IIoT & Industrie 4.0

How is IIoT changing Industry?

Industrial IoT is an ecosystem of devices, sensors, applications, and associated networking equipment that work together to collect, monitor, and analyze data from industrial operations.

Smart Factories & Automation

Representing the fourth industrial revolution, Industrie 4.0 is a collective term embracing a number of automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies. These technologies coalesce under Cyber-Physical Systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services. Industrie 4.0 originated from a high-tech strategic initiative of the German government to promote the computerization of manufacturing.

Six Design Principles

Industrie 4.0 is based on six design principles:

1. Interoperability. The ability of cyber-physical systems (i.e. workpiece carriers, assembly stations and products), humans & Smart Factories to connect and communicate with each other via the Internet of Things & the Internet of Services
2. Virtualization. A virtual copy of the Smart Factory which is created by linking sensor data (from monitoring physical processes) with virtual plant models & simulation models
3. Decentralization. The ability of cyber-physical systems within Smart Factories to make decisions on their own
4. Real-Time Capability. The capability to collect and analyze data & provide the derived insights immediately
5. Service Orientation. Offering of services (of cyber-physical systems, humans or Smart Factories) via the Internet of Services
6. Modularity. Flexible adaptation of Smart Factories to changing requirements by replacing or expanding individual modules