euler angles for pitch and roll, via a CANopen Safety interface. The measurement axes can be individually aligned to match specific installation conditions, either manually or automatically by the sensor itself.

For operation in varying climates, an integrated heating element can be activated through the interface to ensure consistent performance during temperature fluctuations. The unit’s housing features a low-profile design of less than 26 mm and includes two M12 connectors, which allows for multiple sensors to be connected in a daisy-chain configuration to reduce wiring. The IMS365R has E1 approval according to UN ECE R10 for use in vehicles operating on public roads.

Features

• SIL2 and PLd certification
• Integrated Kalman filter and sensor-fusion algorithm to mitigate motion-induced disturbances
• Provides safety-rated inclination, acceleration, rotation-rate and Euler angle data
• Measurement is independent of mounting orientation
• CANopen Safety interface for data transmission
• Integrated heating element for temperature stability
• Low-profile design of less than 26 mm
• Dual M12 connectors allow for daisy-chaining
• E1 approval for use on public roads

Applications

The IMS365R is intended for motion detection and position measurement in mobile machines, including:

• Construction machinery
• Agricultural and forestry machines
• Industrial trucks
• Crane and lifting equipment
• Autonomous guided vehicles