Basis for optimizing the value chain

Integrable box for collecting local data

Edge Device EPC 1502 with large data memory, high-performance hardware and unconventional interfaces compared to a traditional PLC.

The range of applications for edge devices is broad, as potential applications can be found wherever data needs to be analyzed or is already being analyzed in the cloud. At the beginning of the development of every edge application, the user is always faced with the same question: how can the data be accumulated centrally? Developing autonomous vehicles, a traffic light system or intelligent thermostats that would benefit from the performance and responsiveness of an edge computer can be a complex undertaking. Above all, the edge device used must prove to be flexible. In addition, a large amount of system data must be collected, which is usually provided by numerous different sensors from various manufacturers. The field devices also communicate via a variety of industrial protocols. In addition, the data is often analog and cannot be easily accumulated.

Secure Data Box as a secure interface

Data Collection Box for easy data collection in existing systems without jeopardizing the CE marking of the machines. © Phoenix Contact

Once the data has been accumulated and analyzed locally via the edge device, the device often serves as an intermediate layer to the cloud. While collecting data in existing systems can already be difficult, there is a potentially even greater task to be solved: How are the summarized data, evaluated alarms and the analyses of the edge device securely transferred to the cloud?

Interaction of the Data Collection Box and Secure Edge Box to securely visualize data locally and send it to the cloud via a VPN tunnel © Phoenix Contact

This is where another integration-capable solution from Phoenix Contact comes in: The Secure Data Box is designed for shared use with the Data Collection Box switchgear combination. It forms the secure interface between the production network and higher-level IT networks, external service providers or cloud systems. Unauthorized access is blocked by the firewall of the built-in FL Mguard security router. The firewall only allows the necessary data traffic to optimally protect the segmented network. Direct access to the EPC 1502 edge device is also possible via the Mguard Secure Cloud app. In this way, the user receives all information via remote maintenance.

Reliable operation of AGVs

Back to the application examples cited: What added value does the use of the edge device in an automated guided vehicle system (AGV) offer, for example? The openness of the edge device bridges the gap between classic control functions and AGV navigation. Thanks to a plug-and-play interface for the Robot Operating System (ROS), a quick connection to existing navigation solutions can be realized. By supporting high-level language programming, the ROS interface and the Docker software, users can also implement their own approaches directly on the edge device. The PLCnext Technology online store contains a large number of apps so that the edge device can also send firmware and application updates to all other controllers.

The device installed at the edge of the network thus provides a simple and secure entry point for remote maintenance of the entire system. The collected data can be displayed locally in the form of dashboards. Artificial intelligence and its algorithms analyze data points with regard to anomalies. This creates the basis for predictive maintenance, as the solution warns of failing shafts or motors at an early stage. Their immediate repair helps to minimize production downtime. Thanks to the atypical interfaces, which are not usually provided by a traditional control system, data can be forwarded directly via WLAN, which saves the laying of cables. The large internal data memory allows local data storage over a longer period of time. Edge devices therefore often prove to be indispensable for the reliable operation of driverless transport systems and the associated efficiency and flexibility.

Wide range of applications

Edge computing can be implemented differently in individual applications. For large systems with considerable amounts of data that need to be collected using various protocols, the combination of ready-to-install edge boxes can significantly simplify implementation. Existing systems can be easily converted to edge computing with the integration-capable solutions, which are installed outside the machine and therefore receive their CE marking. In smaller systems, the edge device must score points with many supported protocols and apps for functional expansion so that the user receives added value with simple installation.