SICK Announces Support of Manufacturing-X and Digital Twin Generation
At the recent Hanover Fair SICK AG announced that it will provide standardized information from over 40,000 SICK sensors in the form of Asset Administration Shells (AAS) to customers and partners, free of charge. In doing so, SICK is demonstrating its aspiration to contribute significantly to the advancement of industrial digitalization.
Standardized Global Data Exchange
As a supplier of sensor solutions, SICK AG has been a part of digital ecosystems from the outset, and recognized early on the importance of open access to sensor information. SICK is thereby supporting the essential components of industrial digital value-adding chains. This includes, amongst other things, data spaces via the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA). In light of this, SICK is now supporting Manufacturing-X, an initiative of the Industry 4.0 platform moderated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, which aims to network global cross-company actors into integrated value-adding chains and enable a standardized, global exchange of data. The Asset Administration Shell with so-called sub-models provides an important foundation for this. It provides relevant information about the product in a virtual space and allows Industry 4.0-type applications as well as the implementation of a digital twin. The users benefit from the reduced time and effort involved in the provision, design-in, and maintenance and documentation of sensors in their industrial applications.
Industrial Digital Twin
Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) standard enables important information from sensors to be integrated and further utilized in a standardized and efficient manner. The announcement means that SICK sensor manufacturer now supports the ‘Digital Nameplate’ sub-model and is working on other models to digitally represent the sensor throughout the entire product lifecycle and thereby drive digitalization in the industry.
“The aim of all our digital solutions is to create value for our customers in their specific ecosystems. That is why we rely on open standards and collaboration with industry partners”, says Dr. Niels Syassen, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Technology and Digitization. “The Manufacturing-X initiative as well as alliances driven by the industrial base, such as the Industrial Digital Twin Association, are making an important contribution in this area,” confirms Syassen.
Following launch, all Asset Administration Shells are able to be downloaded via the SICK AssetHub. The AssetHub is a digital, web-based Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system that creates an interactive view both of individual sensors and machines as well as entire plants.
For more information: www.sick.com