Innovation Day 2024: Industry 4.0 concept in the present.

SFKL Innovation Day Industry 4.0: Where we stand and where the journey is heading

2024-10-01 Source: Smart Factory KL | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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How far the concept of Industry 4.0 has reached the present was demonstrated by the technology initiative Smart Factory KL during its Innovation Day 2024. At six stations, technology examples were showcased that represent the implementation of the concept.

Interoperability, digital twins, human-machine interaction, and digital services in the data space – these are all examples of real implementations of the term Industry 4.0. Here seen in the example of the "Twin 4 Trucks" project by Daimler Truck and SFKL.(Image: Smart Factory KL) — Interoperability, digital twins, human-machine interaction, and digital services in the data space – these are all examples of real implementations of the term Industry 4.0. Here seen in the example of the "Twin 4 Trucks" project by Daimler Truck and SFKL.
(Image: Smart Factory KL)

Two tours under the roof of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) in Kaiserslautern showcased key technologies developed collaboratively by researchers and companies. Tour 1, titled "Industry 4.0 in Application," covered topics such as production control, interoperability, and cobots. Tour 2, named "Vision 2030—Technologies for Tomorrow," focused on SFKL-Nodeset, Digital Services, Research & Industry. "This year, it was important for us to show that Industry 4.0 is partly a reality. We are in the era of application," stated spokesperson Dr. Ingo Herbst.

Example of Interoperability

At the so-called TSN Wedding Module, interoperability was discussed. Here, experts from the Smart Factory Kaiserslautern (SFKL) synchronized a linear axis by Rexroth and a robotic arm from Yaskawa. According to researcher Thomas Bach, the biggest challenge in synchronization lies in the high-performance and deterministic networking of both systems to enable sophisticated motion applications.

Open and expandable control architectures greatly simplify this networking. At this station, the transformation of PLC architecture was also on display, and visitors could understand how a monolithic structure with a control-specific operating system is replaced by a microservices system based on a container engine, a general-purpose operating system, and general-purpose hardware. This transition highlights the evolution toward more flexible and scalable industrial control systems, allowing for modular updates and integration.

Example of Digital Twin

Christoph Fischer from DFKI, closely linked with SFKL, works on the topic of intralogistics and 5G. An autonomous robot moved around a hall, which was simultaneously visible in real-time as a digital twin on a screen. The positioning of the robot is extremely precise, less than a millimeter, Fischer explained.

This is intended for specialized applications where absolute precision is crucial. Additionally, it provides a clear demonstration of how a digital twin operates. To illustrate, a virtual crate was placed in the path of the robot on the screen. The robot stopped, even though there was no real obstacle in its way. "Digital twins save time and money when it comes to trying out technological innovations or simulating processes," Fischer summarized.

Science, politics and business

The three keynote speakers emphasized the collaboration between research, politics, and industry in their presentations. For the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Martin Hummrich described the challenging times but viewed SFKL as a beacon for the industry. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Jochen Köckler from Deutsche Messe AG and Prof. Martin Ruskowski from SFKL. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of the Hannover Messe as a window to the world of German industry and the innovation capabilities of engineers. They also made it clear that investments are necessary to steer Germany into a secure future.

The day before, communicators from the network founded the so-called "SFKLstoryHUB" to better multiply the content they have developed in the future and to promote constructive collaboration.

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