Edge computing, cloud computing and digital twins are the main themes of this year's Hannover Messe, the largest industrial exhibition in the world. However, although with the addition of CeMat Logistics Exhibition, the scale of the exhibition is larger than ever before, but the number of visitors has decreased slightly.
Have we reached the "Hannover Peak"? This year’s world’s largest industrial trade show attracted 210,000 visitors-lower than the 225,000 who participated in the 2017 exhibition. Although the biennial CeMat logistics exhibition was held for the first time in conjunction with the exhibition, and now the annual MDA (Motion, Drives & Automation) exhibition in the exhibition, the exhibition was not held in 2017.
Despite these statistics, it is difficult for you to notice that the crowd at the venue has eased. Visitors can choose to visit 5,800 exhibitors in nearly 30 huge exhibition halls. About 30% of the visitors came from outside Germany, with China sending the most delegations (about 6,500 people), followed by the Netherlands (5,300), Poland (2,700) and the United States (1,700).
As in recent years, Industry 4.0, digitization and cloud are ubiquitous themes, but one area that is active in 2018 is edge computing. Companies such as B&R, Harting, Hewlett Packard, Phoenix, etc. provide new or enhanced products. Contact Rittal And Siemens. In some respects, edge computing is the opposite of cloud computing, and its processing is as close as possible to industrial processes to enhance security and reduce latency and network jitter.
It has been more than five years since the concept of Industry 4.0 debuted in Hanover, and these ideas are now becoming reality. "The company has successfully taken the first step on the road to digital, interconnected production, and is now preparing for the second phase of the journey," said Thilo Brodmann, executive director of the German Engineering Federation VDMA ( Thilo Brodtmann) said. "New platform-based business models, the use of digital twins, and the initial experience of machine learning-all these will play an increasingly important role in the field of mechanical engineering."
Below, we focus on introducing some of the products and technologies exhibited in Hannover this year.
ABB has introduced a new generation of regenerative drives that can capture energy from motor braking, which would otherwise be wasted as heat. The renewable ACS880 VSD (shown below) covers the rating of 4–3,200kW and is available in wall-mounted (ACS880-11), built-in modules (ACS880-14) or cabinet-mounted (ACS880-17). The regenerative drive does not require external braking components, reduces the cost of the cabinet, and can increase the motor voltage to ensure reliability under unstable network conditions.
Baumüller used the servo press as an example at its booth to show how to use the "digital twin" to model and simulate the behavior of the machine before it is manufactured. In addition to shortening development time, this technology can also simplify debugging and allow software functions and control algorithms to be tested on virtual machines at an early stage, thereby reducing the risk of errors.
Baumüller also announced the launch of a new axis module for its b maXX 5000 modular servo drive system with a maximum rated power of 240kW (430A).
Danish integrated servo and stepper motor expert JVL has launched a compact stepper motor that supports six different industrial Ethernet protocols (upgradeable) and includes an absolute multi-turn encoder. MIS171/176 motors can use the built-in motion controller or run from an external PLC or PC. The eight I/O points can be individually configured as digital input or output, or analog input. The motor can achieve a resolution of 409,600 steps per revolution, a speed accuracy of 0.01 rpm, an acceleration accuracy of 1 rpm/s, and a stepping speed of 0.01 rpm up to 3,000 rpm. They provide peak ratings of up to 100W and 1Nm, and 254 axes can be connected to an RS-485 bus.
Lafert, an Italian motor manufacturer acquired by Sumitomo Japan, has launched a new generation of IE3/Nema Premium AC motors, a series of IE4/5 synchronous permanent magnet motors, claiming weight and size savings of up to 50%, and an upgraded series of belts for large-diameter ventilation fans Synchronous permanent magnet motor with built-in drive. There is also a wider range of brushless servo motors with rated torques up to 390Nm.
Lenze integrates an expandable drive package, including i950 servo inverter, m850 synchronous motor and g700 planetary gearbox. It is said that even mass production can achieve cost-effective production. The packaging is aimed at applications such as positioning, handling, assembly, robotics, packaging and conveyor belts. The built-in EtherCat port of the servo inverter allows users to simultaneously control multiple axes at high speed and perform complex tasks.
Nord Drivesystems focuses on a decentralized network drive technology that uses a "field distributor" with a built-in PLC to automatically perform process control and adjustment processes. The Nordac Link distributor (pictured above) is designed to be installed near the motor and can be used as a frequency converter up to 7.5kW or a motor starter up to 3kW. They contain PLCs that process data from sensors and actuators. If necessary, they can initiate sequence control and transmit drive and application data to the control center, other components or the cloud, where they can be used for predictive maintenance.
Pilz demonstrated the energy storage of its PMCprotego D and PCtendo DD5 servo amplifiers, which can buffer braking energy without feeding it back to the network. Because the intermediate circuits of the amplifiers can be easily connected to each other, only one PMCenergy SD storage is required for each axis.
Schaeffler provides motor manufacturers with flanged motor housings as ready-to-use modules that include rotor bearing supports, seals and bearing housings. The latest development is to incorporate the company's SmartCheck condition monitoring system (shown below), which can detect irregularities based on solid vibrations, such as bearing damage and imbalance. It can be used with the control system to trigger the pulse of the grease lubricator to prevent the rotor bearing from over-lubricating or under-lubricating.
Although Europe has no legal requirements for the minimum efficiency of explosion-proof motors, SEW-Eurodrive provides a series of IE3 motors that comply with the Atex Directive and IECEx. EDRN motors (based on the DRN series) cover a rating of 0.75-200kW and are no greater than IE2 motors with comparable ratings. They can run on power grids or voltage-controlled inverters, and provide IP55, IP65, IP56 or IP66 protection levels.
SEW has also added two new sizes to its Movitrac LTE-B+ basic inverter series, increasing the number of sizes to five, single-phase (115V and 230V) and three-phase (230V) rated power ranges of 0.37-37kW and 400V) version. Provide IP20 or IP66 protection. The further development announced by SEW is to provide new surface protection for drives used in the food and beverage industry. In independent testing, the XCO coating has been exposed to salt water spray for a long time. It can be used as an option for some SEW spiral and spiral worm gearboxes in combination with sterile motors.
As usual in Hannover, Siemens demonstrated several new features in its drive and motor product portfolio, including a new frame size (FSAC, spanning 1.1-1.5kW, 200-240V) for its Sinamics V20 converter series. FSB is 40% smaller than the frame it replaces. The smallest frame size of the Sinamics V90 servo drive series is now FSA (0.1-0.2kW), which covers an area of 18% smaller than the earlier FSB, and supports Profinet. Siemens has also improved the mechanical and electrical design of its Sinamics S120 Chassis-2 modular drive. Now the drive has been reduced in size by 60% and adopted a new cooling concept that uses a speed-controlled fan. At low output frequencies, the derating has been halved.
The firmware update of Siemens Sinamics S210 servo drive system adds SS2, SOS, SLS, SSM, SDI and SBT to the previous STO, SS1 and SBC functions. The encoder compatible with Simotics S-1FK2 motors has been updated to support new safety features and provide 22-bit resolution. Siemens' final new driver development is an option to provide wireless debugging, diagnosis and service for its Sinamics G120 converter. The G120 smart access control module allows wireless connection with devices such as smart phones and PCs.
In terms of motors, Siemens has launched a series of IE3 low-voltage motors, which completes its new generation of low-voltage motors. The multi-voltage Simotics SD Pro motor (pictured above) is suitable for power supply or converter operation up to 690V, and can provide shaft heights of 315-450, and two-pole and four-pole versions of 250-980kW. There are also six to eight pole versions. The junction box can be installed in 40 positions.
Siemens also provides a new generation of explosion-proof low-voltage motors with a short delivery time and claims to reduce life cycle costs. IE3 class Simotics XP motors are suitable for Zone 1 of Ex db eb (0.25-460kW) and Ex eb (0.25-165kW), and Zone 2 of Ex tb (0.09-200kW) and Ex tc (0.09-200kW) versions.
Finally, Siemens has expanded its high-efficiency Simotics synchronous reluctance motors to include new shaft heights (AH90 and AH225). The motor now covers the range of 0.55-45kW and offers rated speeds of 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. Another development now allows the electrodeless closed-loop torque control to be reduced to a standstill, thereby eliminating the risk of motor stalling, even if the load inertia is unknown.
ABB announced the launch of a series of multi-touch touch screen HMIs compatible with its AC500 and AC500-eCo PLCs. The CP600-Pro panel is equipped with a 5, 7, 10.1, 15.6 or 21.5 inch screen and provides IP66 front protection. There are three Ethernet ports (one of which is 10/100/1000Mbit), supports up to three networks, as well as serial and USB ports and an SD card slot. HMI supports OPC UA publish/subscribe server and client protocol.
Beckhoff has added four EtherCat I/O terminals (shown below) to its product portfolio, mainly for energy management applications. They are: EL3443 three-phase power measurement terminal, with mains monitoring function and harmonic analysis function; EL3453 three-phase terminal, used to measure voltages up to 690V AC; EL3423 "economical" three-phase power measurement terminal; EL3483 three-phase city Electric voltage, frequency and phase monitoring terminal.
ABB subsidiary B&R Automation introduced one of several edge controllers that debuted in Hannover. Based on its automated PC 910, the edge controller (pictured below) runs an enhanced version of Linux, which can be used for data analysis and machine learning. Cloud transmission is carried out via MQTT. B&R's Hypervisor allows real-time operating systems to run simultaneously, transforming equipment into complete industrial controllers with sub-millisecond cycle times. An unlimited number of I/O modules or controllers can be connected via Powerlink, OPC UA or other systems. In the future, this can also be achieved through OPC UA TSN.
KEB has expanded its range of industrial PCs with a compact book-mount model, with all ports and connections located on the top and front. The fanless, aluminum case C6 P34 BM PC provides an optional remote video link port for installing monitors up to 100m away. Another option is remote maintenance at the driver level without any additional hardware.
Pepperl+Fuchs demonstrated an industrial tablet for use in hazardous areas, which is sold under its ecom brand. The Tab-Ex 02 tablet (based on Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2) simplifies data exchange with Scada and DCS systems and can be used for inventory, material tracking, asset management and maintenance applications. It is also suitable for augmented reality applications.
Pilz is expanding into the field of industrial security with its SecurityBridge product (pictured below), which is designed to protect its PNOZmulti controller and PSS 4000 automation system from network-based attacks and unauthorized access. It detects unauthorized changes to the automation project to protect the connection between the programming tool and the hardware controller. It also acts as a plug-and-play firewall that does not require complicated configuration. Pilz plans to develop other TÜV-certified safety products based on IEC 62443-4-1.
Siemens has released several new CPUs for its Simatic S7-1500 advanced controller series. First, there are two new technology CPUs (1515SP PC2 T and fail-safe 1515SP PC2 TF), which combine safety, motion and standard control functions, which can be used for tasks such as gear transmission and cam transmission, and control up to four kinematics Application axis. There are also three new redundant CPUs (CPU1513R and CPU1515R for small applications, and CPU1517H for large applications). If one CPU fails, they will automatically control the process without losing data. The field devices are connected to the CPU through the Profinet ring so that all nodes can still be accessed when the fieldbus is interrupted.
Block introduced two 24V/40A DC UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) to ensure the availability of safety-critical systems in the event of a power failure. These power supplies support 12, 24, and 48V systems, and can use batteries or supercapacitors to store energy. The battery version provides instant backup and retention time, which can be adjusted by adding additional battery packs. Low-maintenance supercapacitors provide several minutes of support, and their long service life makes them ideal for remote applications. They provide high power density and parameter settings through a USB port and rotary switch.
Euchner showed off various enhancements to its safety product portfolio, including: its smallest safety switch CES-C07 (above), which can not only connect sensors in series, but also monitor parameters to indicate problems before the machine fails, or to detect tampering Try; the 18 mm wide ESM-CB safety module automatically polls the information from each safety switch in the chain and sends the data through IO-Link; the modular safety door protection system (MGB2 Modular), adapts to user needs, can be at most Six different controls are integrated in a locking module; a compact safety door protection device that combines Euchner’s MGB handle module with its CTP transponder coded safety switch; a new version of the EKS electronic key system with USB for access control and management Port and connect to PC-based controls.
Murrelektronik's Emparro67 hybrid power supply (pictured below) is an IP67-protected device that can transfer 230V AC to 24V DC power conversion from the control cabinet to the industrial site close to the load, thereby minimizing losses, reducing energy costs and allowing Use a smaller cabinet. The built-in IO-Link interface can transmit diagnostic and operating data to the master station. Two Mico channels provide current monitoring of sensors, actuators and fieldbus modules.
The interface module provided by Nord Drivesystems integrates safety components with its Nordac Link, Flex and Pro inverters and provides safety communication in the Profinet environment. The SK TU4-PNS ProfiSafe module can be installed in a cabinet or distributed. Safety inputs and outputs—for example, emergency stop switches and light barriers—can be connected to applications, and rotary encoders can be used to supervise safe drive functions. This module can be used to integrate safety functions, including SLS, SSR, SDI, SOS and SSM.
Phoenix Contact claims to have the world's first Class 3 surge protection device for industrial power supplies. The device provides a discharge current of 5kA and is available in a 24-230V AC/DC version. Push-in quick connection technology allows tool-free installation, and remote indicating contacts can identify the operating status of the device. Another new product from Phoenix is a networkable UPS with Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCat or USB interfaces. These ports can be used for energy and function monitoring, parameter setting and shutting down the system. There are four versions of Quint DC UPS, rated at 5-40A.
Pilz has introduced a new version of the series-connected PSENmlock safety door sensor, describing it as "the world's first intelligent safety sensor for personal control". When used with safety equipment diagnostic technology, the system allows targeted control of individual switches, avoiding expensive separate wiring in the control cabinet. The diagnostic function means that downtime should be reduced. Pilz also has a new button device for simple operation of the safety door sensor. PITgatebox supports commands to activate, stop or reset the machine.
Pilz also introduced two new modules for its PNOZmulti 2 configurable safety controller. One (PNOZ m EF 8D12DOT) is a bipolar semiconductor output module used to monitor printing press applications and can achieve fast response. The second (PNOZ m EF 4AI) is a safe analog input module that can perform arithmetic functions, such as average or differential pressure calculations, making it easier to configure analog values.
Sick's new product is a safety laser scanner suitable for robotics and vehicle applications, which can provide up to 8 simultaneous protection zones and 128 independent zones, as well as up to 128 surveillance scenarios. The microScan3 Pro scanner (pictured below) can monitor the movement of vehicles such as robots and AGVs in a fine and hierarchical manner, so as to obtain better movement continuity with fewer pauses. The scanner has ProfiSafe and EtherNet/IP CIP safety interfaces, providing greater flexibility for integration.
Siemens has developed a device that is said to combine residual current and overload protection in a modular width (MW) for the first time, halving the space normally required. 5SV1 RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) is designed to protect personnel and equipment. If a failure occurs, they will disconnect all circuits from the network. The compact size allows more protection devices to be installed in a given space and makes it easier to expand existing devices. Siemens has also developed an arc fault detection device with 1 MW of integrated circuit protection-according to the company, this is another initiative. The 5SV6 device detects arc faults in cables while preventing overloads and short circuits.
Siemens upgraded its Sitop PSU8600 power supply by adding modules that can be converted to DC UPS. The UPS8600 module uses the energy stored in the battery module to keep the system running in the event of a power failure, and extends the previous bridging time from several minutes to several hours. The power supply has 36 outputs, which can be adjusted in the range of 4-28V, and can be buffered in the event of a power failure. Certain outputs can be selectively turned off.
Wago has introduced four-channel and eight-channel electronic circuit breakers (ECB) to protect applications with 24V DC power supplies. It is said that Epsitron equipment is much narrower than equivalent conventional circuit breakers. Built-in IO-Link allows status monitoring, remote parameter setting and integration with higher level control. The nominal current can be set individually per channel.
In addition to the traditional operating slot, Wago also announced two new ways to install terminal wiring for its Top Job S rail. One use button and one clamping point that can be opened with any hand tool. The orange button distinguishes the actuator from the conductor inlet, which accepts a conductor with a cross-section of 0.14-25mm2. The second uses a lever to open and close the clamping point. This design (above) allows users to free their hands to handle difficult-to-bend conductors with large cross-sections (2.5, 6 or 16 mm2). All three methods support push-in connections, allowing fine-stranded conductors to be inserted into the terminal block.
Weidmüller has produced convertible communication modules for its high-end Protop power supplies, allowing product and status data to be transferred to higher-level controllers and the cloud. The plug-in Pro Com module (below) adds value to the machine and production data, using analytics to increase the speed, flexibility and efficiency of the factory.
After the opening of the Hannover Fair in 2018, German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the exhibition, including to the IBG automation booth, where she saw the five-finger robot "hand" at the end of the robot arm (pictured below). The Schunk SVH gripper contains nine drives and has been certified for use in collaborative applications with humans. Its size, shape, and mobility are similar to those of a human hand, and it is designed for assistive and service robot applications. It integrates open-loop and closed-loop control and power electronics in its "wrist".
Igus has combined its bearing and energy chain expertise to produce long-stroke roller chains. By using friction-optimized new lubrication-free sliding bearings in the chain links, the service life has more than doubled. Alternatively, the P4.1 chain can be equipped with wear (and other) sensors that can warn you when maintenance is required. Igus said that the roller chains used in container cranes can now be used for more than 15 years or more than 20,000 working hours.
SEW-Eurodrive enters the parallel motion robot market through a new business called Maxolution Machine Automation, which provides competitive electromechanical subsystems, such as two-axis and three-axis robots. The company is pooling its expertise to provide scalable market and application-specific robotic machinery and axis packages, including projects such as axis modules, servo motors, servo gears, and software.
SEW also released a series of parallel shaft helical (FM/FAM) and helical cone (KM/KAM) gear assemblies with extended bearing hubs optimized for mixer and agitator applications (see below). The gearbox can provide solid shaft or hollow shaft, the size range is 67-157, and the cantilever load capacity is 25-176kN. They can be used for motors from 0.12-90kW.
Techman, a Taiwanese collaborative robot manufacturer that recently formed an alliance with Omron, launched a collaborative robot arm in Hannover that is said to have a larger payload capacity than any other arm of similar length. The TM12 arm has a working range of 1.3m and a carrying capacity of up to 12kg. Like other Techman collaborative robots, it has a built-in visual recognition system, which is very suitable for applications such as loading and unloading materials. It is said that the programming time for visual recognition and pick-and-place activities is less than three minutes.
Yamaha Motors made its debut in Hannover, demonstrating its advanced robotic automation platform-which is said to be able to quickly build complex production facilities at low cost-and its high-speed, high-precision YK400XR Scara robot. The digital platform can control multiple robots and peripheral equipment.
Sensors, measurement and diagnosis
for the first time ifm Electronics compresses its optoelectronic time-of-flight technology into the M18 format. Its PMD OGD Cube sensor (pictured below) uses a laser beam to measure distance. There are two versions: OGD Precision with a range of 300 or 500mm; and OGD long-range with a range of 1.5m. These sensors can be used for applications such as detection of large objects, error prevention, and inspection of drilling depth. The IO-Link interface can be used for remote transmission of measured values and setting parameters.
Time of flight is also the basis for a new 3D camera developed by pmd Technologies, a subsidiary of ifm. The IP54-protected O3X camera has a resolution of 224 x 172 pixels and an image repetition rate of 20 Hz. It can detect objects within a distance of 4m.
ifm also released a sensor that can continuously detect the position of the valve-open, closed, or in the middle. It can even detect small position changes in the end position of the valve and provide status values through the IO-Link interface.
Pepperl+Fuchs has released a series of laser-based photoelectric sensors with a long working range. The R200 and R201 sensors are available in multiple versions, including: through-beam sensors; retro-reflective sensors with polarizing filters; diffuse-reflective sensors for clear objects; sensors with background and foreground suppression; and two measuring tapes The raster of the switch point. They contain IO-Link and three LEDs for visual configuration, status and diagnostics.
Schunk released a compact (82 mm diameter) six-axis torque/force sensor, mainly for small robots. The FT-Axia sensor provides two measurement ranges with a force of up to 900N, a torque level of up to 20Nm, and a resolution of 0.1N and 0.05Nm. Built-in "smart", no external processor is required.
Communication, Internet of Things and Cloud
In the Hannover Pavilion, the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) demonstrated three test benches: a time-sensitive network (TSN) test bench for flexible manufacturing; its smart factory network test platform; and its security statement evaluation test platform. The first uses enhanced Ethernet to support real-time control and synchronization of high-performance machines through a standard Ethernet network. The second is to create a smart factory network, flexibly adapt to production capacity and share resources and assets. The third provides an easy-to-configure and open network security platform for evaluating the security capabilities of endpoints, gateways, and other network components.
Murrelektonik demonstrated a series of compact and rugged I/O modules that are said to simplify field installation. The Solid67 module (pictured below) provides 8 IO-Link slots close to the process, and can also integrate classic I/O. They support Profinet and Ethernet/IP in one module, selected by a rotary switch, which simplifies inventory and reduces costs. The L-coded M12 power cord can handle currents up to 12A, and the modules can be daisy-chained to provide power where needed. The series includes a space-saving 30 mm wide version.
Phoenix Contact demonstrated an IoT gateway that can be linked to the Proficloud platform without interfering with automation technology. Sensor and process data can be collected, encrypted, and sent to cloud applications for further processing. The gateway can also send data from existing devices to applications such as condition monitoring, pattern recognition, and big data analysis.
Phoenix also showed a new 16-port version of its FL Switch 2000 managed switch, which is designed to accommodate the growing number of Ethernet devices in automation networks. These switches provide up to four fiber ports, combo ports, and various fiber connection methods. There is also a gigabit version. The new power connector using push-in technology can speed up installation.
Profibus and Profinet experts in the Netherlands, Procentec, have launched the latest tablet-based diagnostic system for troubleshooting Profibus networks. It is called Mercury and can be used to monitor and maintain Ethernet and Profibus networks. It combines the functions of Procentec's ProfiTrace and Atlas products.
Profibus and Profinet International (PI) conducted a demonstration showing how to integrate TSN (Time Sensitive Network) into Profinet. The demo includes a TSN network whose topology can be changed at runtime without the need to reconfigure the network-an advantage over today's IRT or static TSN configuration. The demonstration also demonstrated the integration of existing Profinet networks and equipment. PI is currently formulating a specification for the integration of TSN into Profinet, and the goal is to complete it before the 2019 Hannover Fair.
Bosch Rexroth showcased the third version of its IoT gateway with enhanced features including local monitoring (allowing local visualization of production data) and secure remote maintenance using encrypted data transmission and improved machine network protection. The gateway is now available in a pre-configured plug-and-play rack format for immediate implementation in a production environment. Rexroth has been working with partners including Amazon Web Services and Oracle to provide cloud-based applications to analyze, visualize, and store data collected by the gateway.
Hannover 2018 marked the first public appearance of the Siemens Mindsphere World user organization, which was established in January. Members-including ASM, Balluff, Festo, KUKA, Rittal and Sick-are demonstrating IoT systems and applications using the Mindsphere cloud platform. One of the demonstrations was a low-cost technology developed by researchers at the University of Manchester that uses data analysis to optimize pneumatic systems. Siemens reports that it is considering applications from another 20 potential members of the organization.
Softing has introduced a gateway that allows easy and safe integration of process and machine data from Modbus PLC with IoT and Industry 4.0 systems. The dataFeed uaGate MB gateway provides access to process and machine data through OPC UA and MQTT protocols. Supports IT security standards such as SSL encryption and X.509 certificates, and can connect multiple applications in parallel. The gateway also supports a hybrid architecture, partly running locally and partly in the cloud.
Eplan used Hannover to preview version 2.8 of its Cogineer Advanced automation software, which will be released later this year. It will provide a "software as a service (SaaS)" model that includes two functional areas-designer and project construction Server-only available as a cloud-based service with a separate license. New features include: a tool to import configurations in XML format; the ability to instantiate typical elements and select some functions or circuits during configuration; and an assistant to simplify formula input.
Eplan also announced a service called Store Share View, which saves projects to the cloud, where they can be shared with other participants and viewed at any time. The service is based on Microsoft Azure and will provide users with a central source so that anyone involved in the project can easily obtain Eplan data.
Festo's Design Tool 3D was launched in a downloadable version in 2014, and is now also available in an online version, without the need to download and install locally. The configuration tool (pictured below) allows users to select products in a 3D view and generate product portfolios. It reduces the risk of errors when designing and ordering system modules. The new web version has been integrated into Festo's product catalog, making it easier to design and order pre-assembled modules.
The French software group IGE+XAO, recently acquired by Schneider Electric, has launched a new version of its SEE Electrical Expert software package, which improves communication between disciplines to facilitate collaboration. The software's V4R3 also provides a new communication interface and component labeling function for exporting panel manufacturing data. IGE+XAO also demonstrated a new Web service called SEE Gen e-doc, which can generate and manage electrical system documentation, and can build documentation on the fly.
Lenze announced that its i500 series inverters are now integrated into Eplan's data portal, providing 2D and 3D data sets and product data to help design control cabinets. The cable harness can be customized automatically, including their connections.
One of Rockwell Automation’s technologies and products demonstrated in Hanover is its new FactoryTalk Analytics software — originally piloted at Project Scio last year — which can discover, expand, and connect data sources from the edge of the network to the enterprise. It fuses information to solve production problems almost immediately. It also learns a process and looks for data trends to provide users with insights before problems arise.
Schaeffler showed four examples to illustrate how its smart ecosystem provides IT infrastructure for the integration of smart components in bearing applications, as well as visualization and analysis tools. The company's Industry 4.0 software package is tailored to suit the application.
Schneider Electric participated in five proof-of-concept collaborations in Hannover, aiming to demonstrate how open architecture can unleash the full potential of the Internet of Things. It believes that by promoting the next generation of unified communications from the device to the cloud, the network can be simplified, and users can choose off-the-shelf technologies to reduce integration and maintenance costs. The company is promoting its industry-oriented open and interoperable IoT platform EcoStruxure, which provides a unified engineering approach that can be deployed in many industries.
Sick showed off its AppPool, a secure, cloud-based market for its SensorApps. It also simplifies and facilitates collaboration within the communities of OEMs, integrators, programs, and developers. AppPool allows them to create their own SensorApps for use with Sick's programmable sensors.
Siemens has released version 5.1 of its TIA Portal, which includes new analog and virtual commissioning options using the digital twin of its Simatic S7-1500 controller. The complete machine can be simulated and verified without a real prototype, so that errors can be found and corrected before installation. It is said that the debugging of the S7-1500 controller is faster than before, and support for the new Simatic S7-1500R/H redundant CPU has been added. TIA Portal V15.1 also supports Sinamics S210 servo drives with tools for parameter setting, commissioning and diagnostics. The support for OPC UA controller-to-controller communication has also been enhanced.
Siemens also released three new MindApps for its cloud-based MindSphere open IoT platform. The Machine Monitor application creates transparency of machine status and performance. The Notifier application allows users to visualize messages about their machines and access alarm data from any location. The Performance Monitor application is designed to increase the availability and productivity of manufacturing facilities by calculating and visualizing machine and system KPIs.
Finally, Siemens has also introduced several enhancements to its energy monitoring product portfolio, including the Simatic Energy Manager Basic v7.1 software package (below), which provides entry-level energy management functions and provides customized dashboards and reports. There is also an iOS or Android application (called Simatic Energy Manager v1.0) that provides mobile records of consumption data that cannot be connected to the energy monitoring system.
The first picture in this report was provided by the German Exhibition Company
The next Hannover Fair will be held from April 1st to 5th, 2019.
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