PARTNER CONTENT
Built from real-world testing needs
The development of digiBOX didn’ t happen in a vacuum. HBK’ s roots in test and measurement provided critical insight into the challenges manufacturers face – especially around validating products in fast-paced development cycles.
With shorter product lifecycles and increasing customization, manufacturers need the ability to simulate years of wear and environmental conditions in a controlled environment. HBK’ s technology is designed to make that possible.
“ Despite all the digital simulation tools available, you still need real-life testing with prototypes,” Guckes explained.“ That’ s where advanced measurement systems like digiBOX come in – they help bridge the gap between product development and production reality.”
Tangible results in the field
One HBK customer is using digiBOX to enable collision detection in driverless trains operating in mining environments – a high-stakes use case where system reliability and real-time diagnostics are critical. But this is just one example of its broad applicability.
In a more general sense, manufacturers using digiBOX have seen improvements in:
■ Efficiency
■ Cost-effectiveness
■ Fault detection
■ Automation of manual processes
Guckes likens the transition to adopting digiBOX to the way cloud-based navigation apps have transformed the way we travel – more visibility, more control, and smarter decision-making.
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Looking ahead: from smart sensors to AI integration
The team at HBK isn’ t stopping at edge-level intelligence. Their roadmap includes even more compact and cost-efficient amplifiers, with a focus on advancing digital capabilities and embedding smart algorithms. Future HBK offerings will emphasize:
■ AI-powered analytics
■ Cloud-based data platforms
■ Easier integration for operators at all levels of technical skill
“ Our goal is to simplify the complexity of smart manufacturing,” said Guckes.“ Whether it’ s enabling condition-based maintenance or streamlining commissioning, we want to make it easy for our customers to use intelligence at every level.”
Advice for manufacturers new to IoT
For companies exploring IoT adoption, Guckes has clear advice: focus on increasing automation and flexibility by investing in sensors and amplifiers with built-in intelligence and communication memory.
“ Look for components that can store fault histories, communicate with both machine control and cloud platforms, and be easily swapped out by minimally trained staff,” he said.“ That’ s where the real value lies – not just in data, but in what you do with it.”
HBK’ s digiBOX proves that great innovation isn’ t just about creating new products – it’ s about redefining how manufacturing works. As industries evolve, tools like digiBOX will be critical to enabling a smarter, more sustainable future. ■
www. hbkworld. com / en
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