February 19, 2019

New infrastructure puts TSN to the test and facilitates AI applications

SmartFactoryKL introduces a new infrastructure concept at Hannover Messe
Use of TSN ensures quality in data exchange between infrastructure and server

The new infrastructure concept by the partner consortium at SmartFactoryKL represents a scalable solution that is very appropriate for Industrial Intelligence applications. In addition, the use of TSN for the data exchange between infrastructure and server ensures transmission quality. The SmartFactoryKL partner consortium is exhibiting this advanced development at the Hannover Messe from April 1-5, 2019. The joint exhibit stand of SmartFactoryKL and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is located in hall 8, booth D18.

The SmartFactoryKL partner consortium has given the infrastructure of the Industrie 4.0 production plant a new, star shaped, scalable installation concept. The infrastructure nodes support independent production cells having several stations. “This solution illustrates the next step towards the practical introduction of a standardized module interface. The production plant can now be quickly and flexibly reconfigured,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Ruskowski, Department Head of Innovative Factory Systems research at DFKI.

The computing power provided by edge devices in these nodes is now available for Industrial Intelligence applications. A good example of the benefit of locating edge computing in the infrastructure box is the display of usage data for the individual stations shown directly on the box. The production worker can quickly see and associate the data with the connected modules. This simplifies decentralized condition monitoring and enables anomaly detection in the production station and analysis using the power data, which then facilitates the initiation of the required maintenance steps.

Real time capability: Prioritizing data and ensuring transmission quality

SmartFactoryKL has recently implemented data transmissions between infrastructure and server via real time TSN technology (Time-Sensitive Networking). Data packets are now prioritized using TSN. Thanks to priority classifications, flexible decision-making is possible about what data must be immediately available and where delays are acceptable. TSN guarantees, for example, that critical safety data will be sent with the highest priority and will arrive even when the network is heavily loaded. It ensures that even in an overloaded network, the station continues reliable operation.

“TSN makes an important contribution to both horizontal and vertical integration. Additionally, TSN in combination with OPC UA facilitates manufacturer independence at the data transmission level. This means multiple sensors and actuators can send and receive data in real time while ensuring that existing plants can be flexibly upgraded. The proprietary field bus of the past is no longer an issue,” said Prof. Dr. Detlef Zühlke, Chairman of the Board of SmartFactoryKL in summarizing the advantages for the industry.

The Industrie 4.0 demonstrator partners at SmartFactoryKL are: B&R Automation, Bosch Rexroth, EPLAN Software & Service, Festo, HARTING, Huawei, IBM, KIST Europe, METTLER TOLEDO, MiniTec, PHOENIX CONTACT, Pilz, proALPHA, TÜV SÜD, and Weidmüller.

The new infrastructure concept at SmartFactoryKL represents a scalable solution that is appropriate for Industrial Intelligence applications. Photo: SmartFactoryKL/A.Sell

Photo Download Link: https://cloud.dfki.de/owncloud/index.php/s/XGpwp8CQ5ydNmMj

SmartFactoryKL implements data transmissions between infrastructure and server via real time TSN technology (Time-Sensitive Networking). Photo: SmartFactoryKL/A.Sell

Transfer4Production – State Secretary for Economics Dick-Walther announces funding approved

A funded project by the Rhineland-Palatinate’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture (MWVLW)
SmartFactoryKL is brand ambassador for Industrie 4.0

Implementation of technical Industrie 4.0 solutions at small and medium sized companies is a challenge for industry and government. By launching Transfer4Production (T4P), the Economics Ministry takes an important step in getting Rhineland-Palatinate’s manufacturing companies up to speed for the future production environment. The vision of Industrie 4.0 (I40) started to spread around the world from Kaiserslautern in 2011. The world’s first I40 demonstrator was introduced by SmartFactoryKL (SF-KL) at the Hannover Messe (industry trade fair) in 2014, and SF-KL has been pioneering the production of tomorrow ever since.

Manufacturing companies benefit from the fact that Industrie 4.0 is a model research priority in Rhineland-Palatinate. “We have been working for years on this topic in Kaiserslautern and we developed shared production to represent the production world of the future,” said Prof. Martin Ruskowski, CEO of SmartFactoryKL. He added, “This involves the use of key enabling technologies like digital twins, 5G, artificial intelligence, and operational safety intelligence.” Petra Dick-Walther, a state secretary in Rhineland-Palatinate’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, supports the continued development of Industrie 4.0 and has awarded funding for the Transfer4Production project in the amount of 430,000 euros. “SMEs characterize the strong manufacturing sector in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Manufacturing accounts for nearly 30 percent of the state’s value creation and it is so very important for companies to have systematic access to innovative technologies so they can remain competitive in the future. SmartFactory Kaiserslautern would like the Transfer4Production project to offer companies a networking platform where they can retrieve information and plan their specific implementation process with partners throughout the state,” said State Secretary Petra Dick-Walther.

The goal of Transfer4Production

Transfer means getting scientific developments into useful applications, while at the same time aligning scientific activities in recognition of the needs of business and industry. Establishing personal contacts and networks is key to successful transfer. “The need for transfer continues to grow during this 4th Industrial Revolution. We learned this from our joint development of Industrie 4.0 solutions with our members. But, we also notice it in an increasing number of requests from SMEs,” said Ruskowski. That’s why T4P holds workshops with companies and has organized a network of companies, associations, and research institutes. Transfer4Production provides support for specific issues like production architecture, manufacturing infrastructure, artificial intelligence in a production environment, digital twins, secure data space, and 5G applications in a production setting, etc. A wide range of knowledge and experience is available to SmartFactoryKL thanks to its connections to RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. But, the main problem is to be found elsewhere. “Many companies are simply not aware that the state and federal governments are promoting measures to digitalize production. It’s our job to assist them,” said T4P project manager Svenja Knetsch.

Project data

Lead Manager: SmartFactoryKL
Funded budget: 430,000 euros
Project term: 01.01.2023 – 31.12.2024
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture, and Viticulture (MWVLW) of Rhineland-Palatinate provides 100% of the funding

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DIMOFAC

Digital & Intelligent MOdular FACtories

Duration: 01.10.2019 – 30.09.2023

The goal is to achieve flexible manufacturing by integrating plug-and-produce modules into a closed-loop lifecycle management system for the continuous adaptation, optimization, and improvement of fast and flexible manufacturing.

A digital twin and a digital thread-link to the product and process data flow is created for each component, enabling improved reconfiguration and also secure communication throughout the product life cycle.

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Multi-Agent Systems for Pervasive Artificial Intelligence for assisting Humans in Modular Production Environments

Duration: 01.10.2020 – 30.09.2023

MAS4AI develops a multi-agent-based technology for the integration of AI algorithms in autonomous modular production (shared production) with worker assistance.

DIMOFAC

Duration: 01.10.2019 – 30.09.2023

MAS4AI

Duration: 01.10.2020 – 30.09.2023

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