The Internet of Things is an important driver of digitalization across a wide range of sectors, from consumer applications like smart homes and quantified self to industrial domains like Industrie 4.0, smart grids, smart mobility, smart health, and smart building.
Customers in these sectors have high expectations for their systems’ security, safety, and reliability. They’re striving to transform and expand their businesses through digitalization – but without sacrificing quality or endangering data protection and business-critical intellectual property. So the IoT paradigm needs to be amended with industrial-grade properties like real-time capabilities, and safety and security features for industrial applications.
Direct and unlimited access to devices and their data is a core element of any Industrial IoT (IIoT) application. All IIoT devices and systems must be connected seamlessly from the sensor level to enterprise platforms and clouds. Semantic technologies and industrial communication standards come into play to ensure easy integration and interoperability. The connectivity technology spectrum ranges from mobile communication like industrial 5G to advanced local network technologies like time-sensitive networking (TSN).
Factories, traffic networks, and utility grids are more complex than connected light bulbs and fitness trackers. Systems in these domains typically consist of interacting devices that require supervision and management. They’re often large and highly distributed. They may be critical infrastructures whose failure can have enormous economic implications and even endanger people. Digitalization in these areas means real-time insight, fast data analysis, and intelligent decisions that are highly performant, near-instantaneous, and close to the process.
Edge computing is the answer to resolving these challenges. Computing power can be allocated and managed across all levels. Applications – whether they’re for smart sensors or complex AI-based algorithms – can be downloaded and distributed directly to the point of execution. Updates, configurations, and changes are made during runtime, saving costs and engineering efforts.
We’re prepared for what’s around the corner, where the convergence of OT and IT will determine the entire technology landscape. Whole industrial verticals will streamline their processes with IIoT technologies and embrace the advantages of flexibility, time to market, and cost reduction. Future industrial environments feature autonomous machines, modular production equipment, and collaborating self-aware systems.
Siemens strives for technological leadership in fields of technology and innovation that are of overriding importance to the company. These Core Technologies are crucial to long-term success of Siemens and its customers. Experts from the global research department of technology and the various businesses work together here, consolidating the company's R&D activities.
Siemens strives for technological leadership in fields of technology and innovation that are of overriding importance to the company. These Core Technologies are crucial to long-term success of Siemens and its customers. Experts from the global research department of technology and the various businesses work together here, consolidating the company's R&D activities.