As a reminder, Weidmüller was already active in the field of automation until 2000 with its own I/O systems - Winbloc and XI/ON - as well as HMIs and IPCs. With the sale of the solutions to Moeller (now Eaton) and Turck, the corresponding activities were put on hold - until 2013, when the Detmold-based company launched u-remote, a modern and extremely compact remote I/O solution for both IP20 and IP67 applications. The system supports the most common communication systems such as Profibus-DP, Profinet, Ethercat, Modbus TCP, Devicenet, Ethernet/IP or Powerlink via corresponding bus couplers. Using appropriate safety modules for connection to Profisafe or Fail-Safe-over-Ethercat (FSoE), it is also possible to implement simple safety applications.

According to Michael Matthesius, Head of the Automation Products & Solutions Division at Weidmüller, the u-remote system is now being used by around 700 customers worldwide. However, what has been missing until now, but has recently been increasingly in demand, is a suitable control solution for the I/O system. - A gap that is now to be closed. At SPS IPC Drives, Weidmüller is presenting its first self-developed PLC for small and medium-sized applications in the same housing as the u-remote bus couplers under the name 'u-control'.

Engineering completely web-based

The controller, which is scheduled for market release in mid-2018, is based on a dual-core ARM A9 with 624 MHz and 512 MB RAM and up to 32 GB program memory. The PLC functionality is integrated on one core via a real-time operating system, while the Linux-based engineering software runs on the second core. The engineering software was developed entirely using open web technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript). This means that the browser becomes the application platform for the user and allows system configuration, programming in accordance with IEC 61131-3 and connection to interfaces (e.g. HMI) in a web-based engineering tool. No complex installation is required as this software is already integrated in the control system. Thanks to web technologies, the control system can be monitored, programmed and updated from anywhere in the world via a direct (u-control device) or indirect connection (Internet). The only requirement is an HTML5-capable browser. "Our new control system is unique in this combination," says Michael Matthesius with conviction.

The basic version of the engineering tool is available license-free. Depending on the application, additional required functionalities such as visualization, fieldbus connection (initially u-control will support Ethercat) or OPC-UA can be purchased as an app via a corresponding store. In the medium term, Weidmüller plans to add an even more powerful controller to u-remote, which will be programmable with Codesys.

From now on, Weidmüller will combine the set of new and upcoming automation components under the term 'u-mation'. In addition to the existing remote I/O system including the safety modules and the aforementioned controllers, this also includes new operating devices in an aluminum housing or with IP67 protection, which will also make their debut at SPS IPC Drives: The Basic Line includes resistive multi-touch panels with 4.3", 7" and 10" diagonals, while the Advanced Line includes capacitive multi-touch panels with sizes of 7", 10.1" and 15.6". The portfolio is rounded off by the existing, web-based remote maintenance solution 'u-link'. Weidmüller intends to integrate the latter into the u-control control solutions in the future in order to provide a direct and secure connection to their data.

What happens next?

Even if the frequently requested control technology with u-control will now be available in the near future, the next question from customers is almost inevitable: When will Weidmüller cover industrial PCs and drive technology in addition to I/O systems and PLC technology? Matthesius: "Both are a must and will come!" He does not want to commit to an exact date. However, this is not expected before 2019.

With the existing u-mation modular system, the planned addition of drive technology and the data analytics expertise acquired in recent years, Weidmüller believes it is now ready for a second attempt at automation. "Admittedly, we have some catching up to do in this respect," admits Matthesius openly, but adds in the same breath: "Nevertheless, we believe that now is the right time to re-enter the market, especially as many new technologies and players are currently appearing on the scene. We want to play an active role here with our new approaches and not just take on the role of a 'late follower'."

The fact that Weidmüller is serious about this is underlined, among other things, by the recent establishment of its own 'Automation Products & Solutions' division, in which the Detmold-based company bundles its relevant consulting and services, products and solutions and, last but not least, its expertise in combining automation and digitalization technology.