Internet of Things

For targeted and intelligent processes!

The term Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of physical objects (e.g. products, machines or robots) that are equipped with sensors, software and other technologies to communicate and exchange data with other devices and systems via the internet.

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The current status

A distinction must be made between the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The IoT concept is consumer-oriented, whereas IIoT is the industrial concept. Business devices and systems are networked with each other within an IIoT network. The basic idea behind this is to achieve more cost-effective, faster, more precise and more efficient results. IIoT has been heavily adapted in recent years. Many industrial companies in Germany in particular have recognized the potential of IIoT and implemented it in various use cases.

IoT represents the networking basis for Industry 4.0 and is therefore also described as an enabler of digital transformation in industry and industry-related sectors.

Technology and use

Technology description

  • Robot-based automation
    Machines or entire systems are equipped with sensors to record relevant data.
  • Data transmission
    The recorded sensor data is transmitted to the IIoT platform (cloud) via the internet.
  • Data processing
    The IIoT platform is the central interface. It combines the collected data in order to make it available for further processing.

  • Data analysis
    The actual added value for the company is created at this level. Information is obtained from the linked data in order to, for example gain new insights into the processes. Automated messages can be created which, for example are triggered when a temperature is exceeded. Automated control commands can also be generated to automate processes. With the help of machine learning, the data can be processed in such a way that self-learning systems can be developed that optimize themselves independently.

Possible application scenarios

Data can be exchanged, monitored, collected and analyzed thanks to the networking and communication of the systems. This provides important information for controlling business processes and decisions. E.g. analyzing the data can provide information on which production parameters need to be adjusted in order to avoid errors, downtime or delays.

Another application example for IIoT is the monitoring of machine maintenance requirements. Appropriate sensors on the machines allow repairs to be initiated at an early stage before the defect even occurs.

IIoT can also optimize logistics by using sensors to show where there is free storage space or where the right storage space for a specific object is located. In addition, objects in a warehouse can be better localized and located using appropriate sensors. In addition, the reordering of items can be automated by using sensors to measure stock levels and automatically trigger an order as soon as a predefined quantity is reached.

Opportunities for SMEs

Improving operational efficiency

Cost reduction

Automation of production processes

Flexible adaptation to changing requirements

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