Despite all the easing and stability of the global economy in the past year. However, in 2021, we saw a rapid pace of innovation and change. The global pandemic has greatly affected the way we work, especially how we continue to work when we are not on the scene.
Therefore, in the field of industrial automation, we see that advanced machinery and intelligent systems have been deployed to new working modes, and ushered in a new trend of industrial automation.
The main focus of industrial automation development is on the ability of advanced technology and our attention to network security and environment. We think the following trends will be on the list.
(1) More advanced iiot applications - condition monitoring
Iiot (Industrial Internet of things) implements various enhanced engineering strategies, such as root cause analysis, predictive maintenance (PM), big data analysis and condition monitoring (CM). Industry experts believe that as machine manufacturers begin to understand the working principle of CM and the main benefits it can bring, their attitude towards cm has changed significantly.
Cm covers the specific conditions of the machine, such as temperature and vibration, using a series of iiot sensors. These sensors can immediately identify any operational changes that may indicate a failure and transmit system alarms and / or remedial measures. This is very useful for motors, presses, pumps and compressors, and the range of parameters that can be monitored is expanding. Real time cm data analysis can also be extended to a wider range of performance analysis, such as machine usage, cycle time and running time.
(2) Predictive maintenance
Cm is a major factor of PM, because it can arrange maintenance plan in advance, identify abnormal conditions and take preventive measures. As many sensors are integrated into automated production, machines can also evaluate their own state. This means that immediate feedback will automatically lead to a maintenance request for the machine before the problem reaches a critical state. This leads to a reduction in machine downtime and cost savings. In some cases, the machine may even carry out its own maintenance, and there have been such examples in practice.
(3) Big data and reporting
More advanced iiot technology means generating a large amount of more data and collecting it in real time. This will continue to be one of the leading trends in automation in 2022, as companies are learning how to realize their full potential. Big data reflects every input and action in the automated production process, which can then be studied or stored for later analysis. Data analysts can find defects in processes, vulnerabilities in programs, and evaluate the total life cycle of their devices.
Big data enables enterprises to accurately see what happens every minute in their company. They can then produce better planning and forecasting models, which in turn will improve productivity and profits. In some cases, larger companies can aggregate data from multiple production facilities to arrive at a more comprehensive operation. These processes can be further enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
(4) Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and machine learning
AI enables machines and devices to make independent decisions and perform intelligent tasks. Ml goes further, enabling machines to learn from their own activities to improve themselves, especially as algorithms become more complex. In the so-called light out or dark factory, it is already possible to operate production facilities without any human input, but this is not suitable for all industries.
As time goes by, more VR / AR applications will be used. Combining these technologies with iiot and artificial intelligence provides great potential in many fields. These areas include product design and development, manufacturing, field service and machine maintenance, as well as customer support and logistics. For example, using AR in the early stage of product development can carry out virtual iteration of product design without repeated prototyping costs.
As products become more and more complex, their parts tend to increase in number and decrease in size. This makes the manufacturing process of workers more difficult and cumbersome if they want to complete error free tasks quickly. Some complex assembly processes are now assisted by AR guided interactive work instructions to speed them up and eliminate errors without putting more pressure on workers.
Field service technicians also use AR and / or VR to conduct remote guided maintenance, making employees safer and saving time and money for the company. AR can also be used for real-time daily cm to replace regular machine maintenance and reduce failure loss. It can contribute to PM through rapid diagnosis and faster maintenance and recovery. AR can also improve logistics by using auxiliary and interactive voice over to provide guiding instructions.
(5) Sustainability
Resource efficiency and net zero emissions are our top global concerns, so business operations must be managed in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. Energy and material costs continue to rise and regulations become more and more stringent. Automation will tend to be more sustainable and renewable energy in 2022. Iiot technology can help develop solutions to reduce energy consumption, create more efficient machinery and reduce waste. The recycling of parts is also a growing trend of industrial automation, coupled with the maintenance right legislation required by consumers.
(6) Network security
With the development of iiot and greater connectivity, there is a corresponding dependence on complex software. This makes it attractive to cybercriminals, who cause huge damage by invading industrial systems, harpoon phishing or installing blackmail software. In some of the worst records, the whole factory was captured and all its business and personnel data were stolen. The increase of threats and the real cost of vulnerabilities have prompted machine manufacturers to take more stringent network security measures. The company is improving staff training and providing sufficient information to customers and suppliers to combat cyber security incidents.
Covid-19 continues to influence the way we work, but the automation trend in 2022 is to increase connectivity and greater machine investment in all aspects of the manufacturing environment.
