May 2019

n NEWS 6 May 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com A GROUP OF European suppliers of equipment and software for smart factories have formed an alliance with the aim of ensuring that 80% of the machines in smart factories speak the same language. The Open Industry 4.0 Alliance, whose founders include Beckhoff, Endress+Hauser, Hischer, ifm, Kuka and SAP, is committed to offering an open “ecosystem” and framework to achieve interoperability between equipment. The alliance – whose other members include Balluff, Pepperl+Fuchs and Wika – is committed to creating an open, standardised ecosystem for operating automated factories, including logistics and services. It wants to avoid standalone proprietary systems and plans to create an “Open Industry 4.0 Framework”, based on existing standards such as IO-Link, OPC UA and Rami (the Reference Architectural Model for Industry 4.0). The alliance members argue that proprietary protocols and the variety of standards for connectivity, data management, IT security and collaboration, are creating extra effort and impeding the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0. They are pledging to offer users an open, standards-based offering for a product’s entire journey – from the factory floor to servicing. Users will be able to choose what they need from a set of modular, scalable components and services. These will build on the core competencies of members of the alliance and are said to represent a low-risk, manufacturer-independent option from well-known suppliers in discrete manufacturing and process engineering. SAP’s involvement will help to ensure that business processes such as manufacturing execution, warehouse management and plant maintenance, are collaborative across boundaries with partner companies. The open, standards-based offering is based on four modules, plus a service offering. The modules are: n Device Connectivity , which establishes connections to the machines and sensors; n Edge – the central node for all of the functions needed in the factory; n Operator Cloud – the central node in user companies that supports enterprise-centric functions and applications; and n Cloud Central , which allows bidirectional exchange of data between companies – such as master data and measured data, as well as information such as technical documentation and repair manuals. The first proofs-of-concept were implemented in 2018, with adaptable and flexible matrix production at Kuka. The aim is to produce additional proofs-of-concept from members and their customers by mid-2019, before releasing the first results in the second half of 2019. PHIL HADFIELD has been appointed sales director of Rockwell Automation UK, succeeding Mark Bottomley, who has been promoted to the role of sales director, North, for Rockwell’s EMEA region. Hadfield, who was previously Rockwell’s UK utilities and transport sales manager, has been with the company since 2005 and brings 20 years of automation sales experience to the job. Hadfield will be responsible for overseeing continued growth of Rockwell’s products, solutions and services in the UK, and for leading the expansion of its Connected Enterprise programme. He has recently had a strategic role across EMEA relating to the company’s $1bn investment in the software developer PTC, at the same time as building the UK utilities and transport team. Bottomley has been promoted to his new EMEA role – which covers the UK, Ireland, the Nordic countries and Russia – less than three years after taking the helm of the UK operation. He has been with Rockwell for 12 years. Both appointments have been made with immediate effect. The double announcement is part of structural changes designed to improve collaboration and integration across EMEA as Rockwell continues to grow and improve its service offering. Hadfield takes the helm at Rockwell UK as Bottomley moves to EMEA role Industry group wants 80% of machines to speak the same language MIKE WILSON, one of the highest profile advocates of industrial robots in the UK, has been appointed managing director of KUKA UK. Wison was previously ABB Robotics’ business development manager for the UK and Ireland, and has been chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association (Bara) since 1994. Wilson says that his ambition is “for KUKA to be recognised as the leading robot company in the UK”. He is “looking forward to the opportunity to develop the UK and Irish business further, as we continue as a successful, profitable business, a great place to work and a trusted supplier”. Wilson has appeared on TV to make the case for industrial robots and has written a book, Implementation of Robot Systems , which has been translated into Chinese. In 2018, he was recognised as a manufacturing champion in the UK Manufacturers Top 100. n Wilsonmoves fromABB to become MD of KUKA UK Hadfield: in the UK hot seat Wilson: opportunity to develop UK business

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