Drives and controls provider Bosch Rexroth will showcase its Industry 4.0 demonstrator unit for the first time in the UK, at this year’s Factories of the Future EXPO in the UK.
From April 4-5, 2017, Bosch Rexroth’s Connected Automation mini assembly line will be providing a live demonstration of Industry 4.0 in action at the exhibition, which will be held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. Visitors to stand H40 will learn how their existing machinery can be quickly and easily upgraded to Industry 4.0 connectivity.
Bosch Rexroth develops Industry 4.0 compatible technologies and solutions, connecting humans and machines to provide new potential for productivity, quality and efficiency. As well as showcasing the mini assembly line, Rexroth will also display its ActiveCockpit, IndraMotion MLC WebConnector, IoT Gateway technology, electric drives and frequency converters at the show.
The Industry 4.0 demonstration unit comprises three automatic and two manual stations, to create a networked mini assembly line. It shows the data collection procedure while the product automatically steers itself through the stations. Meanwhile, digital assistance systems help guide employees through step-by-step processes.
This is where ActiveCockpit comes into play. ActiveCockpit is an interactive communications platform which collates, filters and visualises data continuously, enabling operators to respond to any changes to the production process quickly and efficiently. The user-friendly system translates data into status charts, annotation, notes and ‘to do lists’ which are displayed via an interactive touchscreen whiteboard, saving time and increasing productivity.
The IndraMotion MLC with WebConnector acts as a universal interpreter between the web and automation environment. It can be used on a variety of stationary and mobile devices to help make data networking easier.
With the help of Bosch Rexroth’s IoT Gateway, users can network new and existing machines to optimise production processes and product quality. Due to its modular design and plug-and-run features, the IoT Gateway makes it easier to connect to Industry 4.0 environments.
A selection of Bosch Rexroth’s electric drives will also be on stand, namely the range of EFC Frequency Converters, which caters for a wide variety of applications. Encompassing space-saving qualities, the EFC portfolio is simple to install and commission, while the EFC 5610 provides a power range up to 90kW.
The Factories of the Future EXPO runs alongside the Industry 4.0 Summit conference where Steffen Winkler, vice president Sales Factory Automation at Bosch Rexroth, will deliver a presentation.
“For some time now we have been developing and using Industry 4.0 technologies in our own factories, before rolling out to industry,” said Andrew Minturn, Business Development and Strategic Product manager at Bosch Rexroth.
“These solutions have proven their worth and are now helping businesses around the world, including our own, to automate production and improve productivity. Given our experience in this field, we believe we are best placed to demonstrate to the UK the possibilities Industry 4.0 can offer and how it can be readily implemented into current facilities, without the need to retrofit an entire factory – a misconception we hope to eradicate.
“We look forward to meeting attendees at the show and introducing them to our portfolio of Industry 4.0 technologies, which will help them make the next step towards the Smart Factory. Industry 4.0 is an exciting opportunity that UK industry must embrace. Our live demonstration at the show will showcase the benefits that can be achieved.”
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