Extreme miniaturization combined with much higher computing power, efficient communication in network and mobile systems – the developers of embedded systems actually have to fulfill enormous demands. The security of electronic systems, distributed intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and solutions for future challenges such as e-mobility and energy efficiency are the key issues on the agenda of the embedded industry.
The Place where all comes together
Every year, all of these topics are deeply discussed at the world’s largest trade fair of its kind – the embedded world in Nuremberg. The fair is a must for all those who are involved with development, purchasing and application of embedded technologies in the areas of hardware, software, tools and services. Around 900 exhibitors present the state of the art in all facets of embedded technologies, like components, modules and complete systems, operating systems and software, hardware and software tools.
Record Breaking for the Embedding Industry
In 2014, the embedded world Exhibition & Conference celebrated new records: 26,714 visitors (2013: 22,547) and about 856 exhibitors. In the future, this leading international trade fair will be one of the most important marketing and sales tools for the embedded industry. More than 90 percent of visitors rated the range of products, the information sources on the booth’s and exhibition organization extremely positive.
Are Cyber-Physical-Systems the new Trend for Industry 4.0?
Each year we take part at the fair and present our wide range of embedded products and also visions and strategies on a linked press conference. Regarding the future, we are sure, that companies will network their machines, storage systems and operating resources globally as Cyber-Physical-Systems (CPS) – a key factor for the future project Industry 4.0. Unlike more traditional embedded systems, a full-fledged CPS is typically designed as a network of interacting elements with physical input and output instead of standalone devices.
But are the Technologies for such a Task already available today?
From our perspective, Industry 4.0 is not some vision of a distant future, but something that can already be realized by now. With different partners like Intel, Windriver, Telekom and Salesforce, we are already working on solutions that are founded on a standard base of our embedded systems, which can be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and also offer cloud solution approaches.
On the Way to a Standard
Regarding this standard base, industries and manufactures are already dealing with a wide variety of different computer-based components – e.g. visualization units, BV systems and control systems. And all of these devices can already be realized nowadays using a standard technological basis. For example, Intel-based COM Express Modules, which can be scaled across a broad performance range.
IoT Implementation – what are the Benefits?
We presume that new business models will emerge based on the IoT, which have a much higher level of development than traditional areas of M2M communicationapplications. And for a successful IoT implementation, it is no longer so important to collect as much device information as possible. What is more important is, to make use of the digital connection, in order to obtain new results and to connect people with people and devices with people. Together with our technology partners, we offer a unique range of solutions from a single source, from open, IoT-ready platforms like the compact Box IPC, HMIs, Rack Mounted IPCs and M2M gateways, to the highly-available and compact SYMKLOUD cloud server in connection with the respective software platforms. This enables innovative Industry 4.0 solutions to be implemented economically for both: current and future requirements.
Have you ever heard of Cyber-Physical-Systems (CPS)? Do you also see this as a trend for the Industry 4.0?
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