Rexroth IoT Gateway: Valuable data from the Machine Tool
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
The IoT Gateway from Bosch Rexroth allows machine data to be analysed and evaluated in order to increase plant efficiency:
• Connect new and existing machines quickly and easily
• Create transparency – without interfering with the existing automation, and
• Live demonstration at the booth: status visualization of machine hydraulics.
Both the users and manufacturers of machine tools are very keen to collect sufficient machine data in order to visualise and optimise the manufacturing processes and plant efficiency. The subsequent analysis of this data will reduce unplanned downtimes and lead to more efficient production with smaller batch sizes. With the IoT Gateway, Rexroth provides an easy to configure solution to collect sensor and machine data from existing, even older machinery and transfer it to higher-level IT systems. In terms of investment protection, this does not require any interference in the existing automation infrastructure.
To fulfill the increasing demand for flexibility in production, users and mechanical engineers are called on to connect the production processes beyond company boundaries and build flexible value creation networks from reliable machines and lines. Because the typical lifecycles of existing plants can be fifteen years or more, an extensive replacement investment is usually out of the question. High expenditure and interference in the automation infrastructure are two arguments against retrofitting existing drive and control technology. The IoT Gateway is a quick and cost-efficient alternative to this, which makes connecting plants simple and transparent.
Efficient IoT connection for new and existing plants
With the IoT Gateway, machine tools from different manufactures connect to the industrial Internet of Things and Services (IoT) in no time and without any programming effort. The user just need to select the parameters and sensors to monitor and configure the data transfer via the intuitive web-based interface. This system of sensors, software and IoT-capable industrial hardware is quick and easy to set up, handle and manage. Where necessary, data from existing control systems can be read out regardless of the manufacturer without intervening in the existing control project.
Finally, the user determines which data to process from the IoT Gateway and send to the higher-level systems to be monitored and evaluated. These could be databases, MES systems, operating and machine data logging systems or IoT cloud platforms from Bosch, Oracle or Microsoft, for example. In combination with the data analytics server from Rexroth, it provides an attractive system solution from a single source.
Typical application scenarios in machine tools
A common usage scenario for the IoT Gateway is the predictive maintenance of main spindles on older machine tools. Using additional oscillation and temperature sensors, impending failure can be recognised early on, meaning that crucial production components can be systematically exchanged. Missing information can also be gathered from the machine hydraulics without interfering in the plant software. For example, the current flow can be calculated from the signal designation of the hydraulic units.
As part of a live demonstration at EMO 2017, Bosch Rexroth visualised the practical application of the IoT Gateway and data analytics server in connection with CytroPac, a small power unit, and a hydraulic cylinder.
Economical, precise, safe, and energy efficient: drive and control technology from Bosch Rexroth moves machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation to develop innovative components as well as tailored system solutions and services. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drives and controls, gear technology, and linear motion and assembly technology all from one source.