June 2019

BOSCH REXROTH HAS released an app that provides wireless access to the error memory of machines equipped with its control systems, allowing maintenance personnel to read error messages and service information, and to order spares. The Digital Service Assistant (DSA) app, for Apple and Android devices, eliminates the need for time-consuming investigation to identify defective components. After installing the app, users define which PLC data the app can read. The connection is encrypted and the app cannot has no write rights. In use, maintenance personnel simply call up an electronic nameplate for the components, or scan a QR code or serial number. They can request a spare part, or initiate a repairs request, while at the machine. OEM machine-builders can integrate the app into their service offerings. Initially it is available in Germany, but will be rolled out elsewhere. www.boschrexroth.com n TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY n June 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com 24 AT THE HANNOVER FAIR, Weidmüller presented an automated machine learning (ML) tool for machinery and plant engineering that will allow OEMs to create and develop models without having to rely on data scientists or external specialists. This will ensure that their knowledge of processes and machinery stays inside their company. Weidmüller says that its auto ML tool “democratises”the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and will provide the basis for more efficient production processes and new data-based business models. OEMs will be able to sell their machines based on their availability, or a guarantee of the number of parts that they can produce. Weidmüller believes that the ability to maximise machine productivity will result in return-on-investment times of a fewmonths.  The company argues that existing ML tools are extremely demanding for traditional automation and machinery experts, who usually do not have the knowledge needed to develop the required models. Data analysis and model design are therefore carried out by data scientists, whose expertise is needed to apply AI or ML to the data and to develop models that can recognise anomalies or predict errors, for example. The new tool guides users through model development, simplifying the process and allowing them to focus on their knowledge of machine and process behaviour. It will help companies to archive their application knowledge in reliable ML applications, as well as providing the components needed to implement AI.  An algorithm will learn typical data patterns for normal machine behaviour, based on historical data. Any deviations from these patterns may be the result of inefficiencies, minor malfunctions or more serious errors. The system can detect errors the first time they occur, even if they were previously unknown. Weidmüller says that the auto ML tool will take on the role of a data science assistant, guiding the user to create models for anomaly detection, classification and prediction. www.weidmuller.co.uk p The number of Profinet and Profibus nodes in use now exceeds 87 million, according to Profibus and Profinet International (PI) . Some 5.1 million Profinet devices were delivered in 2018 (0.6 million more than in 2017), taking the total installed to 26 million. Some 3.3 million IO-Link nodes were delivered – a 40% growth, taking the total installed to 11.4 million. Some 2.23 million ProfiSafe nodes were sold in 2018 – a 25% hike, taking the total installed to 11 million. There was even a 2.4 million rise in the number of Profibus nodes, taking the base to nearly 61 million. p Siemens has announced the “first digital native CNC”, offering digital twin capabilities to machine tool developers and users. The Sinumerik One promises seamless interaction between virtual and real worlds and is predicted to reduce development and commissioning times, as well as allowing virtual training. Available in panel or cabinet versions, it contains an S7-1500F PLC. p The Japanese chip-maker Renesas has announced a range of microcontrollers with built-in EtherCat slave controls that, it says, could halve the size of PCBs for industrial controls – a particular attraction for robot- makers. The RX72M controllers also support precision motor control and have 1MB of SRAM and 4MB of Flash memory, allowing them to run Web servers, TCP/IP and OPC UA. p The semiconductor manufacturer Cree is investing $1bn to expand its production of silicon carbide (SiC) devices 30-fold, to meet growing demand from the automotive, industrial and communications markets. Demand for the high-efficiency, high- temperature, high-power SiC devices already outstrips supply. In electric vehicles they can help to extend ranges and cut charge times, and they also promise higher-efficiency industrial drives. p The market for factory automation simulation and virtual commissioning software will grow at a CAGR of 11% to reach $4.1bn by 2031, according to ABI Research . It says that most manufacturers have not yet realised the benefits of using simulation software. The automotive sector is the biggest user with sales expected to be worth $1.8bn by 2030. www.abiresearch.com p Phoenix Contact is working with the cloud computing supplier AmazonWeb Services to ensure high security standards for its mGuard Secure Cloud remote services, in accordance with the most stringent European data protection standards. It says that mGuard can now be used with improved performance and scalability. p Molex has collaborated with a German expert in remote maintenance, MB Connect Line, to develop a secure, reliable cloud- based communication channel for remote access and monitoring. It gives machine- and systems-builders the ability to offer real-time condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, and is designed to be managed by automation personnel, not IT engineers. www.molex.com App reads error messages from controllers Weidmüller believes that its machine learning tool will open up new ways for OEMs to sell machines Machine learning tool allows OEMs to retain their expertise and deliver ROIs of ‘a fewmonths’

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