V15 of the TIA Portal offers extended application options and more functions for digital transformation. The new features include the multifunctional platform for the integration of high-level language applications, the integration of handling functions and 2D to 4D kinematics with Simatic S7-1500 controllers, the connection and programming of robots and the integration of additional drive systems including safety acceptance testing.

With the multifunctional platform in the Simatic S7-1500 controller portfolio, users can now create and use high-level language applications with C/C++ and standard programming tools such as Eclipse. In combination with new technology CPUs for the Simatic S7-1500 controllers, handling functions with 2D to 4D kinematics can now also be programmed, simulated and put into operation in TIA Portal. Robot functions are also available in TIA Portal V15. Robot manufacturers such as Kuka and Yaskawa have provided block libraries for programming robots in the TIA Portal; other manufacturers such as Denso and Stäubli are also planning to do so. With the integration of the Sinamics S120 and other drive families, the entire Siemens drive technology can now be configured, commissioned and diagnosed consistently in the TIA Portal. Another new feature is an assistant-guided safety acceptance test for Sinamics G series drives.

Version 12 of NX combines the latest tools for additive manufacturing, CNC machining, robotics and quality inspection. This enables the digitalization of the entire part production process with a single integrated end-to-end system. The new 'NX Machining Line Planner' tool in combination with the integrated CAM software for feature-based machining offers new possibilities for production planning in industries that manufacture complex parts in high volumes, such as the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. NX 12 also supports end-to-end solutions for additive manufacturing and helps manufacturers to transfer 3D printing to industrial production. The robot programming technology makes it possible to automate complete manufacturing cells, including the programming of robots for NC machining and pick-and-place processes.

Version 9.1 of the 'Simit' simulation software enables an even simpler combination of virtual commissioning and operator training for systems. Siemens will also be demonstrating the use of IT technologies that can be used to record existing systems and digitize and optimize them using imaging software. The IoT-capable drive concept "Simotics IQ" will also be on show. Equipped with functions for recording motor data and integrated MindSphere connectivity - Simotics Connect - it enables data-based services, for example in the area of predictive maintenance.

Lots of news about MindSphere

Thanks to MindSphere's openness, the ecosystem around the cloud-based IoT operating system continues to grow. Siemens and around 20 partner companies such as Amazon Web Services, Atos, Evosoft and Rittal will be showcasing the system's application and connectivity options in the MindSphere Lounge, which has been expanded to 1400 square meters. Among other things, machine and plant manufacturers will be presenting new services and business models based on MindSphere.

At SPS IPC Drives, Siemens is presenting the new MindSphere version 3.0, which is available on Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the first time and thus combines the global scalability of Siemens' automation portfolio with the cloud services of AWS. The new version offers a more powerful development environment with an open programming interface (Application Programming Interface) as well as additional analysis functions and extended connectivity.

Last week, Siemens and Darmstadt-based Software AG agreed a technology partnership for MindSphere. MindSphere offers customers a development environment in which they can offer their own applications and services to drive innovation in IoT. Software AG provides scalable components of its Digital Business Platform on MindSphere for this purpose. These enable MindSphere users to flexibly manage networks with millions of end devices, for example.

Together, Software AG and Siemens will offer technologies that enable users to integrate and analyze their raw data (e.g. from products, machines, plants and systems) in MindSphere more easily than before. Software AG's application and device management technology enables both the central networking of devices and control via the cloud, thus allowing the scalable and flexible management of a network of millions of end devices, and in future also in the area of edge analytics. Software AG's application connectivity technology can be used to integrate a wide range of different business applications (e.g. software-as-a-service, big data, IoT, client, partner or store floor applications) along the entire value chain.