Within industrial automation, safety laser scanners are increasingly used as an alternative to traditional physical guarding. Particularly in modern production environments, logistics installations, and mobile transport systems, there is a growing demand for flexible safety solutions that protect personnel without unnecessarily restricting processes. Safety laser scanners make it possible to continuously monitor two-dimensional areas and respond immediately when persons or objects enter a hazardous zone.
The Datalogic Sentinel safety laser scanners provide a solution for such applications. The Sentinel SLS-SA5-08 and SLS-SA3-08 are designed for machine safety applications in accordance with SIL2 according to EN/IEC 62061 and Performance Level d according to EN ISO 13849-1. The scanners can be used for both stationary machine safeguarding and mobile applications such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). Thanks to flexible zone configuration, safe speed monitoring, and support for multiple detection fields, these scanners are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
A safety laser scanner is an electro-sensitive protective device that monitors an area around a machine or vehicle using a rotating laser beam. The scanner detects objects and persons within predefined safety fields. As soon as a person or object enters an active protective field, a safety output is triggered, allowing a machine to be safely stopped or a vehicle speed to be reduced.
Unlike physical fences or safety light curtains, safety laser scanners offer a greater degree of flexibility. The protective fields can be configured via software to suit the application, allowing a single scanner to be used for different operating modes or machine conditions. This makes safety laser scanners particularly suitable for dynamic applications where movement patterns or work areas frequently change.
Within industrial automation, safety laser scanners are commonly used in robot cells, conveyor systems, packaging machines, palletizing systems, and mobile vehicles. Especially in environments where humans and machines operate together without fixed guarding, scanners provide a practical safety solution.
The Datalogic Sentinel series includes the SLS-SA5-08 and SLS-SA3-08, among others. Both models are designed for safety applications requiring reliable zone monitoring. The main difference between the two versions is the safety range. The SLS-SA5-08 offers a range of up to 5.5 metres, while the SLS-SA3-08 is suitable for applications with a safety distance of up to 3 metres.
The remaining technical characteristics are largely identical. Both scanners support up to six configurable zone sets and are suitable for applications up to SIL2 and PLd. In addition, both models feature Ethernet configuration via the SL Sentinel software and support IO-Link communication.
The six zone sets are predefined detection profiles that can be activated depending on the application or operating mode. Within one active zone set, up to three safety zones can be active simultaneously. This allows multiple detection fields around an AGV or machine to be monitored at the same time.
These characteristics allow the scanners to be used for both fixed machine installations and dynamic applications on vehicles and mobile robots.
Safety standards play an important role in safety components used within machine construction. The Datalogic Sentinel scanners are designed for applications in accordance with SIL2 according to EN/IEC 62061 and Performance Level d according to EN ISO 13849-1.
SIL, or Safety Integrity Level, is used to classify the reliability of safety functions. SIL2 indicates that the scanner is suitable for safety functions where significant risk reduction is required. Within machine safety, SIL2 is commonly applied to moving machinery, conveyor systems, and mobile vehicles.
In addition, the scanners comply with PLd according to EN ISO 13849-1. This standard focuses on the reliability of safety-related control systems. PLd is considered a high safety level suitable for many industrial applications where serious injury must be prevented.
However, the final safety classification of a machine always depends on the complete safety system. The scanner is only one component within the overall safety architecture.
An important function of the Datalogic Sentinel scanners is the ability to configure different detection zones. The scanners operate with one safety zone and two warning zones. This allows a machine or vehicle to respond in stages to approaching persons or objects.
The safety zone (orange) forms the primary protective field. As soon as a person or object enters this zone, the safety function is activated and, for example, a machine is stopped or a vehicle is brought to a standstill. This zone is intended for direct personnel protection.
Surrounding the safety zone are two warning zones (blue). When an object enters these warning fields, the scanner detects it, but no immediate machine shutdown occurs. Instead, warnings can be activated or the speed of a machine or vehicle can be reduced. This creates a layered safety strategy in which the system first responds preventively before a complete stop becomes necessary.
The zones can be flexibly configured and adapted to the application. This makes it possible to tailor detection fields to specific machines, vehicles, or travel directions
The Sentinel scanners support up to six configurable zone sets. This flexibility is particularly important in applications where machines or vehicles operate under varying conditions. A zone set consists of a fully configured detection profile with safety fields, warning zones, and additional settings that can automatically be activated depending on the operating mode.
Within each active zone set, up to three safety zones can be active simultaneously. This enables multiple detection fields to be monitored at the same time, for example at the front and sides of an AGV or around different access points of a machine.
For AGVs or mobile robots, different safety fields can be activated depending on the speed or direction of travel of the vehicle. When a vehicle moves slowly, a smaller detection field may be sufficient. At higher speeds, a larger safety field is generally used to provide sufficient reaction time.
Asymmetrical detection fields are also possible. This allows a scanner, for example, to monitor a larger area in front of a vehicle than at the sides or rear. This improves the efficiency of mobile systems without compromising safety.
Configuration of these fields is carried out via the SL Sentinel software. This software allows safety zones, warning zones, and switching logic to be configured via software.
Within intralogistics and automated transport systems, safety laser scanners are widely used on AGVs and AMRs. In such applications, the scanner continuously monitors the environment around the vehicle.
When a person or object enters a warning zone, the vehicle can automatically reduce its speed. Once the safety zone is reached, the vehicle is brought to a complete stop. This principle of safe speed monitoring makes it possible for mobile vehicles to safely operate together with operators in the same working environment.
The scanners can also be used on automated carts and forklifts. Thanks to the flexible detection fields, vehicles can safely manoeuvre in narrow aisles, intersections, and production environments where personnel are present.
An important advantage of safety laser scanners on vehicles is that physical guarding is not required. This keeps transport systems accessible and flexible without fixed safety fencing.
In larger installations, it may be necessary to combine multiple scanners for complete coverage of a machine or vehicle. The Datalogic Sentinel series supports linking up to four scanners via a single cable connection.
This makes it possible to create an integrated safety system with multiple detection points. This is particularly relevant for large machines, production lines, and complex AGV configurations.
Multiple scanners can be configured simultaneously via the SL Sentinel software. This simplifies not only installation, but also maintenance and diagnostics. Parameters can be centrally managed, allowing changes to be implemented more quickly and consistently.
Configuration of the Datalogic Sentinel scanners is carried out via Ethernet using the SL Sentinel software. This software provides extensive options for configuring detection fields, warnings, and safety functions.
In addition to configuration, the scanner also supports diagnostic functions. Users can, for example, read error messages, manage field configurations, and analyse operational data.
The scanner also supports IO-Link communication. IO-Link is used for additional process and status information and simplifies integration into modern industrial networks. Although IO-Link is not a safety protocol, it does provide additional possibilities for monitoring and maintenance within automated systems.
Another important function of the Datalogic Sentinel scanners is the muting functionality. Muting makes it possible to temporarily disable specific parts of a protective field under controlled conditions.
This function is often used on conveyor systems and material infeed applications. When products automatically move through a protected area, a standard safety field would continuously cause machine stops. With muting, the system can distinguish between permitted objects and unwanted human presence.
A practical example is a conveyor system where products move through a safety zone towards a machine. The scanner temporarily ignores only these products, while persons outside the muting area are still detected.
Muting can also be applied in automated material handling applications, allowing pallets or vehicles temporary access to a protected zone without stopping the machine.
When applying muting, a correct safety analysis is essential. The function must be designed in accordance with the relevant safety standards and include controlled activation, fault detection, and safe reset procedures.
The Datalogic Sentinel scanners are designed for industrial applications and feature an IP65 protection rating. This means the scanners are protected against dust and water jets, which is important in production environments where contamination or moisture may be present.
In addition, the scanners operate within a temperature range of -10 °C to +50 °C. This allows them to be used in a wide range of industrial conditions, including warehouses, production areas, and logistics installations.
The scanners operate on a 24 Vdc supply voltage and feature industrial M12 connectors for power and communication. These connectors are widely used within machine construction and industrial automation due to their reliability and robust construction.
When implementing safety laser scanners, a complete risk assessment must always be carried out. For example, the minimum safety distance must be determined according to EN ISO 13855. Reaction times, stopping times, and approach speeds all play an important role.
Environmental factors such as reflective surfaces, dust, smoke, and vibration must also be taken into account. Incorrect positioning of the scanner can result in unwanted detections or reduced performance.
Validation of the complete safety system also remains essential. A safety laser scanner alone does not guarantee a safe machine. The entire system, including the control system, safety relays, actuators, and stop functions, must be tested and validated in accordance with the relevant standards.
The Datalogic Sentinel SLS-SA5-08 and SLS-SA3-08 safety laser scanners are designed for flexible zone monitoring within industrial automation, machine safety, and mobile applications. Thanks to support for SIL2 and PLd, the scanners are suitable for a wide range of safety functions where reliable personnel detection is required.
With features such as configurable zone sets, multiple simultaneous safety fields, warning zones, safe speed monitoring, muting, and the ability to connect multiple scanners, the systems offer a high degree of flexibility within modern production and logistics environments.
The choice between the SLS-SA3-08 and SLS-SA5-08 is primarily determined by the required detection range. For applications requiring larger safety distances, the SLS-SA5-08 offers a range of up to 5.5 metres, while the SLS-SA3-08 is suitable for more compact applications with a range of up to 3 metres.
Correct integration into the overall safety system, including risk assessment and validation, remains essential to ensure safe operation in accordance with applicable machine safety standards.
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