Open IIoT Demo at APPEX 2024
Open IIoT will be unveiling four new demo units at APPEX 2024, marking an exciting departure for the group, which had previously combined all of the member companies’ technologies into one single automated system. The event marks the first time the group, originally founded in 2018 and consisting of member companies SMC Australia and New Zealand, Beckhoff Automation, ARGUS, Balluff Australia and Nord Drivesystems, will showcase their cutting-edge new demo units to the general public. While the previous demo unit was able to demonstrate the seamless integration and interoperability of revolutionary IIoT concepts in one physical system, their decision to showcase the power of automation through various Industry 4.0 applications opens up the group to a number of new possibilities.
“We have taken a more decentralised approach this time round”, said Jozef Ceh, SMC’s group manager ANZ for Integrated Solutions and Open IIoT member. “Fast broadband internet connections and sophisticated network protocols will enable all our demo units to operate both independently and in unison. With the new approach, we have combined the power of today’s network infrastructure and cloud connectivity to operate individual processes in remote locations.” Ceh added, “This gives users and visitors to Open IIoT’s APPEX Stand #D040 enhanced access to our demo units, right down to the sensor level.”
SMC’s new EXW1 compact wireless system coincided perfectly with this build. It features EtherCAT and IO-Link Master connections and is the ideal way to highlight SMC’s pipe fabrication architecture in a live application. “It underpins the power of networking when it comes to remote control and data accessibility.” The unit also makes use of an EXW1 IO-Link master wireless remote unit – a product Ceh believes is a gamechanger. “It integrates all the standard features and benefits of IO-Link into a wireless network while offering both Class A and Class B port specification — making this product a logical choice.” The JXC servo motor controller with IO-Link network interface and safe torque-off feature is integrated in this unit. “The direct-input step motor controller is designed for general machine builders who rely on accurate speed, position or force but at the same time look for improved flexibility and stronger security.”
As to the motivation behind Open IIoT’s new exhibition direction, Ceh explains that the separate demo units demonstrate a more decentralised approach to automation in metal fabrication through the utilisation of high-speed broadband connections and sophisticated network protocols. “These create connectivity between individual processes that, while operating individually in separate physical locations, are accessible and controlled through a central user interface and deployed via the cloud,” he continued. All four Open IIoT’s new demo units are connected by member company ARGUS’ advanced SYMBIONT Cloud Deployment Software, an industrial automation and data management platform tailored for medium to large-scale enterprises in the manufacturing industry and other related sectors invested in digital transformation. With its intuitive design that offers a low barrier to entry and straightforward interfaces, Symbiont places advanced system configuration and data contextualization directly into the hands of end-users, thus optimizing performance with asset resilience. This approach is transformative, reducing implementation costs and enhancing flexibility, making it a powerful ally in the digital transformation journey.