Over five days at EMO Hannover in Hall 9, leading experts from industry and science will give presentations on future technologies that will become important pillars of metalworking. Participation is free of charge and the presentations will be held in English.

Behind the IIoT are buzzwords such as additive processes, machine learning and artificial intelligence, platform economy, Umati, OPC UA and 5G. But what is behind these omnipresent terms? And how can these technologies boost value creation in the manufacturing industry?

Practical networking at machine and business level

In a networked world, a secure way to exchange standardized data and information from the sensor to the IT company is the greatest advantage for reducing engineering costs and increasing safety. For data exchange, the market has chosen the platform-independent OPC UA as the standard for OPC UA as a framework for industrial interoperability. Why? And how can existing machines that are supplied without OPC UA be connected today? On Tuesday afternoon, the forum will provide an overview of the status quo and the OPC UA roadmap. In addition, experienced entrepreneurs will show how cyber security and assistance systems pave the way to a successful, secure and user-friendly IIoT application.

Experts agree that value creation through digital services will also be a key element of future business models. They will enable machine tool manufacturers to meet the future requirements of their customers and hold their own in international competition. One term that is doing the rounds in this regard is the platform economy. Entrepreneurs who have already gained experience report, among other things, on scalable digital platforms and how manufacturing companies can benefit from subscription business models.

Connectivity thanks to Umati and 5G

In order to leverage the immense potential for industrial production, connectivity must not only be possible from machine to machine, but across the entire value chain. Experts from international companies will discuss how Industry 4.0 and IIoT can become a comprehensive reality in the German economy, with topics including data performance and reliable wireless communication. In addition, the forum "5G. Make manufacturing smart." will provide specific information about 5G in the industrial environment. The forum is coordinated by the "5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation", or 5G-ACIA for short. It is the central global forum for the design of 5G for industrial applications.

Last but not least, the universal machine tool interface Umati will be a major driver of Industry 4.0. What began as an initiative of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) has developed into a globally supported movement to ensure a simple and secure connection between machine tools and IT systems in the production environment. At the forum on Friday, the audience will learn technical details about the current state of affairs, what opportunities companies that have been involved in the initiative from the outset see in Umati and how other companies can participate.

In addition to the presentations on connectivity, a first 5G showcase will also be presented at EMO Hannover with the participation of Ericsson, Stockholm, Makino Europe, Hamburg, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT). Based on 5G technology, a robot on a specially developed driverless transport system will take tools from a shelf, measure them and load them into a machine. The data transfer between the central control unit and the robot is extremely fast as it takes place via 5G. Visitors to the showcase can find out how they can integrate 5G processes into their production systems from Makino in Hall 12, Stand B36.

Artificial intelligence and 3D printing

The presentations on Tuesday morning will show that artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) in particular, is on its way to practical implementation. They will address the question of how companies can supplement their automated production with ML and AI methods. The speakers will also present specific examples, such as the prevention of chatter or voice-controlled AI-based machine operating systems. A practical ML application for planning, scheduling and operations management will also be presented.

Of course, there will also be presentations on additive processes that have already found their way into metalworking, particularly in the aerospace and medical technology sectors. Rapid technical progress and research into new materials for industrial 3D printing will open up further areas of application. But to what extent can companies already integrate additive processes into their production? What special features need to be considered? The audience will find out on Wednesday and Thursday.

The open forum with half-day topic blocks will take place in Hall 9, Stand I24.

Gerda Kneifel, Press and Public Relations VDW / mho