Integration³ – Totally Integrated Automation expands thanks to the integration of future technologies
Our Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portfolio is constantly expanding to include more innovative technologies. For example, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, Blockchain, cognitive engineering, and 5G will strongly define the future of automation. To ensure seamless integration, Siemens is already incorporating all these in its thinking for TIA and integrating them step by step. This benefits companies by helping them remain future-proof and prepared for existing and future challenges.
There has been a substantial increase in our customers’ desire for self-optimizing plants. We have responded, and can now offer solutions that will make this possible in the right way for industry.Franz Menzl, Innovation Management Factory Automation
Data-driven process optimization is becoming increasingly important for machine builders and plant operators. Due to the increasing use of intelligent system components that are able to produce own data, the requirement to make use of this information in order to derive measures from them is also increasing.
The use of artificial intelligence makes the handling and processing of this data significantly easier, faster and more precise. However, implementing artificial intelligence isn’t possible in no time. In addition to creating and validating an AI model, another major challenge is its reliable and stable implementation in the plant process. TIA significantly facilitates this task as well.
Artificial intelligence in the SIMATIC
Our approach to this challenge is a constantly growing, perfectly coordinated range of AI-enabled hardware and software portfolio in which innovations are integrated step by step. With the new S7-1500 TM NPU (Neural Processing Unit) we provide a module that integrates seamlessly into the automation system and helps to implement image-based AI solutions, for example.
A look behind the scenes
Find out how Heiko Claussen, named Inventor of the Year by Siemens, and a six-member developer team from the Factory Automation and Corporate Technology business unit developed the AI module S7-1500 TM NPU within a very short time. From the prototype of an AI-capable, high-performance chip and initial demonstrations to the AI module, which can be used almost everywhere and is easily plugged into Simatic controllers on factory floor.
Practical example: AI in quality assurance
In manufacturing processes, quality control can cause a bottleneck that costs time and resources.The video shows the possibilities of how artificial intelligence in quality assurance can ensure higher product quality - from data collection and labeling to training and processing of neural networks with the AI module SIMATIC S7-1500 TM NPU.
Further information about AI in industry
Everything about the future of automation
The next wave of revolution is all about intelligent automation leveraging the benefits of autonomous systems, cognitive automation engineering, and blockchain. These innovative technologies will become established and fundamentally change manufacturing as we know it. Find out more about why, how, and when the new age of automation will dawn, plus the potential it will open up.
Reimagining factory automation
Factory automation has played a pivotal role in the evolution of manufacturing from the early days of manual control through relays and switches to the advanced digital platforms that are seen today. Increasing productivity, achieving mass production, and improving efficiencies have been a perennial quest for manufacturers and have been catalysts for advancements in automation.
Increase creativity by thinking outside the box
Here at Siemens, we firmly believe working together is crucial if we want to make real progress. That’s why we introduced “InnoThursday,” which is designed to increase creativity and openness in a constructive atmosphere. Not only do we want to integrate new technologies step by step, but also to discover new methods of working together, test them out, and turn them into new standards.
How “Thinking outside the box” workshops work
In a blog post, Martin Raab from Siemens Digital Industries presents the idea behind the creative workshops on “InnoThursday.” The plan is to work with customers to develop new ideas and concepts to help overcome urgent problems. The prerequisites for sudden brainwaves are creative environments and tools, and the ability to deal with each other on less formal terms – the focus must be on open interaction.
Get to know all the dimensions of TIA integration
Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) brings together what belongs together –hardware, software, services, IT, and OT – and keeps on growing steadily with the integration of new technologies. Discover everything that’s in TIA, the leading automation concept from Siemens, and how it all works together to create a unique product for machine builders and industrial enterprises.
