Electricity + Control September 2019

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION + SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

equipment before a machine breaks down. How- ever, with more complicated machines and with problems which involve more detailed use of AI, specialists with advanced skills (such as data scien- tists and software engineers) are best equipped to extract maximum value from the new technology. 3. Data security In terms of understanding what is happening in machines in a manufacturing environment, cloud computing presents a relatively simplistic approach that is often insufficient to meet the needs of the latest technology and machines. Using the cloud can cause problems in data security, particularly in relation to compliancewith the latest IEC 62243 cyber security standards. These are becoming increasingly important in industrial situations and relate to the security, safety and integrity of the components and systems used in industrial automation programs. In contrast, edge computing within the factory provides another level of security, as the data resides in the machines. The whole industrial automation process can be secured using appropriate solutions. Conclusion In a traditional machine control environment, it has been impossible to program a machine to recognise micro-second skill patterns in the local data that might be entering it. Potentially, all machines have this information. The introduction of AI solutions at the edge enables manufacturers to look at that data. Advances in technology mean machine control equipment can process the data and recognise patterns within it. Although edge computing has some distinct differences from cloud computing in the manufacturing arena, it does not need to substitute cloud computing completely – the two can coexist as they complement each other in many ways. In some situations, computing might take place in the cloud and then be transferred to edge devices. Deciding which is the most effective solution for a factory starting to use AI: both have a valuable role to play in manufacturing, but with regard to using AI in the production line, edge computing does appear to have the lead.

Some manufacturing facilities might decide to send all data to the cloud. However, it doesn’t show or respond in real time to what is happening in the machines. This is why Omron decided to focus on developing tools to help people get to grips with the complexities of what is happening in the machines, along with details of downwards analysis and pattern recognition. With edge computing in an industrial manufacturing environment, the process within the machine can be revealed via real-time data. AI at the edge enables manufacturers to control complexity and security and, to translate information into action, manufacturers need efficient control and monitoring that facilitates a more proactive relationship between operator and machine. With edge computing, the data and the computing resources are located close to the machines. Users gain real-time information about the efficiency of different aspects of the industrial automation system. They can access intelligence within the machine, which in turn enables deep analysis to be carried out. This information is scalable and measurable and, used well, it enables the factory to achieve

…to translate information into action,

manufacturers need efficient control and monitoring that facilitates a more proactive relationship between operator and machine.

a significant increase in its overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Manufacturing companies are increasingly recognising that AI can make a major contribution to their profitability by increasing OEE, which leads to greater productivity and lower costs. In this way, AI can contribute to direct and immediate results, because the intelligence is incor- porated within the machine rath- er than being located elsewhere. Users can focus on potential issues in the process, using the real-time data from the system and its com- ponents. Omron’s AI Controller has some pre-programmed tools that can help with simple cases of preven- tive maintenance. Using advanced mathematics, it can detect a prob- lem or a deterioration in part of the

Omron Electronics Omron Electronics is the South African subsidiary of Omron Corporation, a global leader in the field of automation. Established in 1933, Omron has about 36 000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in more than 110 countries and regions. The company's business fields range from industrial automation and electronic components to automotive electronics, social infrastructure systems, healthcare and environmental solutions. In the field of industrial automation, Omron supports manufacturing innovation by providing advanced automation technology and products, as well as extensive customer support.

32 Electricity + Control

SEPTEMBER 2019