A special electrical cabinet that lets users connect sensors to gather machine data
Networking option: Could the introduction of a small electrical cabinet turn out to be a big step toward more widespread implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things? This special electrical cabinet, called the SmartBox, was developed by machine tool builder Mazak Corp., working in collaboration with networking equipment provider Cisco Systems Inc.
Networking option
Could the introduction of a small electrical cabinet turn out to be a big step toward more widespread implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things?
This special electrical cabinet, called the SmartBox, was developed by machine tool builder Mazak Corp., working in collaboration with networking equipment provider Cisco Systems Inc. The SmartBox is designed to overcome concerns about complexity and security that have led to resistance to connecting machine tools to a plantwide network.
A SmartBox operates in a Mazak manufacturing cell. Image courtesy Mazak.
Developed to work with any machine, the SmartBox mounts to the side of a machine and runs independently of the machine’s electrical system. Equipped with several standard connecting ports, the cabinet lets users quickly connect off-the-shelf sensors for machine data gathering and condition monitoring. In addition, Mazak offers an optional sensor package, according to Neil Desrosiers, application engineer.
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