Discover Benelux | Flemish Drone Industry, (Industrial) Robotics & Automation Technology | When Only The Best Will Do
Welcome to the future: industrial automation and motion control
TEXT: EVA MENGER | PHOTOS: SEDACTA
In just over two years, Belgium firm Sedacta has managed to manifest itself as a true expert in all things motion control. Previously working for the automation department of a much larger firm, operating under a new name has allowed founder Thomas Mortier and his two partners to fully focus on industrial automation. As a member of the Valtech Group, they now work with clients across various industries, from countries all over the world. “Offering complete solutions is our strength,” Mortier tells us. “Collectively, our team of engineers offers a wide variety of disciplines, whether it’s for local projects or global installations. In addition, we take pride in our client-focused approach. If a client comes to us with a particular challenge, we’ll go above and beyond to reveal the roots of the issue, using our expert insights to provide informed, sustainable solutions.” As a big player in the field of motion control, Sedacta combines fast movements with highly
accurate positioning, which can then be used for feeding U-beams and sheet metal, as well as other materials such as wood panels and latex foam. “Accurate positioning, high accelerations and fast reaction times are what we know best,” Mortier admits. As such, their client base mostly includes companies in the automotive (Volvo Trucks, MAN, DAF) and transformer (ABB, Siemens) industries, as well as firms specialised in perforating sheet metal (Armstrong, RMIG, Arcelor Mittal). As experts in the automation industry, Sedacta has also been increasingly active in different fields of the production process. “We are driven by value-creating technology,” says Mortier. Through the integration of Industry 4.0, robotics and vision technology, we help our customers evolve into smart factories of the future. Get in touch via info@sedacta.com to find out more.
Sedacta is active in various fields of the production process
Web: www.sedacta.com, www.valtechgroup.eu
Where tradition meets novelty TEXT: EVA MENGER | PHOTO: NELE VANDENPUT
Michael Maes had already had a long career in aviation when he stumbled upon a television report on drones. He promptly decided to apply for a job within the drone industry and after several experiences, he was given the opportunity to start as director of EuroUSC-Benelux, managing RPAS accreditation services for drone operators, flight schools and manufacturers in the Benelux. Maes: “What fascinated me most about drones was the novelty of it. Suddenly, aircrafts were built in response to demand from all kinds of industries, from governmental institutions to individuals wanting to use it for recreational purposes. At that early stage, I felt that my background in traditional aviation could add significant value.” To date, the firm’s biggest challenge by far has been integrating drones into society. “People are still very sceptical towards the fact
that it concerns an unmanned aircraft,” Maes explains. “Pilots don’t like the idea of drones interfering with their work environment, and the lack of evidence around drone safety is enough to put people off.” That said, the demand for professional drone services is rising steeply, with more and more industries looking to improve their efficiency through the use of drones. Focusing mostly on pilot competencies and drone assessments, EuroUSC-Benelux is the go-to place for businesses looking to get involved with drones. “EuroUSC was on the cradle of regulating the industry, creating opportunities for companies on the safe use of drones, while also helping police forces and fire services, who are increasingly using drones for assistance and things like crowd control,” Maes tells us. But no industry is welcoming the drone business as eagerly as unmanned traffic management, ultimately promoting an integrated drone future. “AirSure, our latest application,
adds value by offering safe and reliable services for authority, operators and (un)manned navigation service providers alike,” says Maes.
Assessing a drone equipped with transponder.
Want to know more? Get in touch with the EuroUSC-Benelux team via admin@eurousc.aero
Web: www.eurousc.aero
Issue 61 | January 2019 | 33