New-Tech Europe Magazine | September 2018

Unleashing the Benefits of Industrial Convergence

Jeff DeAngelis, Maxim Integrated

The cyber-physical system is best described in simple engineering terms as a classic closed-loop system where each piece of equipment is connected to one another by reacting to its surrounding environment through a nimble feedback loop. However, if you are a Star Wars fan like myself, then this unifying concept in many ways embodies another iconic image— that of Yoda, the Jedi Master, manipulating the Force by simple thought. This unifying concept, in turn, drives industrial convergence. The magic of industrial convergence comes when systems have the built- in intelligence and self-awareness to adjust and act according to their changing environment, without the need for manual intervention. Such an automated, smart factory is ultimate

poised for high productivity as well as high product quality levels. Consider, as an example, the robots produced by Boston Dynamics. Equipped with sophisticated sensors, complex algorithms, motors and actuators, these robots gather information, interpret this data, and dynamically adapt to the environment around them in their quest to complete their given tasks. This level of autonomy represents the promise of Industry 4.0, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in factories. Making industrial convergence possible requires underlying technologies such as sensors, actuators, and digital and analog IOs; in other words, the key functions required by industrial control systems inside

these automated factories. From a technology standpoint, however, supporting industrial convergence requires meeting criteria that weren’t really a concern in older factory environments. Robots at Work Today’s factories are a bustling blend of human and robotic activity as Industry 4.0 permeates the manufacturing landscape. Electronics assembly, testing, picking and packaging—these are among the tasks that robots can now handle in manufacturing facilities. Robots are pitching in to help make cars, computers, appliances, and a host of other goods. Indeed, the elements of Industry 4.0 can be found beyond factories. Inside Amazon’s warehouses, for example, you’ll find people working alongside

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