New From KEYENCE: IV4 Vision Sensor and FR Series Radar Level Sensor

Sensing and measurement leader KEYENCE has released two new products to its extensive repertoire of radar and vision products: the FR series radar sensors that specialize in level monitoring and the IV4 vision system that features KEYENCE’s next-generation AI.

The FR series radar sensors and The IV4 series Vision Sensor with Built-in AI. Image used courtesy of KEYENCE

Level Monitoring Made Easy With Radar

The FR series of radar sensors is KEYENCE's latest non-contact sensor designed for detecting levels of liquids and powders. The FR series includes a short-range series (FR-S series) that can detect levels up to 1.5 meters and a long-range series (FR-L series) that can detect levels up to 15 meters away. Additionally, each series will feature a standard model and a chemical model. The short-range series will also include a compact model, while the longer-range models include a sanitary option.

Some models of the FR radar sensors will be equipped with a bright green indicator light and an easy-to-view LCD display. Image used courtesy of KEYENCE

KEYENCE has included various valuable tools to simplify installation and integration. The FR series radar sensors are equipped with 5 digital outputs, a 4-20 mA analog output, and IO-Link. When used with the ethernet module, the radar sensor can communicate with a variety of protocols, including Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, CC-Link V2, and EtherCAT.

The FR series is designed to be maintenance-free, making it less susceptible to dirt buildup compared to other sensors. It can be used in any environment and is capable of detecting material through plastic, allowing it to accurately detect levels in sealed plastic systems.

The IV4 series vision sensor can be used in a variety of applications, including high speeds of up to 250 parts per second. Image used courtesy of KEYENCE

The IV4 Series Smart Vision Sensor

The newest generation of IV sensors now includes KEYENCE’s next-generation AI technology for error-proofing and quality detection. The IV4 series will now include four new AI Features: AI Identify, AI OCR, AI count, and AI trigger.

• The AI identify feature automatically identifies the desired targets, regardless of orientation or position, without requiring the position tool.
• AI OCR (optical character recognition) simplifies the painstaking process of character recognition, and it can even identify logos and characters in other languages through additional learning.
• AI count can be used to detect missing components or count parts in motion on a conveyor or while free falling.
• AI trigger is an innovative feature that can reduce hardware requirements. With the vision sensor capable of determining when to trigger, no additional sensing is necessary.

The IV4 vision sensor is equipped with standard connectivity to any network using PROFINET, Ethernet I/P, or Modbus TCP/IP. It also offers other network connections such as DeviceNet, EtherCAT, CC-Link V2, Profibus, and RS-232, but these require additional hardware. The sensor can be set up using a desktop or laptop with KEYENCE hardware installed, or it can be programmed via a separate purchasable 7-inch control panel, just like any of KEYENCE’s other IV vision systems.