Banner Engineering
Industrial sensor manufacturer with strong presence in DC and manufacturing automation
Banner Engineering is a Minnesota-based manufacturer of industrial sensors, safety products, and machine vision systems. In DC environments, their Q Series photoelectric sensors are widely used in conveyor and sortation applications. Their safety light curtains and area scanners are deployed in robotic and automated systems. Unique in the sensor category for their LED lighting and wireless sensing products that extend into facility-wide monitoring applications.
DC and manufacturing automation applications needing reliable photoelectric sensing, safety light curtains, and US-based manufacturing and support
Explosion-proof or heavy process industry applications — Pepperl+Fuchs or SICK are stronger there
Strengths
- US-manufactured with strong domestic application support
- Complete safety product portfolio from sensors to controllers
- Wireless sensing products extend beyond traditional wired sensors
- Good value vs. European competitors
Weaknesses
- Less global distribution network than SICK or Pepperl+Fuchs
- Vision system less mature than Cognex or Keyence
Practitioner analysis
Banner Engineering is a US-based industrial sensor manufacturer — photoelectric, safety light curtains, vision, and wireless sensors. Strong reputation for reliability and US-based manufacturing. Comprehensive safety product portfolio is a particular strength.
Banner is premium-priced vs. Asian alternatives but reasonable vs. SICK or Keyence. Strong in standard photoelectric and safety applications; vision system is less mature than Cognex. Service is typically via integrator channel.
Standard photoelectric, safety light curtain, and wireless sensor applications across DC and manufacturing automation.
Vision system less mature than Cognex/Keyence. Verify safety product certifications for your specific applications.
Questions to ask in your RFP / demo
- For our specific safety application, what are the safety ratings and certifications?
- What is the cost differential vs. SICK for equivalent specs?
- What is the typical lead time for standard products?