Aalborg University researchers connected a KUKA robot to a Microsoft Azure cloud via an edge interface as a proof of concept

Dr. Christian Liedtke: “Yes and no, of course every manufacturer of machines, components or sensor technology has already found ways to transfer data to the cloud and store it there. So technically, this is no longer a major challenge. But the devil is in the details. Because the user of this data usually wants to utilize it across manufacturers – and then, unfortunately, it is of little help if the data is only “available somehow”.

So let’s look at the big picture: there are many solutions, but no interoperability, i.e., no ability of different machines and components to work together in compliance with common technical standards. That’s why the digitization train is slow to get going and many companies are resigned to the current situation. Processes are running ok and initial pilot applications have often only shown marginal improvements. Looking to Denmark, companies there are technology-savvy and visionary. Therefore, it was investigated how data from different sources can be transferred from the shopfloor to the operator’s cloud. To this end, open interfaces are to be used to allow scaling as desired.

The approach of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance (OI4) is particularly impressive here due to its openness and interoperability. Interfaces are implemented as an open API, i.e., an application programming interface that is made publicly available to software developers. Architecture and implementation recommendations are openly communicated through white papers. Thus, a company does not necessarily have to be a member of the Alliance and can still offer OI4-compliant solutions. Such an approach suits companies very well, as it does not restrict competition and is particularly conducive to implementation in the brownfield environment.”