Smart Factory with IoT: igus develops smart plastics app for Fanuc "FIELD system"

New igus app for Fanuc IoT platform allows monitoring of machine components. To centrally evaluate data from machines and systems, Fanuc is now presenting its open industrial IoT platform called "FIELD system." The system can connect production machines from all manufacturers using a local network topology, enabling comprehensive data analysis of the entire process chain. This infrastructure uses apps from Fanuc and third-party suppliers. Now igus has developed a smart plastics app for the new system. The app can be used by maintenance personnel to monitor the condition of their igus components, such as cable tracks and cables, and plan their maintenance activities in a timely manner.

"Networking" is currently the buzz word when it comes to predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0. In addition, industrial IoT platforms are being used. Automation specialist Fanuc has now developed such a platform. The Fanuc Intelligent Edge Link & Drive system (FIELD for short) was presented for the first time by the company in Europe at the EMO trade fair. With the FIELD system, production machines can be networked with each other. It can work "on-site," or in the future with a cloud link. The system collects and analyzes machine data on site. Control and sensor data from the machines can therefore be collected centrally through just one server and can be viewed whenever needed. Efficiency is easily monitored, production processes can be accelerated and maintenance work can be planned. Because of the open nature of the platform, all machines can be connected to the system. Apps for the system are offered by FANUC and third-party vendors.... Motion plastics specialist igus has developed an app for its smart plastics and made it available for the FIELD platform. Once the igus smart plastics app is integrated, users will be able to monitor the condition of their cable tracks and cables at any time and can also schedule maintenance work well in advance. In the future, the condition of gear bearings, will also be monitored with the app.

Connection via icom.plus module in a secure environment

Under the name isense, igus carries various types of sensors that detect the condition of igus components. Among other things, they measure wear during operation and alert the user in time to schedule repair or replacement.The icom.plus communication module provides the igus data via an integrated OPC-UA server. This data is then fed into the platform through the FANUC converter. "Due to the open nature of the FIELD system, customers can now use the data and lifetime statements of all igus products in a secure local network environment," explains Richard Habering, Head of the Smart Plastics Business Unit at igus GmbH. "The igus smart plastics app tells the maintenance engineer when they need to perform the next maintenance. Unplanned downtime can be avoided." FIELD system apps, such as the igus smart plastics app, can be downloaded by users via the FIELD system app store. Here, customers can choose their desired software solutions themselves.