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MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY FEATURE


The growth of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) means manufacturers are becoming more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Stephen Hayes, managing director at Beckhoff UK, explores the risks that surround using complex software for automation and how machine builders can mitigate these


BUILDING SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE CYBER SECURITY


experienced a 156% increase in attacks against cloud-based servers compared with the previous year; and the average cost of a data breach in the manufacturing sector was $4.99 million. There are, however, ways in which machine


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builders can mitigate the risks, such as implementing security measures such as firewalls, access controls and encryption protocols. Furthermore, they can design equipment with security in mind from the outset, rather than retroactively adding security features. As we continue to rely more heavily on


technology, it is crucial that security is prioritised and everyone from original equipment manufacturers to end users take proactive measures to prevent cyber attacks. By working


n 2020, 10% of all cyber security incidents were in the manufacturing sector, according to an IBM report. The industry also


together, machine builders and cybersecurity experts can help ensure the safety and reliability of industrial equipment.


ENCRYPTION Machine builders today are designing industrial equipment with secure communication protocols in mind. This involves using encryption techniques to protect data transmission between equipment and other systems, as well as implementing secure authentication processes. TwinCAT provides secure communication


protocol in manufacturing by implementing the latest encryption technologies and authentication mechanisms to ensure data confidentiality, integrity and availability. It also supports various industrial communication standards such as OPC UA and MQTT, which are known for their high level of security.


With one most significant risks to industrial equipment being unauthorised access, machine builders are now designing equipment with access controls to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing critical systems. Examples include biometric authentication methods or smart card access systems. Here, fingerprint or facial recognition technology can be used to ensure that only authorised personnel are able to access certain areas or equipment. Network segmentation is another issue that machine builders are considering when designing industrial equipment. This involves separating equipment into different networks, each with its own security protocols and access controls, an approach which helps prevent cyber attacks from spreading across the entire plant network in the event of a breach. Networks are often split into zones, such as


production, management and guest, and firewalls and access controls are being implemented to limit communication between these zones. In addition, manufacturers are implementing security protocols such as encryption, multi- factor authentication and regular security audits to ensure their systems remain secure.


SECURITY A cyber attack that starts off small can soon spread across an entire organisation and cause severe damage. Beckhoff’s control technology, which can be used by both machine builders and end-users, incorporates various measures to enhance cyber security, such as secure communication protocols, access control mechanisms and encryption techniques. These measures aim to prevent unauthorised access, manipulation, or theft of data, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of industrial control systems.


Beckhoff UK beckhoff.com ‘OFF THE SHELF’ AI-DRIVEN 3D VISION TECHNOLOGY FOR ROBOTS


Following the signing of a distribution agreement with Mech Mind, Scorpion Vision is introducing ‘off the shelf’ AI-driven 3D vision technology for robots. Mech Mind’s new generation vision platform combines superior 3D image capture capabilities with AI-powered deep learning. In addition to streamlining the programming and integration of vision-guided robots, this unlocks new intelligence from robots, empowering them to tackle demanding vision applications. Mech Mind’s 3D+AI solution is suitable for a range of manufacturing and


logistics applications – from bin picking to case packing, palletising and depalletising. It complements Scorpion Vision’s existing AI-enabled 3D Neural Vision technology which will continue to be used for more complex and challenging 3D vision applications, primarily in food processing. The vision bundle for robots combines high performance industrial


cameras – which generate high resolution, detail-rich, 3D images in the toughest of environments – with Mech Mind’s machine vision, robot programming and deep learning software architecture, enabling users to quickly design automation applications. Machine builders can order both the cameras and software for Mech Mind’s AI+3D vision technology solution online


from Scorpion Vision’s new web shop. Paul Wilson, managing director at


Scorpion Vision, said: “There is a lot of talk about the potential of deep learning in a futuristic sense so it is really exciting to present to the marketplace an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution that makes AI-powered 3D vision readily accessible for industrial users. Many companies are deterred from exploring AI because they don’t fully understand it and worry that it will be complex. Mech Mind’s platform makes it really easy for systems integrators and designers of industrial automation to ‘train’ the robot, while end users benefit from systems that are simpler to operate and make fewer mistakes.”


Scorpion Vision shop.scorpion.vision


MAY 2023 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 21


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