Pilz at InnoTrans 2016 in Berlin – Digital control technology for railways: safe and economical

At the InnoTrans 2016 exhibition the automation company Pilz will be showing how industry-proven automation technology can be used in the railway sector. The stand will focus on the automation system PSS 4000-R, which enables Industrie 4.0 mechanisms to be transferred to railway technology. Pilz solutions can be used in applications up to the highest safety integrity level SIL 4; they also meet the normative requirements of CENELEC and support the open RaSTA protocol. Pilz uses virtual reality to help exhibition visitors experience the wide range of application areas for Pilz control solutions.

Pilz is a safe automation partner to the railway industry. Our products and systems can be used to resolve control tasks on the track, on the train and on railway-related applications. They do this efficiently and in compliance with the high safety requirements", explains Renate Pilz, Chair of the Board of Pilz GmbH & Co. KG.

Rapid engineering, optimised diagnostics and maintenance
The automation system PSS 4000-R exhibited in Berlin satisfies the specific requirements of rail transport. On the one hand it consists of universal control systems, which are robust against electromagnetic interference, extreme temperatures and mechanical loads. On the other hand, the automation system contains the software platform PAS4000 for preparation, configuration and parameter setting. Various editors reduce the configuration work, improve diagnostic options and simplify maintenance and repair. The overall solution meets safety and environmental requirements up to SIL 4 in accordance with CENELEC.

En route to Rail 4.0
The automation system PSS 4000 enables clear control even of complex and distributed plants. The system relies on the distribution of control intelligence in the field and a modular plant structure. So Pilz transfers key elements of Industrie 4.0 to the requirements of rail transport.

PSS 4000-R can be used in various applications within the railway industry with different safety integrity levels. These include control or monitoring functions in the signalling area, such as signal monitoring on level crossings, control and safety technology or the signal box connection. Control functions on rail vehicles and track building machinery can also be implemented. Visitors to the exhibition can experience the wide range of application areas and options thanks to virtual reality (VR): VR glasses convey the details of a railway application to visitors, an application in which they can move about and explore.

"Industry corner" for new applications
An "Industry corner" completes Pilz's exhibition stand. This is where the company exhibits other industry-proven products and systems that can be used to resolve safety-related applications in the railway sector. The products exhibited include guard locking devices for safety gates as well as a textile with sensory capabilities, which can be used for passenger protection in the door area.

Pilz is exhibiting at InnoTrans in Hall 6.2, Stand 405.