10
4.0
For example:
• Commercial transportation firms are using
streaming sensor data from vehicles to identify
potential breakdowns and perform preventive and
predictive maintenance.
• Agricultural and mining companies are using sensor networks
to coordinate the movement of equipment in the field, develop
driverless fleets, improve fleet maintenance, and enhance
safety.
• Automotive manufacturers are using onboard diagnostic data that
can detect equipment failure, safety risks, and defects.
• For oil and gas producers and refiners, downtime is a significant
issue, and the industry is using more and more sensors, networks,
and analytics to generate predictive insight into equipment
performance and predictive maintenance.
IIoT Evolves
A
s the examples above show, the IIoT is rapidly evolving from
a concept to reality, and it is driving growth in ultra-low-power
(ULP) wireless technology, which will ensure ultra-efficient
data communications in the internetworking of sensor arrays
and other devices. There will be several contenders for the ULP wireless
protocol of choice, but what the leading technology will be is not yet clear.
Wireless platforms that enable the IIoT are based on standard and custom
RF coaxial connectors, cable assemblies, and antennas. Unique solutions
are required for the IIoT, such as communication technologies that include
cellular, UMTS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and more.
While many of the technologies powering the IIoT are not fully mature,
sensors have been available for several years and have achieved a degree
of maturity. The two types of sensors mentioned above, temperature
By Dean Donnelly, Molex, LLC
In manufacturing, early identification of
process or product variance allows rapid
correction, which reduces defects and
increases efficiency. The Industrial
Internet of Things (IIoT) enables
a new way of targeting and
reducing variability. Processes
that require variable elements,
such as temperature, pressure,
and viscosity, or industries that
require precision placement
of components, such as
automation, are benefiting from
the growing number of deployed
sensors and from the insights
generated from the data they
produce.
Powering
the
Industrial
Internet
of
Things
