Uncomplicated into the IIoT

What can trade fair visitors see at the stand?
Hans-Günter Busch: Firstly, Pepperl+Fuchs will be presenting the hardware required, i.e. the sensors for recording the necessary process data, including the infrastructure components for communication at field level - for example a vibration sensor with an IO-Link interface and BLOB functionality. The process data is collected with a multi-link-capable IO-Link master. The model enables communication via Industrial Ethernet and, at the same time, vertical communication via MQTT or OPC UA. In this case, a box thin client serves as the edge gateway.

The vibration, flow and pressure data generated in the model is collected in an AWS database. With the help of tools and services from the AWS IoT Core - for example Amazon Kinesis, AWS Lambda, Sagemaker or Twinmaker - Bosch takes care of system integration and cloud-based data analysis. A digital image of the system is used to feed the recorded data into a simulation model in real time. Based on statistically recorded data and the principles specified by the system operator in conjunction with the simulation model, prediction including recommendations for action is now possible in order to ensure the best possible availability of the system.

We have combined the aforementioned products, including the Bosch system solution, in an IoT starter kit. To round off the solution, we also offer optional integration into an ERP system. The organization of maintenance intervals and spare parts management is automated. Operating times, plant utilization, energy data, etc. are thus completely transparent and support management in operational and strategic decision-making. This part of the solution presented here is the task of Syntax Systems.

As the kit is completely flexible and freely scalable in every respect, it is also possible to test the set-up directly in an application. To do this, however, it is necessary to clarify the task with us in advance. Once a project plan has been drawn up, the required sensors are defined. The customer installs the set-up according to installation instructions, but we can also take care of this as a work package. As on the desktop, the automated initialization and configuration with subsequent transfer of the machine and process data takes place after switch-on. The teach-in phase starts based on ML and AI, after which the kit is put into operation.