The Internet of Things (IoT) is an interconnected network of physical items embedded with software and connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data, ushering in the fourth industrial revolution. Smart manufacturing is making waves across all industries. Smart manufacturing has unprecedented potential to increase productivity by providing factory operators with data, optimizing factories and controlling inventory through disruptive global technologies. Eight leading IoT experts from industries including business consulting, film animation, strategy development and infrastructure planning came together to discuss the trends currently defining the field.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
IIoT is the use of IoT technology in manufacturing and therefore has the potential to be implemented on the factory floor, directly increasing production speed, efficiency and quality. Serial servers, DTU, PLC networking equipment, etc. are commonly used in factory workshops. For example, the serial port server has two networking configurations, wired and wireless. These servers are widely used for applications where the connected devices are too diverse. The serial server provides multi-port connectivity options via Ethernet with connectivity. A serial port server can be used to place serial devices on a network and function independently of the computer’s serial port, allowing connections to be made. Because the server is port independent, it provides flexibility for devices to connect and access from anywhere on the network.
cloud computing
The immediacy of data uploaded and shared from beacons, sensors and other such systems has greatly impacted the ability to predict system needs, obtain inventory and supply chain information, thereby reducing the friction between machines, suppliers, manufacturers and customers. of downtime. Without cloud computing to distribute and retain critical information, IIoT loses its greatest leverage: the ability to share critical updates in real time.
AI
With the massive influx of big data generated by IIoT systems, there is an essential need to be able to extract meaning, trends and predictions from this data. Machine learning and artificial intelligence provide the ability to refine patterns, predict relevant information and point out anomalies in the information generated by IIoT systems, further improving and improving productivity.
smart sensor
Sensors are an essential part of recording, generating and relaying information about everything from packaging to various parts of the machine by recording and uploading it to the cloud. More precise sensors measure everything from temperature and volume to time and usage, creating a flow of information that becomes the foundation of the IIoT.