What is ifm mate?
mate [meɪt] stands for Manual Assembly Training Engineer and a helping hand. ifm mate is your reliable companion and guide for all manual assembly tasks - from simple to complicated - and ensures a consistently high level of accuracy when executing repetitive packaging tasks. ifm mate helps the worker achieve the required level of occupational safetyat every step. Time-consuming and costly on-the-job training by co-workers can be reduced, and rework to achieve the required quality can be avoided from the outset.
Individual real-time support
Instructions tailored to the worker guide them safely through the process
Simple, intuitive and flexible
Equipping and retrofitting without the need for experts, and simple adjustments possible - can be used by just about everyone
Without any bells and whistles
A deep learning system without any additional accessories. Wrist trackers or VR goggles are not required
"mate" by ifm
Tailored solution for production tasks, developed by our own production staff. Unique and award winning

High assembly variance, fluctuation and complex process sequences lead to a permanently high need for training in manual production - combined with an equally high commitment of resources when the experienced colleagues support the new ones with advice and assistance. That is commendable but - hand on heart - also not very economical.How about giving the new colleagues a full-time teacher who knows everything that's important? A colleague who is always available and points out deviations in good time and thus easily minimises errors. A buddy you can rely on in any production situation. A real mate.

• • Simple and intuitive set-up of the complete software and hardware package
  • Simple fitting and retrofitting of manual workstations
  • Special accessories such as tracking bracelets or VR glasses not required
  • Individual real-time support during packaging and assembly and for training workers
  • Visualisation of manual gripping processes and work steps

Integrated and upgradeable vision system

The O3R platform is the comprehensive solution for centralised, synchronised processing of image and sensor information in autonomous mobile robots such as AGVs. The simplified integration and reliable interaction of cameras and sensors enables the robust implementation of relevant functions such as collision avoidance, navigation and positioning.

In addition, analysis and dimensioning of stationary objects can be implemented, and is handled more effectively by means of several cameras. Examples include the measurement of pallets, logs, packages or suitcases.

The new Dualis: pays attention to every detail of surfaces and contours

• Combinable 2D inspection of surfaces and contours for maximum quality assurance
• User-friendly software simplifies inspection task set-up
• Powerful algorithms master even demanding requirements
• Reliable functioning in changing light conditions
• Maladjustment monitoring ensures reliable quality control

Extraneous-light resistant search and find expert
Missing retaining clips, threads that have not been milled properly, too much adhesive or incorrectly shaped components: The new Dualis detects all this with ease – as well as any other deviation of an object from the specified target conditions. Surface areas, contours, omissions or object rotation can be checked and evaluated individually as well as in combination. Thanks to the integrated daylight filter, the Dualis is extremely resistant to extraneous light. The version with integrated polarisation filter is ideal for applications with particularly highly reflective objects. The new Dualis is set up with the user-friendly ifm Vision Assistant software. Even complex tasks are quickly defined. Real-time maintenance options ensure reliable quality assurance. For example, changes in the continuously checked image sharpness and the image brightness indicate an unintentional maladjustment. In this case, the sensor can automatically issue a warning.

Fast replacement thanks to memory stick
The Dualis is equipped with an ifm memory stick on which the parameters are stored. In the event of a device replacement, the stick can be used to easily transfer all settings and parameters required for operation to the new Dualis. This considerably reduces the workload.

RFID for Industry 4.0: IoT solutions with direct connection to the IT infrastructure

• Lean infrastructure: direct data exchange between RFID system and IT level
• Standard Ethernet protocols simplify integration and interoperability
• Product diversity covers any requirement at any location
• IoT Core Visualizer simplifies the selection and transmission of data point URLs

Track-and-trace IT solution without detours
RFID systems are an excellent solution when it comes to product tracking in intralogistics. The new IoT-enabled RFID solutions of the DTExx5 series now make the implementation of track-and-trace systems even simpler and leaner thanks to establishing a direct connection to the IT system.
IoT Core Visualizer: easy access to data point URLs
The portfolio comprises compact UHF and HF solutions as well as an HF evaluation unit for up to 4 antennas. All units come with an Ethernet interface for bidirectional transfer of information via HTTP, JSON, or MQTT. Thanks to the concise IoT Core Visualizer, users can easily access the URL of each data point. This makes integration into their own software application very easy to achieve.
ifm IoT Core: easy IT integration
With ifm’s IoT Core, devices can make data, events and services available to interested parties. The ifm IoT Core supports various protocols in the Internet ecosystem such as HTTP, MQTT and JSON.
The right solution for every application:

DTE105 HF and antennasApplications are found in production lines where the evaluation unit is used for material flow control, or in guided material handling systems for coding of workpiece carriers.

DTE605 HF compact unitThe compact unit is ideal for long writing/reading distances.

DTE805/905 UHF compact unitThe compact UHF RFID system is suited for long ranges. In material logistics, for example, the device can determine whether the right material is available in the required quantity for the production order.Current Bulletin

Robust data distribution: Ethernet switches for field applications

• 6-port Ethernet switch compatible with all common automation protocols and IIoT applications
• Flexible voltage supply with or without daisy chain
• Suited for mobile machines thanks to increased operating voltage and temperature range
• Robust housings, food-grade option available

Ethernet switches for field applications
The decentralised modules serve as network nodes between the participants in the field. They are connected directly via robust and reliable M12 connection cables. The use of EVC connection cables with ecolink technology ensures a particularly robust connection and thus reliable data transfer. The M12 connector ensures a much more secure connection than an RJ-45 connector - especially outside the control cabinet.

Robust proven materials
The Ethernet modules are the perfect choice, even in the most difficult environments: The materials and production methods are identical to the EVC jumper cables.

Advantages and customer benefits

Expansion of the IO-Link master family
The Ethernet switches are the perfect addition to ifm’s IO-Link master family. They feature the same design, port configuration and standardised M12 connections.

Also suited for mobile machines
With their increased operating temperature and voltage range as well as high vibration and shock resistance, the switches are also suited for harsh environments. In addition, the E20 approval means that the product is also suited for use outside vehicles.

Simple voltage supply
The Ethernet modules offer different connection options for the voltage supply: an A-coded M12 connector and an L-coded M12 connector. The latter can be daisy-chained to other modules of the product family.