NEO series

From vision to reality: NEO line goes into series production – Safe draw-wire encoders for mobile machines!

What was shown as a “concept prototype” at bauma 2022 in Munich is now ready for series production, just in time for bauma 2025. With the NEO series, SIKO is unveiling the next generation of reliable, compact and, above all, safe draw-wire sensors for up to 15 m in tough conditions on mobile machines, such as construction machinery, industrial trucks, and crane and lifting technology. 

At bauma 2025 in Munich, the sensor specialist SIKO is presenting the new generation of draw-wire encoders, which had already provided a glimpse into the future as a prototype back in 2022. “We held intensive discussions with our customers and partners and further developed the original concept based on this valuable feedback. The NEO series now coming onto the market clearly underlines our claim to be a leader in the field of wire-actuated encoders for mobile machines” explains Mathias Roth, Manager Business Unit Mobile Automation division at SIKO.

PURE.MOBILE: The platform behind the NEO series
The name NEO stands for “New Electronic Options”. The new sensor series is based on the latest version of the PURE.MOBILE sensor platform developed by SIKO. Like all sensors from SIKO for this industry, this sensor platform has been developed with 100% focus on use in mobile machines. That brings certain advantages: the new sensor system works with contactless magnetic measuring technology and is therefore completely wear-free. Moreover, the mechatronic multiturn system used does not need a battery or any other energy-generating system, and is therefore not only safe, but also maintenance-free for years – even at the lowest temperatures. 

Compact and powerful: Up to 25 percent slimmer
The new generation of draw-wire encoders is characterised by an intelligent and reliable housing design. This protects the wear-free electronics and is the robust backbone of the sensors. The impact-resistant, toughened plastic housing can withstand not only a wide range of fluids, but also direct sunlight (UV radiation) over the long term. Protection class of IP67 or, as an option, IP6K9K, high resistance to shocks and vibration, and E1 certification according to UN ECE R10 by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority are just some of the key features of these draw-wire encoders. All these functions are integrated without affecting the compact design. The sensors are up to 25 per cent slimmer than their predecessors and are therefore perfect for integration into machines with limited installation space.

Robust mechanics meets smart sensor technology: NEO for challenging tasks up to 15 m
The new NEO series will be available as the SG31NEO with a measurement length of up to 3.2 m, the SG61NEO for up to 6 m, the SG121NEO for up to 12 m, and the SG150NEO for up to 15 m. The sensors are based on the proven draw-wire mechanics of SIKO. The draw-wire mechanics known for years for their especially high operational performance in mobile machines have important features and functions to allow them to adapt to tough conditions of many different sorts. In addition to a wide choice of wires, the sensors have options for avoiding ice formation, many wire fixing variants, and proven sealing and temperature architecture, which is necessary for them to work reliably at -40°C and in permanent wet conditions for many years. 

For safety-critical applications: CANopen Safety 
To make installation as easy as possible for customers in the mobile machine sector, the sensor connection, which comes as an M12 plug or cable outlet, can be ordered radially or axiallyIn addition to a CANopen safety interface for safety-critical applications up to performance level d (PLd), a CANopen interface will also be available for uncomplicated integration into the control system. In future, the sensors will be extended to include an SAE-J1939 interface and its safety-enhanced derivative, the SAE-J1939 Safety. The new NEO series is therefore making the proven and well-known draw-wire encoders from SIKO even more efficient, flexible and compact.