FOCUS ON DIGITALISATION powerful triumvirate . OPC UA is the underlying technology , the OPC UA Companion Specifications is the global production language for numerous technologies in the machinery and plant engineering industry ( driven by the VDMA ) and umati is responsible for implementation and marketing .
Dr . Alexander Broos , Head of Research and Technology at the VDW ( German Machine Tool Builders ’ Association ), highlighted the closeness of the three entities .
“ For us , networking involves connecting not only machines but also people . After all , the intelligent linking of machines is an ongoing process that can only succeed if it is supported by a strong community working together ,” he explained .
Following the data flow
Numerous partner companies ( with their machines , components and software solutions ) formed the framework of the live demonstration . The sectors featured at EMO Hannover included manufacturers of machine tools but also suppliers of geometric metrology , additive manufacturing , robotics , image processing and , of course , software .
Nils Tersteegen , Marketing Manager , Fanuc Germany , Neuhausen auf den Fildern , outlined why connectivity is an industry-wide topic .
“ Connectivity is an essential tool to make factories more efficient and production safer . Fanuc has been a partner of the umati initiative from the beginning , as we believe that an independent interface will allow machines , robots and peripherals to grow together and provide added value to all . With umati , Fanuc controllers , machines and robots can be quickly and efficiently integrated into our
umati is the global initiative for open communication interfaces for the machine-building industry and its customers
customers ’ IT environment ,” he said . Show visitors could follow what was happening via a QR code attached to each device connected to the umati demonstrator . The display showed the data flowing directly into the umati . app , where it is represented with data from other devices , making it available to users in a uniform manner .
Software providers could also patch themselves into this data flow and demonstrate the benefits of their products in real time based on actual data from the EMO Hannover 2023 machine pool .
“ In an evolving technological landscape , our concept of Industry 5.0 represents a pivotal juncture in the digitalisation software industry . umati keeps us updated on OPC UA Standard evolution while putting us in contact with machine builders and increases our international visibility through effective communication and trade show exposure . Together , we fuel the change to Industry 5.0 and help SMEs around the world manage digital transformation quickly and effortlessly ,” commented Retuner ’ s managing director , Guido Colombo . The software provider is also an umati partner .
Three new developments
Umati also presented three further new developments at EMO : umati and MT Connect , the U . S . standardisation initiative , have resolved to join forces .
In addition , the seamless communication of manufacturing data from machines via OPC
Image : Deutsche Messe .
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