Industrial internet control system presented in Europe

Traditional control systems are often inadequate for realising the full potential of the Industrial Internet because they are self-contained and operate on a simple closed loop, whereas IICS connects distributed controls and pools local streams of data for simultaneous processing and analysis.

The data analytics are not only happening in the cloud, but also on the edge in the plant and at the machine. With IICS, GE enables companies to use data better and faster for smarter operating decisions, leading to enhanced process performance and increased productivity.

Rudolf Krumenacker, Head of Engineering and Site Leader at GE in Augsburg, Germany said: “IICS is the pathway to the next stage of the Industrial Internet. We are going beyond Big Data, as it is not about data volume anymore, but using data more effectively. Not all data needs to be sent to the cloud, efficient data processing already starts at the machine level.”

IICS consists of a flexible combination of connected controllers, I/O modules, secure cloud connectivity, advanced analytics software and apps, used to collect and analyse data to then send back specific decisions as commands to the individual machine controllers.

Besides IICS, GE will launch a new series of Industrial PCs (IPCs) at Embedded World. They mark the end of the era of maximising the degree of standardisation in IPCs and introduce a new concept of modular design, allowing a new level of customising IPCs to specific client needs.

The new IPCs from GE allow for operating periods of seven to ten years in which the computers can be used, hardly requiring reconfiguration.

Krumenacker added: “The new, customised IPCs lower total cost of ownership more than the use of standardised products because of lower expenses for software modifications and less regression testing. Furthermore they are preconfigured for secure data transmission via secure networks.”

Another tradeshow highlight is the launch of new COM Express modules; they have been designed specifically for critical control applications in rugged environment which require high reliability and protection against shock, vibration as well as heat. Thanks to the cooling technology, the processors deliver full performance with no throttling over the entire temperature range of -20 to 80°C.

All new products will be presented at GE‘s Automation & Controls Press Briefing on at the GE booth 543 in Hall 3.