ISMR October 2023 | Page 64

FOCUS ON DIGITALISATION

umati is the joint connectivity initiative by the VDW and VDMA . With over 320 partners , it is committed to implementing and marketing open , standardised interfaces . ( Image : Deutsche Messe ).

THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY

“ umati enables the exchange of data between machines , components and systems , and their integration into customer and user-specific IT ecosystems , simply , seamlessly and securely .”

The umati initiative showcased live demonstrations of networked machine data flows and the seamless communication of manufacturing data at EMO Hannover 2023 .

Those interested in experiencing the Future of Connectivity ( live and in person ) saw demonstrations of the umati ( universal machine technology interface ) at EMO Hannover 2023 ( 18-23 September 2023 ). The joint initiative from the VDW ( German Machine Tool Builders ’ Association ) and VDMA ( German Engineering Federation ), together with a network of numerous industry and research-based partners , demonstrated how machines all over the world can communicate with each other simply , seamlessly and securely .

Umati celebrated its first major appearance at EMO Hannover in 2019 with a live demonstration . The global network of partners has now grown to over 320 members and counting . Numerous OPC UA specifications , which are vital for the open and standardised exchange of data , have been added since then . The most recent example was the specifications for plastics processing machines and additive manufacturing systems .
Umati is the global initiative for open communication interfaces for the machinebuilding industry and its customers . It enables the exchange of data between machines , components and systems , and their integration into customer and user-specific IT ecosystems , simply , seamlessly and securely . Machinemakers , software manufacturers , component suppliers and users have joined forces to create a strong
Left : Dr . Alexander Broos , Head of
Research and Technology , VDW , and project manager for umati ( image : Deutsche Messe .) community aimed at promoting the use of open , standardised interfaces based on OPC UA Companion Specifications .
A powerful triumvirate
At the umati stand in Hall 9 at EMO Hannover 2023 , various ‘ Meet-the-Expert ’ rounds were held twice each day to offer first-hand information from the umati team and representatives of umati partner companies on the background , technology and benefits of open , standardised data interfaces for mechanical engineering . Various exhibits enabled visitors to experience how sophisticated the technical solution has become .
Stands belonging to the OPC Foundation and the Machine Information Interoperability ( MII ) department of the VDMA were also near umati ’ s stand . Together , they represent a
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