+39 029363537
+39 029363537
What is the connection between machine tools and Google?
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Bauernhansl, Head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) and the Institute for Industrial Management and Manufacturing (IFF) in Stuttgart, regards the purchase of now eight leading robot manufacturers as a clear indication that the American company has chosen the "Internet of Things" as a future activity area. It is quite possible that a robot equipped with the Google operating system will soon insert workpieces into the machine tool and communicate with the machine tool. In the run-up to the forthcoming AMB, International Exhibition for Metal Working, which will be held in Stuttgart from 16 to 20 September 2014, Prof. Bauernhansl commented on this question and other questions relating to automation in the area of machine tool manufacturing.
Recent joint ventures show that machine tools and robots are coming closer together. Will a robot replace a worker or even the entire machine tool some time in the future?
In future, workers will actually personally intervene less in the processes, but instead will organise the general conditions. Workers will primarily profit from openly cooperating (lightweight) robots: for example, robots will take over heavy work from humans and lifting aids - within the framework of Industry 4.0 - can be configured via the Internet. Apps are available which help machines to be adapted to the needs of the individual employee. In short: the employee can work productively right up to an advanced age because he/she receives ergonomic support and therefore suffers fewer or even no injuries or degenerative changes. Google is also playing a role as a competitor. The company has purchased eight robot firms. Google´s business model in regard to robotics is based on the "Internet of Things.".
Around 50 billion things will soon be interconnected in the Internet - far more than the number of people who would ever be able to communicate with one another in social networks. There will be a Google operating system which will run in all robots. This will enable the user to utilise software services from Google and other manufacturers to give the robot capabilities.
What are the other main trends in machine tool automation, what are we likely to see in this respect at AMB 2014 in Stuttgart?
The current trend in machine tool manufacturing regarding increased efficiency and higher productivity will continue at AMB 2014. This is naturally directly connected to automation in and around metal-cutting machine tools. Thanks to Industry 4.0 solutions, mechanical integration of other machining technologies in metal-cutting machine tools will be supported by software and information technology. The best example here is the integration of generative production methods in the form of hybrid machines with which material can be applied and subsequent final machining will be possible for inexpensive production of random shapes and contours in a machine.
What additional automation options will be produced through networking of all components involved in the production process?
First of all, networking is an opportunity to actually maintain or extend industrial production in Germany. To date, machine tools/machines or automobiles were the domain of our industry. In order to survive in global competition, we will in future require products which reduce energy consumption, conserve resources and allow personalised mass production. Only so-called cyber-physical systems, CPS for short, can do this - i.e. machines, tools, workpieces or orders which are intelligent. In other words, this means that they can communicate with one another and with humans. They include, for example, robots, sensors or databases of old systems. These systems can record physical data from production, logistics, engineering, coordination and management processes. They are interconnected in digital networks and use data and services available throughout the world. In nearly every area Industry 4.0 offers great potential to reduce costs. Inventory costs, for example, can be reduced by between 30 and 40 per cent because it is possible based on real-time information to minimise safety stocks and, in particular, better manage order quantities along the delivery chain. Warehousing costs will therefore decrease. Productivity will be increased, especially in planning and management. The error quota will be reduced. A large number of companies are already implementing Industry 4.0 and confirm a productivity increase of up to 50 per cent depending on the complexity of the production case.
More than 90,000 visitors and around 1,300 exhibitors are expected to attend AMB 2014 from 16 to 20 September 2014. Exhibitors will present innovations and further developments from the metal cutting and precision tool industry, as well as chucking tools, CAD, CAM, CAE, software, grinding machines, handling of workpieces and tools, and measuring systems on a gross exhibition area of more than 105,000 square metres.
AMB 2014 will be backed by the promotional supporters, i.e. the VDMA Precision Tools Association, the VDMA Software Association and the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW).
