INDUSTRY 4.0/SMART FACTORIES
GAINING AN EDGE WITH TSN E
dge computing is key to optimising data-driven activities, supporting the implementation of innovative digital technologies and ultimately the creation of the Connected Industries of the future. It allows data processing to take place close to the source, turning key data into actionable information. For Edge computing to work effectively, advanced network technologies are required to build the supporting infrastructure that is the backbone of successful enterprises. John Browett, General Manager at the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), looks at how to reap the benefits of the Edge with advanced industrial communication solutions. Unprecedently high volumes of data are being generated by smart applications and technologies, providing the foundation to create an in-depth understating of equipment status, processes and activities. This, in turn, can be translated into unique actionable insights to improve productivity, performance and efficiency.
Large datasets are another raw material required by competitive enterprises. But having a solid, reliable infrastructure to share process data, information and knowledge is equally important to succeed. Moreover, Edge computing is instrumental in creating frameworks that are capable of quickly and securely evaluating data.
This technology conducts analytics for real-time decision-making at the periphery of the network, close to where data is being created, while also supporting knowledge generation by filtering what should be sent to the Cloud or other higher-level systems. As a result, the Edge can reduce latency and network costs as well as optimise bandwidth usage, increase speed, security and scalability. Even more, enhanced transparency, flexibility and availability can also be achieved.
AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF INDUSTRIAL NETWORKS In order to take advantage of all the opportunities offered by Edge computing, it is important to set up a suitable network. More precisely, the ideal solution should be able to support the key aspects of this technology. An ideal industrial communications
system should support a converged architecture that allows real-time process traffic and asynchronous process data to share the same network without compromising the overall function of the system. This is achieved with a foundation of determinism, ensuring that all data types flow across the network in a predictable manner to deliver the required performance.
The key to delivering this deterministic, converged architecture is Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). This allows the critical data running the process to coexist with the equally critical but perhaps less time-sensitive data about the process. This latter data type is the lifeblood of the Edge server. Using TSN means that these equally vital but very different streams of traffic can use a single network architecture, saving cost, simplifying maintenance and reducing project time. Secondly, companies should look for an open solution that can provide maximum connectivity. This means supporting communications with different devices, whether on the shop floor or higher up in the automation hierarchy. Openness, interoperability and an integrated solution for automation on different levels are therefore essential. The CLPA has long been able to offer enabling network technologies for Edge applications. This began with CC-Link IE open gigabit Ethernet. By leveraging a token-passing method and 1 Gbit/s bandwidth, it could deliver deterministic performance and low latency, even with high data traffic loads. Also, the different versions of CC-Link IE networks, which supplement each other and cover different aspects of industrial communications, could connect the various parts of an enterprise needed to create Connected Industries.
The organisation’s latest advancement, CC-Link IE TSN, goes even further in its ability to support Edge computing, enhancing and expanding the capabilities of this solution by adding Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), to deliver the capabilities discussed earlier. Ultimately, by selecting CC-Link IE TSN compatible components, businesses can gain a unique, competitive edge in the marketplace.
CLPA
eu.cc-link.org
UNIVERSAL ROBOTS AND MOBILE INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS (MIR) BREAKING NEW GROUND
I
n a few weeks, construction will begin on the state- of-the-art joint headquarters for Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) in Odense, Denmark. The building will accommodate up to 600 employees and will be the world’s largest cobot and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) Hub. Groundbreaking will take place on 20 April with completion expected at the start of 2024. The background for building a new joint headquarters is the explosive growth of both MiR and Universal Robots. In 2021, both companies grew by more than 40 per cent, and their ambitions are high. Between them, Universal Robots and MiR expect to hire more than 200 new employees in 2022 alone, driving the need for larger premises.
THE PERFECT SETTING FOR INNOVATION
However, the new headquarters is not just about the need for more space, explains Kim Povlsen, President of Universal Robots.
”It is not just about extra square meters. This is also about creating the optimum setting for our employees. We continuously work to innovate and move the limits of what is possible for cobots and automation, and with the new headquarters, we will create a unique and inspiring work environment, where we will also benefit from increased cooperation with MiR and superb synergy between us. The building is designed with a focus on the well-being of our employees and on increasing opportunities for informal collaboration during the working day.”
The new building will be constructed using natural building materials to reflect and integrate into the surroundings.
ODENSE IS A ROBOT CAPITAL President of MiR, Søren E. Nielsen is also looking forward to moving into the new Cobot & AMR Hub, which he sees as a huge gain, not only to MiR and Universal Robots but also to Odense as a robot city.
”The market for both autonomous mobile robots and cobots continues to grow, and we are looking forward to being able to present our current and future employees with an attractive and inspiring setting for their work. Odense has a strong pool of talent and has succeeded in positioning itself in the world as a leading-edge robot city. We are excited therefore that, together with Universal Robots, we can make a long-term investment in the exceptional robot environment on [the island of] Funen, which we have helped to establish. The building will be a visible testimony that Odense is a robot capital.”
ILS
https://www.ilsystems.co.uk/
16 MAY 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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