Technology
Decentralized automation eliminates control cabinet SOURCE: MURRELEKTRONIK
Vario-X technology offers a solution for cabinet-free, decentralized automation. The platform ensures modular and transparent processes, higher added value, greater cost-effectiveness and competitiveness. Its integrated installation concept shortens machine installation time by around 40 percent.
Vario-X is a modular, highly flexible automation platform that, for the first time, allows all automation functions to be implemented completely decentrally, i.e. without control cabinet architecture. THE VARIO-X AUTOMATION PLATFORM BRINGS sensors and actuators into the field without control cabinets and in a decentralized manner. A digital twin saves costs and time in planning, installation, operation and service. Growing digitization, shorter development cycles, higher customer requirements and an increasing shortage of skilled workers - the world of automation is changing at breakneck speed. Pretty much everything that used to be reliable in production is now being put to the test. What used to be a glimmer on the horizon: modular, standardized and digitally supported planning, simpler and faster installation and commissioning, more flexibility in production with shorter lead times, safer machines and more efficient service and maintenance processes, has become a concrete target in a very short time. All of this should also be highly digitized so that the data from the machine can be accessed at any time from any location. Has the time come for a digital twin? Murrelektronik has the answer to all these problems and presents Vario-X, a modular, highly flexible automation platform that, for the first time, allows all automation functions to be completely decentralized (without control cabinet architecture). Vario-X brings sensor and actuator technology directly into
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the machine environment and ensures reliable voltage, signal and data management during the seamless integration of decentralized servo drives. At the heart of Vario-X are our IP65 rated, robust, waterproof and dustproof housings that contain the power supply, controller, switches, safety technology and IO modules. They can be easily snapped side by side onto a no less robust backplane with integrated machine construction profiles. This allows the entire station to be easily attached to all common profile systems with no further protection required and, in extreme cases, it can even withstand stepping loads. Equipped with a multi-core CPU, Vario-XController is up to all requirements and can be integrated into all higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks as an open control platform.
For this purpose, Murrelektronik kinematics the design files of machines and systems in special software, in which the later movements and processes can then be simulated. For this purpose, the same control program runs on the virtual model as later on the real machine. The plant can be "placed" directly in the later production hall via augmented reality using an app on the cell phone or tablet. This allows the subsequent process sequences to be simulated even before the plant is set up and potential collision hazards or assembly problems to be identified at an early stage. The planning of subsequent cable routing and possible attachments is also noticeably simplified. On the one hand, because planning can increasingly run AI-supported and is thus less prone to errors.
Digital twin for planning, installation, operation and service
The digital twin also makes an important contribution to condition monitoring and predictive maintenance during operation. The use of artificial intelligence, in combination with the Vario-X digital twin, makes it visibly easier to use. If the data is read into corresponding software and analysis tools, anomalies in the process flow can be detected and work can begin to eliminate them at
The plant automated with Vario-X comes with a digital twin. A moving 1:1 image of the real plant, which contains all functions and configurations of the later system. This is available right from the start in the project phase before the first mechanical component has been ordered or assembled.
Predictive maintenance
in d u s t r ial et h er ne t b o o k
04.2022
