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Presence-based workshop automation

Keep operators where the work requires them.

Create a configurable virtual boundary around existing equipment, then use the local occupied-or-clear signal to support attended-operation and keep-clear workflows.

LocalPresence processing
2Current operating modes
0Required subscriptions
Operator working at a GRIT-connected saw with another person present in the shop

The challenge

Machine runtime alone does not describe where the operator is.

A laser may require an operator to remain close enough to supervise it. A running CNC may require people to remain outside a defined area. Current sensing and badge taps do not answer either question by themselves.

Attended equipment needs proximity context

A signed-in user can leave the workstation while a laser or other process continues to run.

Automated equipment needs a clear area

A machine signal can show that a CNC is running without showing whether someone entered the configured boundary.

One detection area does not fit every station

Sensor placement and coverage need to match the physical work area, surrounding movement, and intended response.

Presence is only one input

Occupancy does not replace guarding, OEM controls, supervision, ventilation, or a qualified safety assessment.

The solution

Configure the boundary around the behavior you need.

The Presence Trigger reports whether someone is inside the configured coverage area. GRIT can use that state as a direct local trigger or to hold a linked GRIT Track session while the area remains occupied.

Attend zone

Confirm that the operator remains near the process.

Use RFiD hold mode with a linked GRIT Track reader so the signed-in session remains active while the configured area is occupied and its exit timer resumes when the operator leaves.

  • Useful for lasers and attended processes
  • Configured coverage area
  • Linked user session
  • Local occupied and clear events

Keep-clear zone

Detect entry into a defined machine area.

Place the coverage area around the space that should remain clear while a CNC or automated process runs. Trigger mode supplies the local occupied signal for the reviewed response designed for that station.

  • Useful around CNC and automated equipment
  • Live target feedback during setup
  • Adjustable activation and deactivation delay
  • Response confirmed per installation

A Presence Trigger is not a safety-rated presence device.

It adds an administrative and automation input. It does not replace a light curtain, safety scanner, machine guard, emergency stop, fire system, lockout/tagout procedure, or OEM safety control.

Configure Radar

Draw the coverage area against live target feedback.

The real Hub interface lets an administrator edit coverage zones, observe live targets, calibrate detection, and tune sensitivity, range, resolution, and departure hold time.

GRIT Configure Radar interface showing an editable coverage zone, sensor tuning, sensitivity margin, departure hold time, and resolution
The real Configure Radar screen used to draw a zone and tune how the Presence Trigger responds at the installation.

Step by step

How it works.

01Choose the behavior

Define whether the operating workflow requires someone to remain within an attend zone or stay outside a keep-clear zone.

02Place the sensor

Mount it where the configured coverage describes the intended boundary without capturing unrelated traffic.

03Calibrate coverage

Use Configure Radar to observe live targets, draw zones, and tune detection.

04Associate devices

Connect the presence input to the compatible gate, air-quality device, collector behavior, or GRIT Track reader.

05Test both states

Verify the occupied and clear response under real operating conditions before relying on it.

06Review operation

Recheck coverage when equipment, partitions, storage, or workflow changes.

Capabilities

Built for local context. Built to retrofit.

Editable coverage zones

Draw non-overlapping coverage areas around the intended station rather than treating the whole room as one undifferentiated area.

Live target feedback

Use the configuration view to observe detected targets while setting up the coverage area.

Direct trigger mode

Use presence as a first-class input for compatible dust-collection automation.

RFiD timeout hold

Keep a linked GRIT Track session active while the configured area remains occupied.

Local event handling

The GRIT Hub processes the occupied and clear events on site without requiring a cloud connection.

Retrofit deployment

Add a configurable boundary to compatible existing equipment without ordering a new CNC, building a bulky enclosure, or replacing the rest of the GRIT system.

Common questions

What presence sensing does and does not do.

No. Use required guarding, interlocks, emergency stops, and safety-rated sensing independently of GRIT Presence Trigger automation.
The Presence Trigger supplies the occupied event. GRIT must review the CNC, available control interface, intended response, and required independent safeguards before specifying how that event is used.
The Presence Trigger is useful where occupancy is the intended input. A current-sensing GRIT Trigger remains the direct way to detect an electric tool load.
The presence sensor reports occupancy. User identity comes from an associated GRIT Track reader and its signed-in session.

Get started

Ready to add presence context?

Tell us what the station does, what signal is missing, and what response you need. We will confirm whether the Presence Trigger fits.