Witness the next industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) at Tire Technology Expo, 25-27 February, in Hannover, Germany, which will showcase the latest tire manufacturing innovations from over 300 exhibitors, highlighting how increased automation, computers and the IoT continue to reshape the industry.
Bosch Rexroth (Booth 9026) will present an all-new automation platform that encompasses both software and hardware solutions. The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform is intended to be the most open automation platform on the market as a result of a Linux real-time operating system, open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection.
Since mechanical engineering and software development go hand-in-hand, ctrlX AUTOMATION encompasses the latest engineering software technologies and all PLC and motion tasks. Software functions can be flexibly combined with apps created in a variety of programming languages such as C++, Python, Blockly and others.
Configuration and commissioning of the automation components is completely web-based, eliminating the need to install software. Within minutes of switching the system on, the software is programmed. A completely virtual ctrlX AUTOMATION system environment is available, enabling programming without hardware. System functionalities can be extended at any time via the user’s own process functions, apps and open-source software. Bosch claims that ctrlX AUTOMATION can cut engineering time and effort by 30-50%.
The platform is based on a new generation of multicore processors that can be integrated into embedded and industrial PCs, and directly into drives. The new hardware and software module will cover all automation tasks from simple control applications and IoT to high-performance motion control.
Siemens (Booth 8224) will demonstrate how its portfolio of tools can increase the transparency and improve the integration of tire production. The company believes that by investing in the digitization of factories, tire manufacturers can optimize their plants’ availability and improve time-to-market, while taking full advantage of new business models.
Siemens’ integrated portfolio of software and automation, building technology and energy management solutions offers many opportunities for efficiency and margin improvements. The solutions optimize the entire lifecycle of a factory’s assets through cost-effective planning, efficient data management, smooth logistics and service throughout the entire value chain. Digitization also allows better data analysis, which can ultimately lead to the optimization of production processes.
Pepperl+Fuchs (Booth 5011) will display its Sensorik 4.0 portfolio of intelligent sensors, which are designed to enable tire manufacturers to leverage data across all information levels. In the past, complete data integration in production processes was not possible due to the lack of intelligent sensors and infrastructures. However, the company offers a broad range of smart field devices such as proximity switches, photoelectric sensors or RFID, which can transmit data via IO-Link, OPC UA or MQTT.
For tire manufacturers, these new sensors and standards offer a wide scale of new advantages, including entire track and trace of automated material flow, complete documentation of all produced goods, and plant-wide condition monitoring of components and assets. Customers benefit from higher competitiveness based on cost savings, increased quality and transparency. Discover how the intelligent combination of a large number of various field data, their direct integration and timely availability can improve your business, at Tire Technology Expo.
Finally, Cimcorp (Booth 9036) will present its Dream Factory concept, a complete solution comprising hardware and software to make sure everything is interconnected. The entire material flow – from the mixing machines to the finished tire warehouse – is controlled by Cimcorp’s Warehouse Control System (WCS), and the tracing of production data, recipe management and reporting are taken care of by Cimcorp’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES), ensuring 100% traceability of tires. Cimcorp uses the same core software modules to ensure reliability. On the hardware side, all Cimcorp’s robots and solutions have been designed specifically for the handling needs of the tire industry.
As the Dream Factory consists of independent modules, the concept can support partial automation at brownfield sites through to full greenfield automation. The automation can be implemented one production line at a time to allow for a gradual transition that doesn’t disrupt production.
Register for your free fast-track entry code to Tire Technology Expo, here. Meanwhile, the Tire Technology Expo Conference features a dedicated session on the latest Industry 4.0 developments. Stream 7 – Tire Manufacturing – Making the Most of New Technologies will feature presentations on robotics, digital transformation and the impact of automation technologies. To see the latest conference program, and to reserve your conference pass (rates apply), click here.
