AI in Industry.

Suddenly in the limelight, artificial intelligence (AI) spent many years on the back burner in industry. However, according to analysts from Hamburg-based IoT-Analytics, AI is now among the top five subjects for decision-makers. 

What is responsible for this change in fortunes? A good front-end with a great language model in the back-end: ChatGPT.

The 2024 Hannover Fair will highlight how industry can use generative AI and also Machine Learning.

Their AI conference on 24 January 2024 in Frankfurt (D) will be another opportunity where experts will explain how AI will change their companies and how they can prepare for these changes. Three sessions – Business, Technology and Use Cases – bring together participants in small groups where they can discuss ideas and ask questions.

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@hannover_messe #PAuto

Interoperable interfaces for Industrie 4.0.

The digital association Bitkom e.V. and the OPC Foundation want to contribute to the establishment and implementation of interoperable interfaces in the context of Industrie 4.0 in a constructive exchange of views. The overall goal of the cooperation is to formulate requirements for interoperability with the digital economy to jointly promote harmonization efforts for machine and plant engineering.

"Lack of interoperability is a key barrier when exchanging data and information between different industrial platforms. OPC UA is an open and vendor-independent standard for the interoperability of systems and devices in industrial and automation technology. Especially in the context of data sharing and thus of data ecosystems, OPC UA can contribute to a uniform standard for the transmission of data between different systems in the context of Industrie 4.0. We are therefore very pleased that we are now entering into a direct exchange with the OPC Foundation through the MoU," says Susanne Dehmel, member of the Bitkom management board.

"Interoperability is important to ensure seamless collaboration between different systems. The OPC Foundation manages a global standard for secure industrial interoperability for information modeling and data exchange in the context of industry that scales from OT to the IT world. As part of the collaboration with Bitkom, we want to ensure that industrial data aspects can be modeled quickly and accurately, taking into account all the needs of the IT world," said Stefan Hoppe, President of the OPC Foundation.

Bitkom e.V. and the OPC Foundation will work together on the following topics:

• Promotion of interoperability and other elements
• Discussion of interoperability requirements together
• Derivation of actual interoperability and standardization needs based on specific use cases or business models
• Input on standardization requirements
• Promotion of security and trustworthiness
• Understanding aspects of open source and the relation to reference implementations
• Marketing activities to communicate the collaboration

Bitkom and OPC Foundation are sharing information on the above topics, host exchange formats and establish contacts with stakeholders to support productive collaboration at this week's Hannover Fair. 

@OPCFoundation @Bitkom #HM23 #PAuto #Industrie4

3-D for automation of the future.

Combination of Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) with MEMS technology enables high-resolution 3-D point clouds.

From industrial automation to autonomous vehicles to care robots, mastering the challenges of the future will require powerful 3-D sensors that capture their surroundings quickly, comprehensively, and with millimeter precision.

High-performance distance measurement technology is combined with MEMS technology for the first time. This forms the basis for the R3000 3-D LiDAR/MEMS sensor, which will be presented as a product study at the Hannover Messe 2023. A technological innovation from Pepperl+Fuchs in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT enables maximum precision and performance - while remaining highly cost-efficient.

Combining the benefits of two technologies.
The 3-D measurement is based on Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), a distance measurement method developed by Pepperl+Fuchs that can be scaled to meet a wide range of requirements. Based on over 250,000 emitted laser pulses per second, it measures distances from a few centimeters to several hundred meters with millimeter accuracy. Ambient light and other environmental influences are effectively suppressed. As a result, PRT delivers fast, precise, and reliable measurement results.

To reach the third dimension, they combine PRT with a micro-electro-mechanical system from Fraunhofer ISIT for the first time as part of the R3000 product study: A small, economical, and mechanically robust MEMS mirror is integrated into the sensor.

Through the motion of the piezoelectrically driven element, the emitted laser beam is deflected in two axes by 40° x 30°. Unlike conventional 3-D sensors, no pixel grid is created during the process of measurement. Instead, the R3000 uses a particularly small light spot and seamless scanning to produce ultra-high resolution 3-D point clouds with exceptional detail.

Intuitive operation due to intelligent user guidance.

To make communication between man and machine as simple as possible, the R3000 is equipped with additional functions. The sensor not only generates a 3-D point cloud, but also a superimposed intensity image that can visualize the scene and therefore facilitate programming and operation. In addition, each measurement point can be displayed with a visible laser beam. The synchronous laser projector allows the R3000 to be precisely aligned and adjusted without additional tools, ensuring easy commissioning. This function also enables interaction between the user and the service robot, for example.

Powerful 3-D measurement for the automation of the future.
With its innovative technology, the R3000 LiDAR/MEMS sensor will herald a revolution for solving complex automation tasks. Precise 3-D images of unknown environments are essential for the next generation of autonomous driving—from driverless transport systems in industry to automated transport of patients in retirement and nursing homes.

With the combination of PRT and MEMS, such complex, dynamic scenes can be captured in detail in real time. This creates a comprehensive database for completely new evaluations using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. As a compact and cost-effective sensor, the R3000 will make high-precision 3-D measurements available for a vast range of applications. In combination with advanced algorithms, the sensor will significantly drive development in the field of autonomous vehicles and service robotics - not only in manufacturing plants, hospitals or nursing homes, but in all areas of life.

@PepperlFuchsUSA @Fraunhofer @hannover_messe @mepaxIntPR #HM22 #Automation

Completely new user interface.

The highlight of the Eplan Platform 2022 is a completely new user interface that significantly improves the overall ease of use. The focus here is on simplicity and clarity, with optics and functionality based on state-of-the-art apps for mobile devices and internationally established desktop applications. Variable tabs give users direct access to important and often-used functions. 

A completely new user interface

The practical multifunctional toolbar with modern ribbon technology flexibly adapts to the application, for instance when switching from 2D to 3D. It also combines different menus and toolbars into one, making daily work easier for experienced users while at the same time enabling an efficient (re)introduction to the software. Furthermore, Eplan has completely redesigned the user interface for both 2D and 3D engineering. The overall result is a modern application with an optimal look and feel, not least via the support of dark and light modes.

Strong performance even for large projects
A completely new graphics module in the 2D area ensures optimal performance, even for large projects. Processing has been significantly accelerated, particularly when importing DXF or DWG files. The new centralised device management also serves as a performance driver and additionally offers more flexibility for converting device data by way of object-oriented data management. The integrated variant management allows users to save all device properties with the individual variant. Now devices can easily be assigned different macros in no time at all – for easy processing of external device data, even in combination with Excel.

Good overview at the project level
The new Backstage view lets users edit all aspects of an Eplan Project from a central location – for instance opening and creating projects, importing DWG files, and exporting PLC or manufacturing data. A list of the recently used projects provides an excellent overview – as does the logical organisation of all project-related actions. And the newly integrated insertion centre unifies all the functions for inserting symbols, macros and devices, including a graphic preview – everything that is needed for efficiently creating schematics. Frequently used components can be marked as favourites and tagged for individual workflows.

Eplan eManage combines Platform with the cloud
The new Eplan Platform 2022, which is being launched this summer under the motto “It’s in your hands”, features many more innovations. One of them is the direct connection of on-premise and the cloud. Now with Eplan eManage, projects from the Eplan Platform can be uploaded directly into the cloud environment and be shared and managed from there. The free version has been available since mid-March. The fact that the Eplan Platform 2022 is being offered exclusively as a subscription once again underpins the clear focus on the future. Especially in volatile times, the investment risk for companies is reduced by way of low entry prices and more flexible planning options for individual software use.

Eplan presented a first look at this Eplan Platform at Hannover Messe Digital Edition.

@EPLAN_DE @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #HM2 #HMI

Positioning standard wins major award.

Profibus & ProfiNet International (PI) have congratulated the industrial partners and specialists of the omlox initiative on winning the Hanover Fair’s Hermes Awards 2020. This outstanding achievement was the result of strong support from the initiative’s partnering companies and the extremely active dedication of everyone involved.

“Such achievements are only possible when many committed individuals actively work together to develop a cross-company standard for a new technology. By integrating omlox in our portfolio, we at PI not only want to offer an open platform for the advancement of omlox, but introduce it through our well-established, globally active organizational form in all regions and markets throughout the world,” explains Karsten Schneider, Chairman of Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) and of PI.

The publication of the “Call for Experts” serves as the starting point for the activities in the five newly launched omlox working groups at PI: Use Cases, Hub, Core Zone, Marketing and Quality Test. The results of the omlox initiative and initial experiences in the pilot plants form the basis for this endeavor.

“Countless discussions with interested users have yielded a wealth of new ideas for use cases, which will set the pace for further development at omlox. We still have a long way to go. The potential is far from exhausted,” states Eberhard Wahl, TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG, head of the Use Cases working group for omlox at PI.

With the progressing digitalization of production in the last years, there has been a substantial rise in interest in an open standard for positioning technology for industrial use, since it allows vendor-neutral products and solutions to be made available for logistical tasks, making it possible for positional data to be shared and used in a much more flexible way.

Omlox is an open, vendor-neutral technology, offering manufacturers and users new possibilities for implementing production processes and products that are in line with the requirements of Industry 4.0. The fact that omlox won the Hermes Award is an incentive and motivation for PI to continue pursuing its Industrie 4.0 strategy.

• See also: The locating standard of the future (23/6/2020)

@ProfibusUK @TRUMPF_News @hannover_messe #PAuto #Industrie4

Coronavirus announcements.

Many organisations holding events throughout Europe and the world are keeping a close eye on developments in this unprecedented emergency - at least in modern times. Sporting events - example this afternoon the Ireland v Italy 6 nations Rugby Union game has been cancelled - are among other events been effected. Events large and small are being effected and it is worthwhile to check on the current status of these on line before travelling.

Statement 4 March 2020
As a result of the current situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), Deutsche Messe is postponing HANNOVER MESSE, originally scheduled from April 20 to 24, 2020, to July 13 to 17 2020.

Auf Deutsch

The Hannover Region Health Authority has reassessed the current situation and highly recommends that the Robert Koch Institute's guidelines for major event be observed and implemented. These include comprehensive health-protection measures when organizing trade fairs.

Other Events Emerson User Group Meeting March - Milan 2020  POSTPONED Control World - Kuala Lumpar - rescheduled September 2020

Those requirements cannot be met by Deutsche Messe in such a short period of time. In addition, implementing them would have an adverse impact on the smooth organization of our events to such an extent that we could no longer guarantee that our exhibitors and visitors would be able to achieve their event-related goals.

The health of our exhibitors, visitors, employees and the general public is a top priority for Deutsche Messe.The new date for HANNOVER MESSE is therefore 13 to 17 July 2020.

Your admission ticket will of course continue to remain valid. The purchase of a new ticket for the new event timeframe is NOT necessary. If you have any questions regarding your ticket, please contact our ticket hotline at +49 511 89-37777.


Statement  - February 2020
Hannover Fair's Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Deutsche Messe Managing Board has issued a staement similar to many being issued throughout the world. Further announcements on the Fair will published here as they become available.

“We are taking all developments concerning the coronavirus (Covid-19) very seriously. We are in close contact with the responsible health authorities, the HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor Advisory Committee and our partner associations VDMA and ZVEI.

Auf Deutsch 

“On 25 February we held a meeting with the Executive Board of the Exhibitor Advisory Committee and the associations to discuss the current situation. All participants agreed that it is too early at this point to decide on postponing HANNOVER MESSE. We have received no substantial cancellations from exhibitors at the event, which opens its doors on April 20. 

We will be conducting further discussions with the health authorities this week to decide on the kind of measures that need to be implemented at HANNOVER MESSE. “Developments in Europe and the postponement of individual trade fairs in Germany however reveal that the situation can change from day to day. In that regard, we will continue to monitor and discuss the situation intensively – with the aim of re-evaluating the situation together with the health authorities and the Exhibitor Advisory Committee in mid-March, in week 12. “Irrespective of this, we will ensure the highest possible degree of hygiene, safety and medical care at the fair. The health and safety of all employees, customers, partners and guests enjoys the highest priority for Deutsche Messe.”

#HM20 COVID-19  @hannover_messe

An alliance for the IIoT.

Seven leading suppliers from mechanical engineering, industrial automation and software have announced the foundation of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance. With this cooperation, the companies want to overcome proprietary solutions and give a decisive boost to the digital transformation of the European industry.

Founding members of the alliance are Beckhoff, Endress+Hauser, Hilscher, ifm, KUKA, Multivac and SAP. In principle, the alliance is open to all companies. Balluff, Gebhardt, Pepperl+Fuchs, Schmidtsche Schack, Samson and WIKA have already joined the alliance as members. All companies are mutually committed to the creation of a standardized and open ecosystem for the operation of highly automated factories and process plants with the integration of logistics and services.

“The open architecture of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance meets all the requirements of the process industry,” emphasized Matthias Altendorf, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group speaking at the Hannover Fair. “It is based on standards, ensures transparency across all business processes and guarantees the integrity of the systems. This enables process plant operators to leverage the potential of digitalization.”

The alliance members are planning to realize a so-called Open Industry 4.0 Framework based on existing standards such as I/O Link, OPC UA and RAMI for the entire route from objects in the workshop to services. Customers can choose from a modular system of compatible and scalable solution and service components, such as digital services from Endress+Hauser’s Netilion IIoT ecosystem.

The connection to the SAP software portfolio ensures the integration of a company’s business processes as well as collaboration with partners across company boundaries. The open architecture allows the simple connection of further system landscapes.

#IIoT #PAuto #Industrie4 #HM19

Massive turnover increase reported.

The Management Board of the HARTING Technology Group pushed the button launching the Harting Digital Business Platform (HDBP):
Dr. Michael Pütz, Dietmar Harting, Margrit Harting, Maresa Harting-Hertz, Philip Harting, Andreas Conrad and Dr. Frank Brode

The Harting Technology Group in Espelkamp (Kreis Minden-Lübbecke) massively increased its turnover for trading year 2016/17 (to 30 September). The family owned and managed global company saw a 14.7% in turnover, taking it up to €672 million (previous year: €586 million) – the highest figure in the company’s 72-year history. The increase exceeded the Management Board’s forecast at last year’s annual press conference in December 2016 by some way.

Digitalisation: vital area driven forward The company sees digitalisation as a major issue for German industrial policy over the next ten years. Everything that can be connected will be connected. Harting addressed the issue closely at an early stage. “The company is highly aware of the consequences of the effect that digitalisation will have. We know that, in order to remain competitive, we need to digitalise all the necessary processes,” said the Chairman of the Board, taking a clear position at the annual conference and seeing it as the duty of the German Federal Government to invest in the country’s digital infrastructure. And the issue is being driven forward overseas. Harting is also looking for momentum as a member of the Robotation Academy, founded in Foshan, Southern China in October, where around 1,000 industry representa-tives will be working on seminars and conferences on technology trends every year. ”We want to work with our customers to expand our Industry 4.0 skills and technology,” said Philip Harting. But he sees the increasingly strict Cyber Security Regulations in China as burdensome. And not just there - increasingly complex data protection rules and protectionist requirements are hampering free trade in other regions, too.

“We are really pleased with the growth in business”, enthused Company Chairman Philip Harting. “We are still on course towards becoming a global company. More than ever before, our success relies on our global corporate network of development, production and distribution companies. Customers see our products as some of the world’s best connectivity solutions and services in our industry.”

The Technology Group is progressing its international growth strategy and extending its global production network, with new plants in Chennai (India) and Agnita (Romania). There was also major expansion in Sibiu. Components for charging points for electric cars are manufactured in Sibiu and Agnita. Harting produces encapsulated cables and cable harnesses at the new plant in Silao, Mexico. Following the initial “ramp-up phase”, staff numbers are scheduled to be increased significantly from the current 35 over the next three years. Mexico is the partner country for HANNOVER MESSE 2018. “And we are expecting plenty more momentum from this”, says Philip Harting.

Strong turnover growth and investment in the future have had a positive effect on personnel development, explained Dr Michael Pütz Senior Vice President Human Resources. The number of employees (including trainees) rose to 4,639 in the 2016/17 trading year (previous year: 4,286) – an increase of 8.2%. 104 (4.3%) new jobs were created in Germany, and 249 (13.2%) new people were taken on at international production plants and subsidiaries. As of 30 September 2017, a total of 2,500 people were working at German Harting locations (Espelkamp, Minden and Rahden) and the overseas figure stood at 2,139. Outside recognition for personnel development

Training and further professional development have enjoyed high status at the Technology Group for decades now. 152 commercial and technical/business trainees and dual students across 22 different professions are currently preparing for a future career at Harting – twice as many as in 2009. Numerous awards and excellent exam results are evidence of the high quality of training, as illustrated by Dr Michael Pütz, Senior Vice President Human Resources. Pütz was delighted with
the 45 trainees who graduated with an average grade of 2.0 (“more than ever before“) and when four trainees were honoured at an award ceremony in Bielefeld by the East-Westphalia Chamber of Commerce (IHK).

Harting has overhauled the careers pages on the homepage to make the company an even bigger attraction to potential applicants: they’re fresh, bold, modern and inspiring. They also offer new digital services to simplify the application process.

Partner Margrit Harting talked about how the Harting Technology Group always stands up to the competition, performing as an excellent employer and source of momentum for the local area. Awards from around the world for quality, products and sustainability and the Group’s local and regional commitments were the main drivers. “We cannot rest on our laurels and must continue to prove ourselves. This is the only way to the future and long-term security for the company and its employees.”

@harting #PAuto

#HM16 Augmented reality in various applications.

Those of us who attended the Emerson User Group meeting in Brussels recently,  will remember where a goggle like apparatus was placed on the head and using a game-like hand piece the engineer would be able to travel through a plant and see where various problems may be without any danger to him or her. This story on a presentation at next weeks Hannover Messe is another similar development.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT and the founders of its latest spin-off company – oculavis – will be presenting three new applications for personal imaging systems, also known as smart glasses, at the Hanover Fair: the “oculavis.4D-instructor”, “oculavis.pick” and “oculavis.share” software modules permit Augmented Reality (AR) functions to be used in production, logistics and service applications. Visitors to the fair who are interested in this development are welcome to come and try out the software themselves using a range of new models of the AR glasses such as ODG R-7 Smartglasses or Epson Moverio Pro BT-2000 in Hall 17, Booth C18. 

The oculavis-software, which runs on a conventional android operating system from version 4.0.4 upward, was developed by the Fraunhofer IPT and will be marketed to industry by oculavis, the up-coming spin-off company as from May 2016. 

The oculavis.4D-instructor software module permits animated instructions with 3D-CAD models to be generated and displayed on the smart glasses. This leaves both hands free so that even unskilled workers can assemble or test parts with which they are not yet familiar. The animations also make the instructions clearer and more easily understandable. By helping to train staff on the shop floor to in this way, smart glasses make a major contribution to accelerating ramp-up processes, particularly in the case of production with a number of variants or where there is a high level of staff turnover. 

The oculavis-place software module provides a so-called “Place-to-Augment-solution” for application in logistics: this means that the smart glasses provide the wearer with helpful information in the display as to where a certain part should be placed. This module extends classical pick-solutions applied in logistics to include an additional feature enabling the user to design and put in place swifter, more intuitive logistics processes. 

In the service sector, the oculavis.share software module supports videotelophony with new features such as bi-directional annotation, 3D-models and documentation options. When complex tasks are involved, an expert can intervene and instruct the user directly. A tool kit containing sample solutions and pre-defined approaches is on-hand to provide support. The software module thus helps to reduce travel costs and shortens plant and machinery downtimes. 

Trying the immersive training simulator at the Emerson User Group.

@FraunhoferIPT #PAuto 

#HM16 Efficient automation, sustainable service, and integrated industry highlighted.

Baumüller Group will showcase components, systems, and services connected to automation, system networking, and mobile drive technology from April 25-29, 2016 at booth K 17 in hall 14. Integrated industry from component to maintenance.

The Hannover Messe 2016 focuses again on integrated industry. Matching the trade fair focus, Baumüller presents Industry 4.0-capable components, network-capable systems, software solutions, and integrated service concepts. Innovations at the Nuremberg automation provider focus on complete solutions for the integration of production processes into cross-business networks. As company group, Baumüller covers complete system solutions with life cycle service, from project planning, engineering, and commissioning to maintenance, repair, and relocation. “Consideration of the complete life cycle is particularly important when discussing integrated industry,” says Andreas Baumüller, Managing Partner at Baumüller.

The clear visualization for handling systems renders long training times unnecessary and accelerates the operating process

Complete system live

As example of such a complete system, a handling system is presented live at the trade fair booth. Visitors can convince themselves of the intuitive operation, the new Baumüller visualization, and the advantages of web capability and open interfaces directly at the machine. The unit can be integrated into nearly any machine type. With extremely short commissioning times, it is suitable for new as well as existing machines. In the service area, Baumüller offers networking via sensor-based machine monitoring that can be coupled by machinery manufacturers or users with different service models. This solution is also presented at the trade fair booth as part of the overall package.

In the system area, the focus is on component developments as well as innovations in software and visualization. Standardized databases, a wide range of field buses and open interfaces are the basis for flexible and efficient communication and networking. In addition to a wide range of field buses and matching software modules, Baumüller therefore offers Engineering Framework ProMaster as very user-friendly tool for machine programming and monitoring as well as intelligent data storage.

Visualization and simulation make life easier

With complete function packages, e.g., for handling units, Baumüller also takes into account the increased importance of machine modularization and flexibility. Pre-configured packages are available to the machinery manufacturer from drive to visualization. These can be integrated into existing systems and operated platform-independently via all mobile terminals thanks to web-based visualization. The machinery manufacturer can use simulation techniques to simulate complete motion profiles. This saves complicated calculations, prevents surprises during commissioning, and thus saves time and costs.

News

In the component area at the control level, Baumüller presents the new industrial PCs of the b maXX PC004 series that offer in combination with the new HMI a powerful and scalable solution for all control tasks. The system is compatible with the remaining Baumüller portfolio. It can be used as master control for all machines or as slave in existing Ethernet-based systems.

In the power electronics area, the Nuremberg manufacturer presents their new multi-axis controllers. The new b maXX 5800 can control up to six axes independently from one another. For example, gantry axes can be controlled within one computer unit. This means that this solution does not require field bus communication between the axes and enables extremely fast communication and response times of 62.5 µs. The dead times of field bus communication as well as following errors are omitted and dynamics and accuracy increased.

Using the new version of three phase current synchronous motors DSC 135, Baumüller presents a particularly compact and quick-accelerating drive. The new DSC was equipped with a special mount for axial process force compensation, high overload capability, and a mechanical interface for spindle connection in particular for the plastic industry and here as ejector drive. In addition to the surface-cooled variant, the motor is available with integrated liquid cooling for maximum power density and compactness. The DSD2 56-100 servomotors and DST2 135-400 high-torque motors are newly available with oil cooling. With that, Baumüller offers an alternative to water cooling, which should be of particular interest for machines with hydraulic system, as the cooling medium is then already in the system and no additional costs are incurred.

Diversely mobile

For manufacturers of mobile machines, vehicles, and ships, Baumüller presents environmentally friendly and cost-optimized drives from 400 W to 280 kW at the Hannover Messe 2016. Among others, the DSE synchronous motor is presented, which offers a high power density thanks to specially arranged, buried magnets. This and the flexibility of the built-in motor during vehicle integration, make the DSE a suitable mobile drive for the power range up to 15 kW and a speed range up to 9000 rpm. With their solutions for hybrid ship drives, Baumüller enables fuel and emission savings and better maneuverability. The DTS2 high-torque motors are equipped with so-called wing mounts for perfect integration into the ship construction.

@BM_Services #PAuto 

#HM16 Interactive process and factory automation demo.

The FDT Group is to present a live, interactive process and factory automation demonstration at Hannover Fair (April 25-29,  Hannover, D).

The FDT Group demonstration, located in Hall 9, Booth F54, will feature an FDT integrated application including multiple protocols, vendors and devices. The demonstration system simulates a brewing and bottling application using control systems and components commonly found in a brewery. More than 20 companies' products will be included in this interoperability exhibit, which features beer pumping between tanks and beer bottles being filled on a rotary conveyor.

The FDT Group booth will showcase the progress made by the FDT Group and OPC Foundation on integrating the OPC UA architecture into an FDT Frame. A new, key feature will be a demonstration of robust device-to-cloud data exchange made possible by the two organizations’ collaboration. Visitors will see a display of asset health monitoring on a mobile device using the FDT2/OPC UA annex. FDT Technology’s method of communicating device and machine data using OPC UA provides an effective combination of local control and monitoring. The demonstration will show the standard integration of information provided by Device Type Managers (DTMs) into the OPC UA information model. This is an important capability for device diagnostics, configuration and remote asset management, as well as integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to support operational excellence initiatives.

FDT Group Managing Director Glenn Schulz commented, "Throughout global manufacturing, there is a diverse scope of process, hybrid and discrete automation applications for FDT Technology. Our standard gives users the ability to mix and match field communication protocols, control system platforms and instrumentation suppliers, simplifying device integration in a host of demanding environments. Our Integrated brewery display will show how fast and easy it is for the operator of a plant to integrate and communicate with different field devices by utilizing an array of device drivers, such as DTMs and Device Descriptions, via a single, open engineering environment over multiple communication protocols enabled by FDT Technology. We are pleased to interactively demonstrate these capabilities at this year’s Hannover Fair.”

The FDT Group will also showcase the advancement of its non-proprietary standard to keep pace with the changing requirements of industry worldwide. The organization has established a comprehensive cyber security infrastructure to address potential cyber attacks on plant automation assets. It is also committed to helping end users deploy the functionality they appreciate in the FDT standard on leading mobile platforms. FDT Technology will play a vital role in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), optimizing industrial communication networks, automation systems, and device suppliers. In addition, the standard has been written into the Industry 4.0 and Modular Automation initiatives with the goal of unifying system engineering, configuration and diagnosis. The FDT2-OPC UA information model will enhance the configuration of networks and devices, and optimize the enterprise with access to data without protocol-specific handling. FDT helps put “Big Data” in context and supports better and faster decision-making – reducing critical failures potentially costing millions of dollars.

@hannover_messe #PAuto @ftdgroup

Extended online support platform increases efficiency for industry.

At the Hanover Trade Fair 2015, (13 to 17 April 2015 in Hannover (D), Siemens presents its extended Industry Online Support, which, with around 1.8 million visits every month, is one of the most frequently used Internet services offered by Siemens. With a comprehensive range of information, advice and dialog, the platform has supported industrial customers for more than 15 years throughout the life cycle of machines and plants - from planning right through to maintenance.

The new support platform features a modern design and more simple operation as well as extended functions, to filter and customize content for instance. This gives users even faster access to more than 300,000 technical documents such as handbooks, circuit diagrams, certificates or 3D models. The new CAx Download Manager speeds up access to data for mechanical or electrical engineering planning. Users can have mobile access to the platform anytime via the app available for Apple iOS, Android and Windows Mobile devices.

Users can retrieve application examples for automation systems or product information directly to the relevant machine via their mobile devices. The Industry Online Support app is available in six languages (German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese). Industry Online Support not only provides information, it is also a dialog platform: on the integrated Technical Forum, which is one of the largest B2B communities in the field of industry with over 200,000 registered members, users support each other by sharing tips, expertise and practical experience. Content and discussions (threads) can also be easily shared on social media platforms.

The extended functions and the new design of the Online Support enable rapid, easy and intuitive navigation between the different areas of Product Support; Services, Forum and mySupport. In Product Support, the central pool of information, intelligent filter and search capabilities ensure that access to full product information is still rapid. For example, the dynamic display already shows the expected number of search results before a filter is applied, which greatly simplifies access to relevant information. This enables users to quickly compare products when expanding plants or replacing components.

New overview pages provide faster access and comprehensive product information, with frequently asked questions. The personal mySupport area enables users to adapt the platform to his/her individual needs with saved filter settings, key words and favorites. Instead of a general newsletter, a message system sends individually summarized updates on new contributions, functions or events. The aim of these new features is to create a faster and more user-friendly system in view of the increasing number of visitors to the platform.

Latest generation of industrial robots!

The world is at the dawn of a new age in industrial robotics. While industrial robots are mostly still large, heavy items of plant designed to rapidly process repetitive tasks from behind safety barriers in big factories, they are now also making their way into smaller factories, where they are more compact and versatile and are able to work alongside their human “co-workers” without any safety barriers. This proliferation of new application areas, coupled with burgeoning worldwide demand, is driving strong growth in robotics sales. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports that its members sold around 170,000 industrial robots in 2013, an increase of 12 percent on 2012, and that 2014 is headed for similar growth.

With such a lot happening in the robotics industry, it is imperative that factory owners keep up to date with the latest developments. And there’s no better place to do this than in Hannover, Germany. Marc Siemering, Deutsche Meße’s Senior Vice-President responsible for Hannover Meße: “At Hannover Meße 2015, the world’s leading robot manufacturers will demonstrate that robotics is the key to enhanced competitiveness and flexibility in industrial production. Big names like Fanuc, Güdel and Kuka will be showcasing the latest generation of robots and highlighting the key role played by robotics in the fourth industrial revolution.”

Fanuc will be presenting its latest robotics and control/servo-drive solutions in what will be its first appearance at Hannover Meße since 2003. “We will make extensive use of the fair to profile our multidisciplinary robotics and factory automation technologies,” said Fanuc Germany CEO Olaf Kramm.

Fanuc, Güdel and Kuka will be presenting their products and solutions at Hannover Meße’s Industrial Automation show, as will Comau, Kawasaki, Stäubli, Mitsubishi, Epson, IBG, ABB and several other leading providers of robot-assisted automation technology. Among the innovations on show will be robots that are wonderfully simple to program and feature intuitive touchpad control technology. There will be robots that are capable of taking on a much greater range of tasks than conventional machines thanks to the latest sensor technology. ABB, of instance, will be launching YuMi, a two-armed collaborative assembly assistant that can see and feel its way around. Its soft, padded arms ensure that it can interact safely with its human counterparts. “These latest robots give factories the flexibility to accommodate today’s steadily growing demand for customer individualization in series production. They are also much more affordable and simpler to program, which puts them within reach of small and medium enterprises,” continued Siemering.

The exhibition area at Industrial Automation will be supported by an array of amazing special displays and shows. At the Robotics, Automation & Vision display area, for example, system integrators will demonstrate their applications and solutions for robot-assisted automation in a range of industries. Mobile Robots & Autonomous Systems is another must-see special display. It will feature the latest technologies and innovations in mobile industrial and service robotics.

2015 will also be the fifth time that the Robotics Award is offered by the organizers of Hannover Meße. The Award honors companies that develop products, projects and technological advancements that make an innovative contribution to robotics-based solutions in the areas of industrial automation, mobile robots and autonomous systems. Olaf Lies, the Lower Saxony Minister for Economics, Labor and Transportation, with present the winners with their prizes at a special ceremony at the Automation Forum on 14 April 2015.

But before then, there’s the 4th Robotics Congress, which will be held in Hannover on Tuesday 9 December 2014 and will explore current trends in applied robotics. Among the discussion topics will be the move towards robots which are easy to operate and integrate and hence open up new areas of application. One such area is human-machine collaboration – as reflected in the congress’s lead theme of “Human-Robot Collaboration.” The program includes technical presentations and discussions, not to mention keynotes from such notables as Dr. Norbert Elkmann, Director Robot Systems, Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (Fraunhofer IFF). Dr. Elkmann’s address is titled “Safe Human-Machine Collaboration – Current Developments and Projects.” The congress will be held in the Convention Center (CC) at the Hannover Exhibition Center.

Hannover goes to Canada!

For the first time in its company history, Deutsche Messe AG will organize an event in Canada. Hannover Fairs USA, Deutsche Messe AG’s U.S. subsidiary, have established the Canadian Wind Energy Conference Partnership with with the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), in which Hannover Fairs USA holds a majority share.

From now on the Canadian Wind Energy Conference Partnership will organize the CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition, which with 200 exhibitors and approximately 2,000 visitors is Canada’s biggest wind-energy event.

“The Canadian Wind Energy Association is a strong and influential partner,” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe. "Our long-term goal is to establish our portfolio of energy events worldwide. So far this year we have launched a trade fair in Brazil and started new partnerships in the U.S. and Turkey. The new cooperation in Canada is a perfect match for our activities.”

Last years event!

“Deutsche Messe has a phenomenal track record over many years in producing wind energy conferences and exhibitions,” said Robert Hornung, President of the Canadian Wind Energy Association. “Partnering with such a well-established trade event management organization allows us to enhance the scope and diversity of conference exhibitors and delegates, and increase our reach internationally.”

Canada currently has 7,000 megawatts of installed capacity, and new projects will contribute an additional 1,500 megawatts annually in the coming years. The CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition, Canada’s leading wind-energy event, promotes public discussion about policy, communications and business development in the expanding Canadian wind-energy market. Industry leaders participate in and support the event, which will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary from 27 to 29 October 2014 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal in Montreal, Québec.

New project director for Automation at Hannover Messe

Tessa Forsblad has taken on a new managerial assignment in the Hannover Messe business unit of the Deutsche Messe group of companies. She has been named the new Project Director of Industrial Automation, one of the 11 trade fairs under the unifying umbrella of Hannover Messe. Forsblad will report directly to Marc Siemering, Senior Vice President for this fair.

Tessa Forsblad

Forsblad joined Deutsche Messe in September 2002 as a project consultant. She was initially responsible for establishing China’s first automation fair. This was followed by trade fairs in Turkey and India. After this she completed a cooperative work/study program, obtaining a university degree in Marketing.

In 2009 she was promoted to department manager in the Global Fairs division of Deutsche Messe, where she was able to add to her expertise in the international tradeshow marketplace. In this capacity she was responsible for establishing trade fairs in Russia, the United States, Brazil and Italy.

Automation Show in India

The industrial shows organized by Deutsche Messe and Hannover Milano Fairs India (HMFI) which open in Bangalore on 6 December 2011 are taking place against the background of an optimistic economic climate. The line-up of shows this year comprises five key events: CeMAT INDIA, MDA INDIA, Surface INDIA, Industrial Automation INDIA and Laser INDIA - which makes its debut in 2011. These shows offer invaluable insights into product innovations in the fields of intralogistics, power transmission and control technology, surface treatment, industrial automation and laser technology. 390 exhibitors from 25 countries (compared with 350 in 2010) will be taking part this year and are expected to occupy a total display area of more than 10,000 square metres.

As in previous years, the product presentations will be complemented by an extensive parallel program of conferences and meetings organized by Deutsche Messe AG and HMFI in collaboration with the relevant industry organizations and media partners. "We can thus offer our visitors a program that contains useful information on diverse topics and aspects of industry, as well as a traditional-style exhibition", says Tessa Marheineke, a director at Deutsche Messe AG. "The themes and issues addressed in this program are of great relevance to industry in India and will provide information about technological developments there."

One of the biggest trade fairs within this year's constellation is MDA, which has attracted 177 exhibitors. This event showcases electric and mechanical power transmission, as well as hydraulics and pneumatics. Leading manufacturers such as Schaeffler, Freudenberg Simrit, Bosch Rexroth, Festo, SKF, Conti Tech and Bonfiglioli will all be represented.

For the first time the power transmission engineering sector within the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) - together with its Indian branch VDMA INDIA - has organized a forum to be held in conjunction with the trade fair. The forum will focus on keynote themes such as resource and energy efficiency and feature a panel discussion on the opportunities and risks on the Indian market. One of the speakers on the panel is Christian Kienzle, director of ARGO-HYTOS GMBH and chairman of the association within the VDMA which is responsible for the fluid technology sector. Kienzle regards India as one of the most interesting markets of the future: "Over the next few years India will remain one of the fastest growing economies in the world and will go from strength to strength. The German fluid technology industry already enjoys a strong position on the Indian market. Due to the sound growth of the Indian economy we confidently expect this positive trend to continue across the whole fluid technology sector."

Another main attraction of the trade fair program is CeMAT INDIA, which boasts 81 exhibitors. Numerous leading manufacturers, including Konecranes, Voltas, Still, Exide, and Cascade, will exhibit products from the intralogistics sector. A new forum, organized for the first time by the Indian trade magazine LOG.INDIA, will be held parallel to CeMAT. All the core issues and questions relevant to the organization of the whole materials handling chain will be discussed by representatives of international companies and practical solutions presented.

Surface INDIA also comprises an extensive exhibition and an informative supporting program. The Society for Surface Protective Coatings India (SSPC) is organizing an international symposium in conjunction with the trade fair. This event will focus on surface coating and related technologies.

The first Laser INDIA will be launched this year with 42 exhibitors taking part. A forum staged by the Indian Laser Association in cooperation with Laser Technologies Pvt Ltd. will explore the diverse uses of laser technology in different industrial sectors and applications.

The organizers expect around 59 exhibitors at this year's Industrial Automation INDIA, including such companies as Sick, Harting and Beckhoff. A forum organized by the ARC Advisory Group will complement the exhibition with presentations which illustrate how automation technology can optimize manufacturing processes.

Process automation at Hannover

Hannover fair is possibly the largest industrial exhibition in the world.

Read-out is unable to attend this year however we have received a number of press releases and reports from exhibiting companies and we are also following it on twitter #hannovermesse11.

Process Automation remains the leading technology event for the process  industry.

Decision-makers from industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & semi-luxuries and biotechnology come here in search of non-branch-specific solutions, along with trade visitors from sectors such as plastics and metalworking, surface treatment, the paper industry, car manufacturing and component supply, the optical industry, electrical engineering and electronics, and the energy industry.

As well as complete solutions, visitors to Process Automation will also find engineering and maintenance services and a vast array of components and field devices.

In 2011 Process Automation is located in Hall 11, synergies are generated

Communications at Hannover

The HART® Communication Foundation joins other major industry organizations to host the first Field Communications Lounge (Hall 9, Stand D05) at Hannover Messe 2011 in Hannover, Germany (4-8 Apr). This new display area provides a single location for visitors to learn about field communication technologies and solutions for industrial automation, view educational presentations and visit individual exhibition areas of the sponsoring organizations.


“We are pleased to participate in the Field Communications Lounge which provides industry users with a new educational experience—to see, discuss and compare advantages and applications of the key field communication protocols for automation—in a single location”, says Ron Helson, HART Communication Foundation Executive Director. “The HART display within the Lounge demonstrates the flexibility, power, reliability and cost-savings of automation applications and solutions based on the HART Communication Protocol, including the IEC and EN approved WirelessHART® standard.”


The Field Communication Lounge is sponsored by the HART Communication Foundation, the FDT Group, Fieldbus Foundation, and PI (PROFIBUS and PROFINET International). In a series of 30-minute presentations, representatives from these organizations will present the latest field communication solutions and applications to improve asset management, lower cost and reduce downtime in all phases of the plant life cycle.

In individual exhibition areas, each organization and its member companies will present practical field communications solutions for intelligent field devices, configuration, control and asset management applications, wireless automation, integration products, and more.


“Live and interactive demonstrations in the multi-vendor HART exhibit area show users the power of Getting Connected with HART Communication in both wired and wireless applications to lower costs and improve plant performance,” Helson says.

Automation offerings at Hannover

The Siemens Industry Automation Division will be present at this year’s Hanover Fair with an array of worldwide leading products and innovations for the seamless automation of industrial processes. “Our comprehensive automation engineering and industrial software portfolio is designed to provide solutions to the most urgent challenges facing our customers in terms of improving productivity, flexibility and security, cutting costs and reducing the time to market”, explained Industrial Automation Systems Business Unit CEO Ralf-Michael Franke at the pre-show press conference. “There is clearly an increasing need for efficient industrial software among our customers. By linking industrial software with our leading-edge automation engineering under a single roof we become the pacemaker in the marketplace.”

Product Releases

Enhancing the safety of industrial networks through integrated security function

Product line of particularly compact industrial PCs with new Intel Atom processors

Compact RFID system for applications in intralogistics and small assembly lines

New Components for Controlling and Monitoring Plants via Remote Access

Safe shutdown of motors up to SIL 3/PL e in process automation

Extended diagnostics and communications for motor starters

High-performance industrial PC for demanding applications

Enhanced system availability and efficient service through remote access to industrial PCs

Expanded range of controllers with increased performance and more compact design

Siemens has extended its portfolio of software solutions for manufacturing industry both by making strategic acquisitions and through its own internal development, and today is in a position to provide a complete software portfolio from product design through to production control. Its experience in the integration of industrial hardware and software has been brought to bear in the “Totally Integrated Automation Portal”, an integrated engineering framework launched back at the end of 2010. Alongside the TIA Portal, technological highlights from Siemens Industry Automation to feature at the Hanover Fair will include product innovations designed to boost energy efficiency and productivity. Franke on the TIA Portal: “This represents a further development of our worldwide leading Totally Integrated Automation portfolio, one which will help to power our customers forward into a whole new era of intuitive engineering.”

There are already plenty of Siemens customers enjoying the beneifts of major engineering cost savings with the optimized workflow made possible by the new TIA Portal framework, equating to a reduction of 25 per cent in concrete projects. Franke sees the TIA Portal as a significant step but only the first of many in a process of further software development which is set to stretch forward to the year 2030. “We are working towards the achievement of completely integrated product and production engineering. The complete integration of what are today two completely separate workflows will open up growth opportunities for us, and enormous additional productivity potential for our customers”, explains Franke. Calculated on the basis of project examples, the potential for cost savings is estimated to be a further 20%.

Alongside the growing relevance of industrial software as one of today’s driving trends, the issue of plant security has taken on ever greater significance over the past year. Plant operators right across the industrial spectrum are increasingly concerned about the issue of security, as open communication in the industrial environment and ever greater networking of production systems render industrial plants vulnerable to attack. Franke believes a comprensive system of security management to be vital to the safe operation of modern plant and machinery: “Plant operators need to look at security as an integral solution – from know-how and integrity protection through to the prevention of industrial espionage and sabotage”. Siemens offers its customers specific security products designed to improve plant protection. The portfolio on show in Hanover ranges from products with integral security properties through to advisory services and implementation of comprehensive security solutions.

Siemens at the Hanover Fair 2011: In keeping with the theme “Create Sustainable Value”, at booth A72 in Hall 9, Siemens will be demonstrating how economic efficiency and productivity can be reconciled with ecologically responsible industrial production. It will also be informing its customers right across the different fields of industry about how to create sustainable added value with solutions from Siemens. With its excellent product, system and solution portfolio, integral exertise and exceptionally high research and development potential, Siemens is ideally placed to provide sound customer advice. At this year’s fair, issues in the spotlight will be energy efficiency and productivity, while the technological focus will be on the engineering framework Totally Integrated Automation Portal. On the subject of energy efficiency, Siemens will also show its customers how to identify, evaluate and consistently implement savings potential with a view to reducing energy consumption and cutting both carbon emissions and costs. On the issue of productivity, integral solutions ranging from the CAD drawing through to the finished product will be unveiled. At its booth in Hall 9, Siemens will demonstrate how resources can be efficiently utilized and productivity potential leveraged, starting right from the plant design through to the operating phase, featuring examples from a number of industries: automotive, oil & gas and renewable energies (wind and solar).

Other Siemens industry topics featured at the Hanover Fair 2011: Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software GmbH (Hall 17, Booth B40); Metropolitan Solutions (Hall 8); TectoYou (Pavillon P33, Booth A03); AS-International Association (Hall 9, Booth F58); Hart Communication Foundation (Hall 7, Booth D45); Profibus Nutzerorganisation (Hall 11, Booth A49)

Showcase automation solutions to a global audience

The International Society of Automation (ISA) have formed a partnership with Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA) and Automation.com to organize an Industrial Automation Pavilion at Hannover Meße 2011, which will take place 4–8 April 2011 in Hannover, Germany.

ISA, Automation.com and HFUSA recognize the significant increase in demand for efficient manufacturing processes through automation technologies and the importance that such technologies be adopted on a global scale.

Through this partnership, ISA and Automation.com will organize a group exhibit that will allow members and customers to showcase automation solutions to a global audience. This Industrial Automation Pavilion will provide participating exhibitors with great visibility and traffic in an affordable and efficient exhibit setting.

The Automation Pavilion will be in the Industrial Process Sector

The Industrial Automation sector of the fair, which hosted 91,300 international visitors in 2010, is the ideal exhibiting platform for automation companies and will be home to the ISA/Automation.com Industrial Automation Pavilion. Comprising seven exhibit halls, the Industrial Automation sector enables companies to meet with existing and potential customers and to export their products and services worldwide.

Art Paredes, president and CEO of HFUSA, said, "It's an excellent time for companies to increase their exports and market shares by expanding into the foreign markets. And, HANNOVER MESSE, the world's largest industrial trade fair, is the ideal platform for companies to showcase their products and services."

Timothy Feldman, director for products and services of ISA, stated, "As an organization dedicated to setting the standard for automation and advancing the profession globally, ISA is enthusiastic to be participating in this partnership to bring exhibitors to Hannover Meße who otherwise might not be able to exhibit on their own."

Rick Zabel, vice president and publisher of Automation.com, said, "As global competition increases, it has become more important than ever for companies to expand their footprints and participate in international events like Hannover Meße. We are delighted to partner with ISA and Hannover Fairs USA to offer this pavilion as a low-cost entry point to the fair."