C h a p t e r 1
While many core principles underlie the
digital factory, two of the most important
aspects are the availability of large
amounts of data and a heavy reliance
on automation. Specifically, smart
factories are largely enabled through
modern advances in sensor and actuation
technology.
Sensors, or devices that can detect and
measure the physical properties of their
environment, are a crucial part of this
equation. In the context of the digital
factory, sensors are generally used
for applications including monitoring
and controlling the characteristics of
processes and products, predictive
maintenance of machines, and process
optimization through data transparency.
To get the fullest picture of the
happenings on the factory floor, modern
factory floors deploy thousands of
sensors, many with varying functionality.
Some of the most prominently deployed
sensor types are temperature sensors,
pressure sensors, and optical sensors
(e.g., cameras).
SMART FACTORIES REQUIRE
SMART SENSORS AND
ACTUATORS
Reinhardt Wagner
Distinguished Product Definer, Analog Devices
With harsh factory environments,
sensors need to be tolerant to
conditions found in their application
space. There can be high EMC
(electromagnetic compatibility),
high temperatures, supply voltage
interrupts, over-/under-voltages,
and vibration, all of which can be
detrimental to reliability."
6
Leading the Way to the Digital Factory
