Industrie 4.0 at Pilz

We have played an active role in Industrie 4.0 - from the start

As a member of the demonstration and research platform SmartFactory^KL we are actively involved in formulating uniform standards for Industrie 4.0. The platform's goal is to test innovative factory systems, in which the vision of Industrie 4.0 becomes a reality.

We are working jointly with the other partners of SmartFactory^KL on a production line that demonstrates the practical application of the central aspects of Industrie 4.0. A storage module by Pilz is used to provide intelligent, automated storage for the workpiece carriers. It uses control systems, various sensors, drive technology, network infrastructure components and operation and visualisation systems from Pilz.

Whitepaper "Safety at modular machines" of SmartFactory^KL

Thanks to decentralised control intelligence, mobile service robotics, intelligent diagnostics and visualisation and Cloud connection, the Smart Factory at our Stand produces various personalised products in batch size 1. From sensor to drive and to control system and robotics, all the Pilz products are used interconnected.

Industrie 4.0 in Pilz production

Industrie 4.0 is no longer just an initiative for us, it is already a reality in the production process. We are using an intelligent workpiece carrier, developed in-house. This speeds up and simplifies the process of populating the circuit boards and the soldering process. The workpiece carriers automatically find their way from the soldering shaft to the assembly unit thanks to a built-in RFID chip.

Predictive maintenance at Pilz

Machine data will be deliberately gathered and processed for production control. Evaluating this data will yield important information about changes in the condition of the machinery and levels of wear. Maintenance can then be carried out preventively.

Predictive maintenance avoids malfunctions and downtimes. The latest versions of work documents will also be stored in a Pilz Cloud. All data and documents will then be permanently available in real time. All mobile end devices in the production process can then be called up from everywhere.

IT in integrated production

Networked production increases the demands on IT security. That is why we are investing in a comprehensive security infrastructure to monitor all data traffic. The measures include a separate computer centre reflecting the latest standards. Anomalies can be picked up at an early stage through ongoing analysis of protocol data and all other data.

In addition, different firewall systems have been installed for individual production areas, so that the necessary security level can be individually determined by zone. Stoppages and safety risks are avoided, and know-how is protected.

We are currently active in the following committees and initiatives:

"Pilz Think Tank 4.0"

Cooperation, specifically between the Information Technology and Production Technology departments, which is so pivotal for Industrie 4.0, is another top priority for us. The specially created “Pilz Think Tank 4.0” brings together members of Production and IT and equips them with the necessary resources to plan and carry out joint projects for Industrie 4.0.