SICK AG and Silicon Software GmbH are combining their expertise and working together to extend the SICK AppSpace eco-system with FPGA programming for embedded sensor and integration hardware. This collaboration is diversifying the range of application solutions available with sensors from SICK – even in areas such as industrial image processing. In addition to its own FPGA algorithms, in the future SICK will also use VisualApplets from Silicon Software for the graphical programming of tailored sensor and integration technologies. To ensure compatibility between VisualApplets and sensors from SICK, VisualApplets Embedder was implemented as a one-off solution. Both companies are market leaders in their respective fields and hope to use their combined knowledge to share in the strong growth in the sensor and image processing market.

This collaboration is allowing SICK to offer its customers the right sensor solution with an even more focused approach. The wide range of functions offered by VisualApplets with over 200 operators and the approach of FPGA programming using data flow models on a graphical user interface are opening up new markets and applications. "VisualApplets represents the logical next step for our SICK AppSpace software eco-system," explains Detlef Deuil, head of Product Management Vertical Integration Products. "For our in-house application software developers, and potentially for selected OEMs and system integrators as well, it is very easy to use real-time data processing in our sensor and integration hardware and implement powerful application solutions. All application developers from the various industrial sectors can benefit from the easy use and integration of VisualApplets in SICK products."

SICK offers a broad sensor and integration portfolio, ranging from compact sensors that are easy to operate, through configurable standalone solutions, and right the way up to flexibly programmable sensor systems for the most demanding of requirements. Access to SICK's own sophisticated FPGA functions and, in the future, to extensive operator libraries from Silicon Software is being provided in order to minimise the complexity, costs, and risks associated with implementing programmable sensor solutions. From established modules, this creates new, perfectly tailored solutions suitable for any customer requirement in any industry.

"We are delighted that SICK was won over by our embedded concept and that the powerful functions of VisualApplets are being used in a wide range of sensor and integration technologies, enabling SICK AppSpace to be developed further," adds Dr. Klaus-Henning Noffz, Chief Executive Officer at Silicon Software. "The reliable VisualApplets algorithms, which are used all over the world, will enable SICK to expand into new markets and industries. This will allow both companies to grow together and pass the beneficial effects of this synergy onto their customers."