These are very exciting times for the world of MTConnect!
Mazak developed SmartBox to work with any machine regardless of make, model or age.
Mazak Corporation is collaborating with
Cisco and MEMEX to launch a platform “for easy and highly secure
entrance into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT),” called
SmartBox.
This technology represents a huge leap
in digital integration across manufacturing. Access to real-time
manufacturing data is used to improve overall productivity and
responsiveness to customer/market changes. Using MTConnect technology as
the foundation, SmartBox connectivity of machines and devices allows
for enhanced monitoring and analytical capabilities including
advanced cyber security protection.
Mazak is showcasing the SmartBox
technology during its DISCOVER 2015 Technology and Education Event, held
October 27-29 and November 3-5 at its North American Manufacturing
Headquarters.
The power of SmartBox will be
demonstrated in one of the automated cells as part of the company’s own
manufacturing operations. Each of the cell’s four machines are outfitted
with a SmartBox and sensor array package, giving event attendees a
firsthand look at the device in action within an actual
manufacturing environment and network.
The SmartBox is another component within
Mazak’s dynamic iSMART Factory concept and one that takes advantage of
Cisco’s Connected Machines solution to provide insights into machine
operations. Advanced manufacturing cells and systems, along with full
digital integration, can achieve free-flow data sharing, i.e., process
control and operation/equipment monitoring.
The iSMART concept also incorporates
Mazak’s SMOOTH Technology working in tandem with the MTConnect standard
connectivity protocol.
Mazak also developed SmartBox to work
with any machine regardless of make, model or age and will offer it in
various configurations/kits based on the scenarios and challenges in
which the units will be used. The device physically mounts to the side
of machines without having to integrate into a machine’s electrical
cabinet. With several standard input/output connecting ports, SmartBox
lets users quickly and easily connect any standard off-the-shelf sensors
to the system for machine data gathering and condition monitoring. One
SmartBox may service several machine tools along with other associated
manufacturing equipment, depending on the application.
At the heart of the SmartBox is Cisco’s
Connected Machines solution, based on the IoT System, designed
specifically for industrial environments and equipped with an MTConnect
software agent. Using a fog computing model, the MT Connect software
runs directly on the ruggedized Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) 4000
switch—providing real time visibility and insights into data right on
the factory floor.
The Memex software installed in Mazak’s
own factory allows for monitoring analytics of machines, test stands and
other equipment within the plant. The Cisco hardware is designed to
help prevent any issues with unauthorized access from both directions –
to or from the machines and equipment within a network. SmartBox
satisfies the highly critical security concerns of IT departments when
connecting legacy equipment to a plant’s main network for the purpose of
gathering manufacturing data via the MTConnect protocol.
“With the development of SmartBox, Mazak
continues to drive toward its iSMART Factory concept and connecting
today’s shops to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to achieve
levels of efficiency and productivity never before realized,” said Brian
Papke, President of Mazak Corporation. “And while our concept centers
around open connectivity and the Internet, we at Mazak believe it is our
moral obligation to also provide customers the highest level of
security possible with SmartBox. As with all the technology we develop,
Mazak has first implemented SmartBox into our own operations before
expecting customers to wholeheartedly embrace the system.”
The underlying Cisco networking platform
helps ensure that IT technicians will be familiar with SmartBox’s
operation and can use it to quickly and easily control and manage
network security. Also, the hardware allows manufacturers to enable
secure machine communications through secure access and identity policy
mechanisms. Third parties, such as equipment suppliers, can then log on
to a company’s network and access only those machines equipped with a
Mazak SmartBox.
“This is great example of how Cisco
works with our ecosystem of partners to help customers capture the value
of digitization,” said Tony Shakib, Vice President, Vertical Solutions,
at Cisco.
“Cisco’s scalable and secure IoT
platform makes it possible for partners like Mazak and MEMEX to quickly
launch new IoT offerings that provide high-value customer experiences
and business outcomes. We’re helping our OEM partners transform their
business from selling products to selling industrial services.”
For more information, visit www.mazakusa.com.
To see the article, please click here.
