Projects
Over the years we realized many interesting projects for our customers. Our electronics and embedded systems are used in many applications and products, most of the time invisible to the end customer. Since confidentiality is important for our customers we decided to not give a reference list, but to introduce some of our projects to give an overview of our array of products.
To detect hidden nuclear radiators it is often mandatory in sectors such as steel production or waste management to measure radioactivity. Our customer offers bridge measuring machines for trucks or railway wagons, conveyor belt systems or flue gas detectors. Measuring the spectrum of gamma rays takes place with the help of a scintillator in combination with a photomultiplier. The output signals are then interpreted by the electronics we developed. To evaluate the data, two powerful 32bit-microcontrollers are used which prepare the data and send it to a server via Ethernet. The measurement electronics do not only offer the actual measuring function but also substantial additional functions, e. g. dynamic temperature stabilization and an additional channel for a Geiger-Mueller-tube. Power supply can be achieved through either a wide range input or power-over-Ethernet. Since the measurement electronics is being operated under harsh conditions it is designed to work in a wide range of temperature and is non-sensitive to vibrations.
The integration of innovative deposit safes or self-payment-systems in existing IT infrastructure has to be as easy as possible for retailers and banks. Our objective is to integrate our newly developed hardware and software smoothly in current processes not having to alter them.
For a deposit safe for banking and retail applications we developed a complete electronics and software solution. The development includes interfaces for controlling and programming bill validators as well as a PC application that is integrated in a browser. All transactions are protocolled by the application and the balance of the safe can be requested manually or automatically. The software which can easily be internationalized is remarkably easy to use and offers versatile options for customized modifications. Furthermore, the software is completed by an update server which allows the easily installation of new updates of the application and also new data sets, for example when reissued euro bills are introduced. Independent of the development of new systems for cash handling we also take on integrating these systems in the IT infrastructure of bigger retail chains and banks.
Sometimes the challenge doesn’t lie in a complex development, but to find a cost-effective and easy solution: A leading German manufacturer of industrial plug connectors requested optimization and production of an existing circuit for rotary field indications. Our customer emphasizes the importance of “Made in Germany”: High labor costs are justified by a high standard of quality. The challenge here was to optimize the assembly of components to enable a cost-efficient series production in order to remain competitive. Annually we are manufacturing several thousand assemblies that are sold worldwide by our customer.
Another service we offer our customers along the value chain is the support and realization of product certifications. An example: The CE-certification for a water dispenser whose electronic assemblies have been developed and manufactured by our company. We accompanied the entire process of measuring and compliance of the EVM directive according to the norms DIN EN 61000 and DIN EN 55014. Furthermore we conducted testing which served the compliance of the lower-voltage directive. Testing was based on DIN EN 60335 for the security of electronic devices for domestic use and similar purposes. On the basis of our test documentation our customer was able to issue the CE declaration of conformity at short notice.
Booking components incorrectly into the warehouse can have fatal consequences for the production of electronic systems. If such an error is detected too late, a complete remanufacture of the assembly may be necessary. There are similar problems in other industries as well. That is why we are developing a software that will recognize, analyze and transmit relevant information on the packaging of electronic components to the inventory management system. The corresponding research project WIKI is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
The aim of the project is that employees only have to scan the incoming goods as well as the delivery note and compare the actual with the specified quantity. In addition to location suggestions, the software offers the possibility to automatically trace flawed components to the manufacturer at any time and to identify already delivered affected assemblies. With the help of artificial neural networks, the software can adapt and further develop itself independently to changed or new labelling in the future. The solution has a higher error tolerance compared to existing systems. Therefore, cost efficiency and quality in production can be significantly increased.
Start of the project: October 1st, 2020
Project duration: 24 months
Walkers are necessary items for many people to live an active and independent life. However, misuse and bad postures can lead to potential dangers such as a higher risk of falling.
The project “ModESt” under the lead of Budelmann Elektronik aims to develop a system promoting safety while using a walking aid. The system in the form of a small electronics box is to be attached to the walker and is supposed to analyze, evaluate and correct the user’s posture. Through the aid of distance sensors, the user’s posture is registered in relation to the walker. With the data collected, the posture can be evaluated in real time and bad postures be detected. Thus, with intuitive, discreet feedback the system can help to correct the posture, eventually preventing the user from falling. Budelmann Elektronik is responsible for developing hardware and electronics and writing hardware related software.
After successful completion of the project, the support system is to be used by the elderly with posture problems as well as by the health-impaired. With this, quality of life of the target group can greatly be improved by reducing the risk of falling, diminishing constraints on mobility as well as insecurities while walking.
Project launch: January 1, 2017
Project duration: 36 months
Project Partners: Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH, Bremen; Gesundheit Nord gGmbH | Klinikverbund Bremen, Bremen; TOPRO GmbH, Fürstenfeldbruck
(Image: TOPRO GmbH)