Sensors from Automationdirect can detect shapes, sizes

Wide-area sensors These sensors use multi-beam arrays of photo eyes to detect objects of various sizes and shapes as they pass through the target area on a conveyor. Two versions are available. The CX0 series can sense objects up to about 20 feet away at a detection height of about 12.6 inches; the CX2 series triples the detection height to about 38 inches. Both versions have an IP67 rating for protection against dust and water. They start at $200 and come with a three-year warranty.

What's new? The sensors, which hit the market in June.

Benefits Efficient conveying. In addition to detecting an object's presence, the sensors can also determine — and transmit to a controller — the object's height, which could indicate if a part is out of spec or is in a different orientation than expected.

Automationdirect, Cumming, Ga., 770-889-2858, www.automationdirect.com