Four major players involved in industrial automation are collaborating on the development of a platform that connects CNC machines, robots, peripheral devices and sensors. The purpose of the system is to deliver analytics that optimize manufacturing production.
The four companies developing the platform, called the FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive (FIELD) system, are robotics and automation company FANUC Corp., Oshino-mura, Japan; IT company Cisco Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif.; artificial-intelligence company Preferred Networks Inc., Virginia City, Nev.; and Rockwell Automation Inc., Milwaukee.
The FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive (FIELD) platform connects CNC machines, robots and peripheral devices and sensors to deliver analytics that optimize production. Image courtesy FANUC.
The FIELD system reportedly will drive improved machine reliability, quality, flexibility and speed, thereby elevating the overall equipment efficiency (OEE) and increasing manufacturing profitability. It will also provide advanced machine learning and deep learning capabilities. By working with Cisco, Rockwell Automation and Preferred Networks, FANUC will offer a system that includes network and computer infrastructure, applications and an enabling middleware platform. With this open platform, application developers, sensor and peripheral device makers, system integrators and others can build solutions that improve equipment efficiency, manufacturing output and quality.
The companies are working together to implement systems for major automotive manufacturers by leveraging the Allen-Bradley Stratix Ethernet switches from Rockwell Automation to connect robots to a Cisco unified computing system. All of this runs on FANUC and Cisco’s ZDT data collection software. Automotive customers that have implemented this system are quickly realizing a significant decrease in production downtime and costs, according to the companies.
“Since the start of our work with FANUC, leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence has been aimed not only at making machines and robots smarter, but also towards a continuous improvement of manufacturing productivity through intelligent real-time coordination and collaboration between robots and machines,” stated Preferred Networks CEO Toru Nishikawa. “We are confident that FIELD will play a central role in making that vision a reality.”
For more information about FANUC America Corp., Rochester Hills, Mich., call (888) FANUC-US or visit www.fanucamerica.com.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- robotics
robotics
Discipline involving self-actuating and self-operating devices. Robots frequently imitate human capabilities, including the ability to manipulate physical objects while evaluating and reacting appropriately to various stimuli. See industrial robot; robot.
Author
Michael Anderson, former senior editor at Cutting Tool Engineering magazine, holds a master's degree in written communication from Eastern Michigan University. He has been professionally writing about manufacturing technology since 1998, including more than 10 years at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
ARTICLES
