4 minute read
Bosch Rexroth: Terry Hershberger, Director, Sales Product
The Role of Data Must be Purposeful
Useful data enables better understanding of machine performance and normalization of machine connectivity.
Data, IoT & Connectivity How will the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and data continue to progress in the coming years?
IoT has continued to progress beyond just fl eet management or location data. In this digitalization era more and more data and information is available to process. However, the role of data must be purposeful and bring value to the beholder. Big Data is not necessarily the answer. Useful data that is being used to understand the status or location of a machine or available for calculation for preventive maintenance. That said, the continuing progression to the point of having every machine “connected” will be normal. One can see that with the adoption, progression and understanding of being connected and the data available could make “normal” mean that the warranty of a machine will depend on a machine being connected or your rental rate or operation from a rental company may be based on the data provided back to them on how you are running the machine. When the information and connection/telematics (informatics) is available and useful, it makes IoT the standard. It’s here and it’s now.
What challenges remain or lay ahead for the continued adoption of data, IoT and connectivity related technologies or systems?
The feature-cost benefi t is the biggest challenge. As in most cases the end user of the machine, or likely a rental/ fl eet manager, will drive the adoption of connectivity and data. Useful, purposeful data that adds value to where a machine is located or how it is performing are simple enough to obtain, but there is more than this that could be available to evaluate. The challenge is therefore being able to react to the wants and needs of the person responsible for the machine. Of course, being able to troubleshoot any issues with the machine remotely is a nice feature to have in place such as diagnostics over the air (DOTA), but simple features such as an email or text alert when the machine is operating outside of a valid area of operation or when a fi lter needs changing or a fl uid level is low are important items for the longevity and life of the machine. In some cases these are needed to maintain warranties on machines.
However, with the ability to be connected to the machine remotely, operational parameters on the machine can be changed (POTA – parameterization over the air), software upgrades can be pushed to the controller on the machine (FOTA – fl ash over the air), or even possibly the fl eet manager wants to look at diff erent data that is available on the machine (SOTA – over the air update to the connectivity unit). All of these are benefi ts and critical items related to the adoption of the machine being connected. But with that brings the additional challenge of safety and security. Listening to the needs is one part, but understanding that a machine could be hacked or when one should upgrade software on the machine when it is in a safe state or position, is a critical feature that must be considered. Working with the OEM to make available the right informa
responses submitted by Terry Hershberger, Director, Sales Product Management & eSystems, Bosch Rexroth Corp
tion, in the right time and for the right purpose is critical to the adoption. Again…useful, purposeful data that brings value.
Challenges & Opportunities What are the biggest challenges facing the industry currently, or do you see the industry facing in the coming years?
Electrifi cation remains a challenge for the industry. Rotational movements such as propelling a machine have moved much faster with the technique coming over from known, successful platforms in the automotive world. The challenge here still remains replacing the energy that you have used as duty cycles and operation location of a machine determine the longevity and use case. Meaning how quickly before I need to restore potential energy so I can keep working. On the implement side, the challenge is still to replace the power density of the hydraulics. Pumps driven by an electric motor, yes, but movement by a cylinder will still be needed. These are the technical factors but the geo-political environment as well as infrastructure bills both in construction and landscape of the agriculture industry with commodity markets, milk prices, land values, etc… may just be a bigger challenge then technology itself. |
