In November, the VDMA announced a new working group, which is now starting its work: the VDMA Working Group Wireless Communications for Machines, or AG WCM for short. According to the VDMA, it will create an institutional and interdisciplinary framework for cooperation with the telecommunications industry and other interest groups. At the same time, the previous VDMA 5G User Group will be dissolved, but its activities will be transferred to the new AG WCM.

"With the establishment of the Wireless Communications for Machines working group, the VDMA is supplementing its 'Big Picture Industry 4.0'. This includes the Industrial Digital Twin and Umati activities and now the wireless connectivity component," says Hartmut Rauen, Deputy Managing Director of the VDMA.

Focus on application

The focus of the WCM working group is on applications. "The working group offers an application-oriented platform for companies that are striving for the targeted integration of wireless solutions in their machines, plants, production systems and throughout the company," emphasizes Ralf Neubert, Vice President R&D Schneider Electric and Chairman of the newly founded working group. "At the same time, non-technical aspects also play a role in the successful introduction of wireless communication solutions, which companies must take into account in order to exploit the potential of the technology," adds Neubert.

With 81 founding members , interest in the new working group is high. "The high level of participation in the working group shows the relevance of the topic of wireless networking in mechanical and plant engineering in both stationary and mobile applications," says Dr. Reinhard Heister, Managing Director of the working group. Mechanical engineering at the heart of Industry 4.0

Mechanical and plant engineering is at the heart of Industry 4.0, with connectivity and interoperability forming the basis for this. The use of industrial-grade wireless solutions in mechanical and plant engineering offers new application and value creation potential and requires new forms of cooperation. Even before the VDMA 5G User Group was founded in May 2019, the VDMA was already working intensively on the topic of 5G. The aim was to support members in the application of 5G by transferring knowledge and experience. The experience gained shows that, in addition to 5G, the mechanical and plant engineering industry also has a need to consider other industry-compatible wireless technologies. The new WCM working group builds on this basis.