The digital (and secure) version of the industrial world
Cloud Computing, Machine Learning and Mixed Reality enable remote monitoring and predictive maintenance in order to obtain strategic insight, enhancing the use of production line and supply chain data. The new Comau DIWO solution, supported by Microsoft technology, helps manufacturers improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The Comau DIWO solution was presented for the first time at the Hannover Messe 2017 (April 24 to 28).
A “made in Italy” proposal by Comau that, with over 40 years of experience in the industrial market and a network of 34 multinational branches, 15 manufacturing facilities and 5 innovation centers distributed in 17 countries, has teamed up with Microsoft and Iconics to enrich the range of digital solutions in the service of companies around the world.
In partnership with Microsoft and Iconics, Comau (part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group and a global leader in industrial automation) has developed solutions to optimize the production processes of any industrial sector and in any geographic area in terms of efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership. By leveraging data and operational insight, detected in real-time by systems, products, people and the production environment as a whole, manufacturers are able to not only increase the efficiency of machinery and reduce maintenance operations, but also improve operator performance and the ability to shape the potential of new digital technologies as well as increase production efficiency.
Manage data securely
The Comau DIWO (Digital Workplace) project is supported by the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and by the Azure IoT Suite solution for the Internet of Things, in addition to the Windows 10 operating system, which enable the totally secure use of the data generated within the industrial installations. Thanks to the combined use of Universal Apps for Windows 10 and the Mixed Reality solutions, operational downtime can be reduced, efficiency increased and faults located more rapidly, thus improving collaboration and teamwork.
With Microsoft HoloLens, Comau is for example able to control the Comau Racer3 robot that handles various types of components in different production environments and can already remotely monitor factory machinery, offering manufacturers a new ways to interact with data via natural gestures and without using their hands. The Machine Learning functionality and interoperability, guaranteed first and foremost by the support of the of machine-to-machine communication standard OPC-UA, enables the integration of production data with internal/external sources, obtaining business insight and added value along the entire supply chain. In addition, users can access the solution through Comau DIWO via any device, machine, sensor, robot and other type of equipment in use at the company.
Easy and open automation: synergy between large operators
As pointed out by Massimo Ippolito, Innovation Manager at Comau «Our strategy to make industrial automation evermore ‘open’ and easy-to-use is based on innovative solutions such as DIWO, Comau’s Industrial IoT R&D program. In this context, the synergy that derives from the union of the know-how of three big companies helps us along the way to developing software infrastructure for the 4.0 Factory by directly implementing it in industrial plants, in full respect of fundamental criteria such as safety, speed and simplicity of use».
In the same vein the comments of Microsoft Italy made by Tiziana Olivieri
(Head of the Director Enterprise and Partner Division) and Fabio Moioli (Head of the Enterprise Services Division): «The Internet of Things, Mixed Reality, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are redefining the industrial world and in this regard Microsoft places itself as the enabler of the success of companies that want to re-think their business in terms of greater efficiency, sustainability and safety, thanks to the new technologies. IDC estimates that the smart factory is already a reality and by 2022 40% of operational processes will be able to “self-learn” and “self-repair”: through Microsoft technology we are helping Italian companies to seize the enormous opportunities arising from this revolution».
«Partnering with a leader like Comau allows us to develop smart solutions, capable of driving the digital transformation process of Italian industrial concerns: Thanks to this joint project we are sure to allow a growing number of companies to leverage useful insight from inside and outside the factory, while ensuring security, flexibility and interoperability».
Russ Agrusa, President and CEO of Iconics also stressed the importance of collaboration on a specific application, in terms of connected operations, leveraging on the Microsoft HoloLens and Azure IoT technology: «With the Holographic Machine Interface Iconics, users can quickly view the information they need in real time regarding predictive maintenance through natural gestures and intuitive operations that keep people’s hands free. These capabilities offered by mixed reality actually extend the possibilities of our solutions, allowing us to make the invisible visible for customers and partners on a global level».
