Sustainability is a topic many companies are engaging with in a major way right now. One key pillar being considered is the efficient use of equipment and resources. Tracking technology for the localization of production parts, tools and mobile machines can greatly contribute to their being used more efficiently.
Despite being unable to meet in person at this year's SPS fair, I am proud to share some exciting news here. Highlights include Module Type Package (MTP) being added to the PI technology portfolio, and the PROFINET Community Stack. There's also news about Security, TSN, and the Standard Robot Interface. Thanks for reading.
Module Type Package (MTP) reduces the time and effort required for the planning, configuration and commissioning of a factory. The modularization of a production plant makes it possible to use standardized plant parts. MTP was created by NAMUR and ZVEI. In PI, both organizations have found a solid partner for the further development, quality assurance and international distribution of MTP.
Signing of the GSD file is an important part of implementing Security Class 1. With a signed GSD, it can be ensured that the GSD has not been changed, either unintentionally or intentionally. For PROFINET users, this is crucial support for the secure operation of their plant.
Intralogistics is becoming dominated by automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). omlox enables vendor-independent location tracking of all moving objects. VDA 5050 standardizes the interface between AGVs/AMRs and fleet management software. Together, omlox and VDA 5050 ensure interoperability between AGVs/AMRs and fleet controllers.
The core of PROFINET communication is being provided in a joint C-language library in a community project as a common protocol stack. The objective is to simplify the integration of TSN functions as well as existing and future PROFINET functions, accelerating implementation of the technology and reducing the expenditure of individual manufacturers.
PI is looking forward to a personal reunion with the community. SPS 2021 offers this opportunity, and PI's joint booth will have some innovations to offer in Nuremberg on Nov 23-25, 2021 in Hall 5 at Booth 210. The IO-Link members' general meeting will also take place in Nuremberg on Nov 26.
Once again, a group of companies has banded together to create a vendor-independent standard and found a home in PI to promote, harmonize, and certify their technology. This time it’s a collection of the world’s foremost industrial robot manufacturers.
