The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is rapidly transforming the Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) market. Here’s a list of prevalent IIoT devices that are widely used in IACS Engineering these days:
1. Smart Sensors:
These sensors collect data about various parameters like temperature, pressure, vibration, and flow rate. They are essential for predictive maintenance and process optimization in industrial environments.
2.Industrial PCs (IPCs):
These are rugged, high-performance computers designed for industrial environments, capable of handling complex tasks like process control and data analysis.
3. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs):
While PLCs have been around for decades, modern versions are now IIoT-enabled, allowing for remote monitoring and control.
4. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs):
These are used for remote monitoring and controlling of equipment in industrial settings, often in conjunction with PLCs.
5. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Devices:
HMIs have evolved with IIoT integration, offering advanced interfaces for operators to interact with machinery and processes.
6. Actuators and Valves:
Smart actuators and valves can be remotely controlled and can provide feedback on their status, contributing to more efficient process automation.
7. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs):
These are used to control the speed of electric motors, and modern VFDs are IIoT-enabled for better efficiency and control.
8. Industrial Routers and Gateways:
These devices enable connectivity between various industrial equipment and external networks, ensuring secure data transmission.
9. Industrial Ethernet Switches:
These are used to network and connect various IIoT devices within an industrial setup, offering robustness and high-speed connectivity.
10. Industrial Wireless Devices:
Including wireless sensors and mesh networks, these devices facilitate connectivity in difficult-to-wire environments.
11. Edge Computing Devices:
These process data at the edge of the network, reducing latency and bandwidth use by handling data processing locally rather than sending all data to the cloud.
12. Industrial Robots:
Modern industrial robots are often connected and can be monitored and controlled remotely.
13. Environmental Monitoring Systems:
These systems monitor environmental conditions such as air quality and temperature, crucial for certain industrial processes.
14. Asset Tracking Systems:
Utilizing RFID, GPS, or other technologies, these systems track the location and status of various assets in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
15. Predictive Maintenance Tools:
These tools use data from various IIoT devices to predict equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime.
16. Energy Management Systems:
Smart systems that monitor and control energy use in industrial settings for improved efficiency.
These IIoT devices are integral to modern IACS, offering enhanced connectivity, real-time data, and improved efficiency. Their implementation is leading to what is often referred to as Industry 4.0, representing the fourth industrial revolution characterized by smart and autonomous systems.
In the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sector, several major vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provide a range of software tools. These tools are designed to facilitate various aspects of IIoT such as device management, data analytics, connectivity, and integration with enterprise systems. Here are some prominent vendors and their notable software offerings:
1. Siemens
- MindSphere: A cloud-based, open IoT operating system designed for industrial applications, including data analytics and connectivity. It has evolved into Insights Hub. Click here to know more about directly from SIEMENS official website.
2. GE Digital:
- Predix Platform: An application development platform for industrial IoT, offering services for machine data analytics and operational efficiency. Click here to know more about directly from GE official website.
3. Schneider Electric:
- EcoStruxure: An IoT-enabled system architecture and platform for energy management and automation solutions. Click here to know more about directly from Schneider Electric’s official website.
4. Rockwell Automation:
- ThingWorx: Acquired through PTC, this IoT platform includes tools for IIoT application development. Click here to know more about directly from Rockwell Automation’s official website.
IIoT is the overarching concept of connected industrial devices and systems. MQTT and OPC UA are two different protocols used within IIoT for device-to-device communication. ISA95 is a standard model that guides the integration and organization of these technologies within an industrial setting. MQTT is typically used for simpler, more bandwidth-efficient communication, while OPC UA is used for more complex scenarios requiring secure, reliable, and diverse communication capabilities. ISA95 provides a structured approach to managing and integrating these technologies within an industrial enterprise.
