The team of four specialists set themselves the goal of remotely controlling a handling system via a cloud. The system was to use self-learning algorithms to enable predictive and automatic maintenance.

SMC provided the basis for the project - the handling system. Hirschmann designed the infrastructure solution, which uses TSN technology to securely transmit data with different priorities and protocols without interfering with each other. This platform enables the simultaneous use of a network by video technology and control technology. Beck IPC developed the cloud technology, which enables communication from the sensor to the cloud and also control of the machine via smartphone. The NXTGN components process the data delivered to the cloud to provide services such as the digital twin and integration into CRM and ERP service processes with access to real-time IoT data. As a result, it is possible to automatically derive both production orders and service assignments using predictive maintenance algorithms. A nice side effect: with the help of Microsoft's business analytics solution - Power BI - meaningful analyses of past machine data can be displayed, and forecasts can be created visually using machine learning algorithms.

The machine is connected to a server in Frankfurt via Beck IPC's IoT protocol. It can be operated using a smartphone, which is also connected to the server via IoT. The smartphone's sensors react to the movements of the hand and transmit this to the cloud in real time. From there, they are forwarded to the SMC positioning system and the movements are executed accordingly.

A digital twin is displayed on the machine using AR glasses. All information is already cloud-based and linked to a CRM system so that customer requests or faults can be responded to quickly.