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.

Prototypes and demonstrators available

Cross-industry deployment

Suitable for SMEs?

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 recognised the potential of IIoT and implemented it in various use cases.

IoT represents the networking basis for Industry 4.0 and is therefore 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 therefore 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 Optimise themselves independently.

Possible application scenarios

Data can be exchanged, monitored, collected and analysed thanks to the networking and communication of the systems. This provides important information for controlling business processes and decisions. E.g. analysing 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 therefore optimise 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 localised 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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Internet of Things

For targeted and smart processes!

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

Prototypes and demonstrators available

Cross-industry deployment

Suitable for SMEs?

State of play

A distinction should 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. Within an IIoT network, entrepreneurial devices and systems are interconnected. The underlying idea is to achieve cheaper, faster, more accurate and more efficient results. IIoT has been significantly adapted in recent years. In particular, many industrial companies in Germany have recognised the potential of IIoT and implemented them in various use cases.

IoT is the connectivity base for Industry 4.0 and is therefore also described as an enabler of the digital transformation of industry and industries.

Technology and deployment

Description of technology

Robot-based automation
Machines or entire installations shall be equipped with sensors to collect relevant data.
Data transfer
The collected sensor data are transferred via the internet to the IIoT platform (Cloud).
Computing
The IIoT platform is the central interface. It combines the collected data in order to make it available for further processing.
Data analysis;
At this level, the real added value for the company is created. Information is obtained from the linked data, e.g. to gain new insights on the processes. Automated messages can be created, e.g. when temperatures are exceeded. Automated control commands can also be generated to automate processes. Machine learning allows data to be processed in such a way that self-learning systems can be developed that optimise themselves.

Possible use scenarios

The interconnection and communication of the systems enables data to be exchanged, monitored, collected and analysed. This provides important information to guide business processes and decisions. For example, the analysis of the data may provide information on which production parameters need to be adjusted to avoid errors, standstills or delays.

Another example of use of IIoT is the monitoring of machine maintenance needs. Appropriate sensors on the machinery can cause repairs at an early stage before the defect occurs in the first place.

IIoT can also optimise logistics by showing through sensors where there is a free storage space or where the appropriate storage space for a specific object is located. It is also possible to better locate and locate objects in a warehouse with appropriate sensors. Furthermore, re-ordering of articles can be automated by sensors measuring the stock and automatically triggering an order once a specified number is reached.

Opportunities for SMEs

Improving operational efficiency

Lower cost

Automation of production processes

Flexible adaptation to changing requirements

contact

Do you need support in setting up your business?

Use our technology radar to keep a look at the main technologies relevant to SMEs!

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