03 April, 2019

As a leader in safe automation technology, Pilz International Services Group (ISG), provides training to Safety Engineers from all over the world.

An important aspect of this training is undertaking risk assessments on live machinery installations, which on this occasion, was facilitated by CIT on the Bishopstown Campus.

This training took place on robotic systems, previously developed by Pilz in conjunction with CIT, providing a learning experience for engineers on automation, robotics, safety related controls systems and CE marking, under the mentorship of Senior Pilz Engineers. 

Dr. Matt Cotterell, Head of School of Mechanical Electrical and Process Engineering at CIT said CIT have been pleased to work closely with Pilz down the years.

“Pilz is a world-leader in the development and provision of industrial safety and automation systems. Customer training and certification is also a key activity and its International Services Group (ISG) in Cork attracts automation/safety engineers from all over the world,” he said.

In March 2018, Pilz opened a new €7.4 million software development centre in Cork. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility coincided with the 20th anniversary of the company’s presence in Ireland.

During that time Pilz and CIT have built a strong collaborative relationship contributing to student formation and employment. In addition to the development of robotic systems, CIT has worked with Pilz on safety related control systems for welding applications, pick and place applications as well as the development of a robotic cell.

This robotic cell, which is based on the Pilz PSS 4000 Safety PLC can be programmed in the main EN/IEC 61131-3 languages for standard and safety tasks and can be configured using the graphics Program Editor.

Combining this system with several of the commonly encountered safety monitoring devices, such as Light Curtains, Magnetic Locking Interlocks and Emergency Stop Actuators, has ensured CIT students have access to state-of-the-art technology.

All these systems have been CE Marked in conjunction with CIT to expand the learning experience for students on how to build automated systems that are compliant to applicable European Directives, such as the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

Pilz ongoing collaboration with CIT provides a mutually beneficial partnership enabling CIT students to encounter real world engineering challenges in a safe manner, while supplying the robot systems and lab facilities to conduct on-site training delivery to engineers.

Dr Cotterell said that in its Cork facility, Pilz develops products and software for deployment globally and CIT is most fortunate to have access to this state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

“Pilz is a major employer of CIT graduates and we collaborate actively to ensure we maintain this talent pipeline into the future,” he added.