Vixtera received the US patent for the fault detection in a system of connected devices
With the Internet being an indispensable part of the day to day life, transferring and sharing a large amount of data has become inevitable. Even though artificial intelligence technologies are still some kind of fairy tale for most people, the implementation of IIoT is already at full capacity implemented on industrial enterprises.
Designed with efficient data analysis, IIoT creates a network between detectors, sensors, recorders, controllers, and a plethora of other devices and machinery used in business and manufacturing operations. Thus, smart devices interact with each other to create an IIoT ecosystem. Or, more accurately, it is protocols that provide equipment connection, and it is a crucial part of IIoT implementation. The point is that ongoing maintenance significantly affects the operation of the Internet of things as a whole. Therefore, it is vital to provide a reliable connection method for the efficient operation of the enterprise.
Completely robotic and, therefore, automatic, it allows for stable data exchange between ecosystem elements. Since all this happens without human interference, the flow of information is always ongoing and up-to-date. Meanwhile, due to the common software, the technical condition of the equipment is thoroughly monitored, occurring issues are troubleshot, proper adjustments are made, and industrial productivity and safety are ensured.
IIoT covered almost all areas now, but more crucial sphere for implementing this technology are industrial enterprises and agriculture. In any case, IIoT technologies significantly simplify industrial life. Eliminating the human factor where it is not required, the integrated system automatically collects and transmits data between interconnected devices, using a remote server to gather the necessary information in a repository called the Industrial Cloud. This repository explicitly developed to store substantial volumes of data; it makes processes and data management significantly easier and highly accessible.
IIoT and IoT storages have such a large amount of data storage for a reason, as more than 30 billion devices will generate about 44 billion terabytes of data this year. And since devices at the enterprise are constantly in operation and monitor various changes, they also generate a considerable amount of data. Therefore, there are clouds to store the collected information, and reliable communication protocols to transfer data between devices.
Ubiquitous device connectivity is required to ensure successful IIoT deployment in every enterprise. Because constant and quality maintenance of the device is the most critical aspect of the functioning of IIoT. The optimization of connected devices is vital to the successful implementation of IIoT. To ensure the smooth functioning of the devices, used popular communication protocols that determine the way data is exchanged. It is essential to point out that although communication protocols provide for the exchange of information, they cannot always guarantee an efficient and optimized connection. On the contrary, using popular protocols is does not guarantee that a connection or update will be available without manual uplifting (SDK, drivers).
Fortunately, Vixtera has a solution for this type of problem. Vixtera’s patented method defines a declarative language, and also allows you to establish a connection for the subsequent collection and management of data. This algorithm also prevents time-consuming and labor-intensive specialized software development processes. This solution will help to work with absolutely all devices across any protocol.
Once the data is gathered, artificial intelligence comes into play. Thanks to machine learning algorithms that empower AI to match the input data with the desired results and learn both from errors and success, the data is processed, and appropriate decisions are made.
It is a harmonious symbiosis of IIoT and AI that allows for production speed and increases productivity while improving the accuracy of business decisions. Once implementation is done, businesses are profoundly transformed in the short term.
Such a sophisticated system as an IIoT would require no less powerful software. Because IIoT software used not only to configure and monitor but also to manage IoT devices in production. Therefore, there are three main qualities of the software that should be taken into consideration before it enters an IIoT segment:
Quality IIoT software strikes just the right balance between all the qualities making it perfectly suited for being deployed in an IIoT segment. IIoT software may also integrate with other IoT platforms or sync with preconfigured devices, let alone providing unique area-specific hardware – all of these used to enhance data sharing and processing.
Eventually, a quality product makes it possible to automate repeated routine tasks and optimize overall resource usage, which significantly improves final product quality and lets valuable data be generated, retained, and shared across the operation.
One of the most exciting and voluminous areas of the Internet of things is IIoT. Unlike IoT, the industrial Internet is the main driving force behind deeper integration with artificial intelligence and large amounts of data. Since this is a more serious area, it must meet many requirements, namely, be very reliable, have high security and wide connectivity.
But even though the industrial Internet is the next level of the technological revolution, it also has several difficulties that enterprises face during the implementation.
The majority of production facilities are still running old equipment. It can hardly monitor the work process in detail, and it is not always possible to determine in which part an accident or any other problem with equipment and devices occurred, not to mention forecasting at such enterprises.
For the production to work qualitatively and to determine the state of devices, it is necessary to determine which elements require observation and also to understand what means are needed.
The advantages of using modern predictive algorithms will provide effective control and management of devices, obtaining reliable results, as well as reduce unplanned production downtime and save money on maintenance.
To make production more comfortable and reduce waste, Vixtera has developed a root cause analysis algorithm. Since human participation can create problems in the processes of reconciling data with a possible problem and also AI modeling, make the analysis inaccurate and conjectural, the Vixtera algorithm excludes human participation. This solution takes the cause of the problem, identifies it, and uses it as the source for NN training. This algorithm will detect failures and their roots in real-time, and will also serve as an accurate and reliable source for predicting various failures in production. All this will significantly facilitate the work and reduce maintenance costs.
The IIoT implementation is not an easy process; there can arise tasks that entail the use of signals from many devices in real-time. The processing functions of signals and incoming information are activated by machines that communicate with each other as the task progresses. It is important to say that inter-machine communication is much more efficient than human intervention. Such interaction provides automation of the joint work of machines and intellectual optimization of production processes. Modern approaches to computer training will support predictive and prescriptive analytics solutions, linking previously collected data from intelligent sensors, appliances, and other production assets. This approach facilitates the creation of tools for monitoring the condition and diagnosing failures and is aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing the downtime of machines and equipment, as well as expensive production and technological lines in general.
With data curation algorithms, you can constantly improve product development and production efficiency.
Basic information, such as temperature and power consumption, can now be easily retrieved from data acquisition sensors. All this helps to incorporate critical elements of the IIoT ecosystem. It is important to consider that a simple collection of information will not lead to the achievement of your goals; you also need to understand how you can use this information to improve production processes and ensure continuous operation. Knowing how and where to apply the obtained data, we can ensure efficient processes.
It is also important to consider that data collection from industrial devices is, for the most part, irrelevant and inconsistent. This creates some problems for analysis, which negatively affects the work process.
Vixtera has developed a ViEdge solution that uses a new correlation and information analysis algorithm to filter the received data while classifying its association with sensors and devices.
Implementation of this algorithm significantly improves the operation of the entire production and eliminates duplication of metadata, reduces the size of the data collected, integrates relevant events and provides meaningful data to applications, and optimizes ecosystem performance.
Every entrepreneur wants the production to work properly and efficiently, but not every IoT implementation is successful. Connecting industrial devices will increase the efficiency of production processes and unlock the potential of industrial intelligence and will help the successful implementation of IIoT.
Communications protocols are used to connect equipment. It’s important to keep in mind that ongoing maintenance is critical for IIoT operation no matter what the connected asset is. But, popular communication protocols do not guarantee a reliable and efficient way to connect, as well as manage and maintain the device. Most likely, you will need laborious manual uplifting of updates or connections.
Vixtera has a solution to any problem. The patented ubiquitous connectivity method defines a standard protocol for connecting and collecting data, as well as managing it, and preventing heavy processes for creating specialized software.
As we said earlier, sensors, storage, devices, and various mechanisms should harmoniously interact with each other to achieve common goals, namely data collection, decryption, and the implementation of necessary actions.
The second part of the ecosystem is IoT Connectivity, and it consists of two pieces: protocols and gateways.
A car needs a road to travel, and data needs a transportation environment. The information collected by the sensors is stored in the cloud, and protocol is used to connect these two sides. Protocols determine the way information is exchanged. It is crucial to indicate that data transfer is only possible with a secure connection between two devices.
The choice of a network also depends on some factors, such as data transfer rate, range, efficiency, power consumption, and bandwidth.
The importance of proper connectivity and optimization is vital in implementing IoT. Based on this, various popular communication protocols are applied. But it is important to say that these protocols cannot guarantee you the quality and efficiency of the connection, as well as the management and maintenance of devices. All this may require a manual and energy-intensive process.
Vixtera has developed the optimal solution for ubiquitous connectivity. This method defines a standard protocol for data collection and connection, as well as their management, and most importantly, it prevents the time-consuming processes of creating special software.
The information provided by detectors is stored in the cloud, but before data gets to this place, it must get through the gateways.
Gateways, for its part, has two roles: ensure continuous communication between all devices in the ecosystem and protect the system against unauthorized access and attacks. Gateways can also process information that is received from detectors; it is effective action before the data reach the cloud.
A cloud is a universal tool that helps to collect, process, manage, and store more amounts of different data every day. Cloud has a great volume for data storage and helps to not depend on local infrastructure. Applications, users, and various devices create a large flow of data every day, and for the smooth operation of all components, you need precise control. The cloud is an excellent assistant in this matter.
The cloud helps simplify the work of businesses by opening remote access to all the information stored in the cloud, which allows companies and services to solve problems, achieve goals and make decisions when it suits them.
Clothes make the man, and the interface makes the IoT. UI is the visible part, and it is no less important than other components of the ecosystem. Interaction with the system can be carried out very simply – directly through the device or with the help of phones, tablets.
The outer shell is now of utmost importance. This also applies to IoT. Convenience, ease of use, and appearance determine the device and its place in the market, as well as whether a potential user will buy it or not. Therefore, to make the life of users as comfortable as possible, designers should try hard to create the most thoughtful interface with minimal effort on the part of the user when interacting with appliances.
First part of IoT ecosystem: https://vixtera.com/iot-ecosystem-and-its-components-part-1/
IIoT software appliance: https://vixtera.com/software-appliance/
The ecosystem is interconnected with different devices that collect, scan, and analyze incoming information. Their task is to exchange information among themselves over networks.
Usually, clients use various devices/appliances in the IoT ecosystem, such as sensors, tablets, smartphones, and other communication devices.
It is also important to say that IoT devices have several roles. For example, some tools can serve as data sources, and others as a destination, that is, a place for receiving information from other devices. However, devices can be both a source and a place for collecting data.
The control mechanism is one of the most critical elements of the IoT ecosystem. It is important to say that IoT systems can both to control various devices and be controlled.
We emphasized this point because these interactions between devices are an essential aspect that affects performance and security. In other words, these interactions can create safety, availability, and financial issues.
To avoid any of the above problems, it is important to clearly understand that control mechanisms must be well-structured and carefully designed to ensure that all interactions between devices are safe.
The IoT has two main elements, namely a “thing” that will be “smart” after connecting, and the second is an embedded system that will provide connection. The structure may seem simple at first glance, it is not so, because the second component has a complex system, which can consist of components, single-tasking, and multitasking elements. All of them are intended to connect custom and industrial facilities, to make them more intelligent and to improve their interaction both with a person and among themselves, as well as to improve productivity, financial position, and simplify work. All these elements must work together and in harmony, because if you remove some component from this network, then all work can be broken.
The ecosystem includes all components that allow you to connect both corporate and user systems with their IoT devices and appliances. It can be control panels, networks, gateways, cloud, and data protection. These components and elements work in harmony that is why it is called an ecosystem.
The IoT ecosystem is a complicated structure for a reason, because the growth of the ecosystem makes it hard to determine. As we said above, each component is a piece of cake of IoT ecosystem and do it’s work: connect users to devices and industries to their appliances. It is significant to say that the elements can be not only physical, but also in the form of hardware, its components, user interface, and storage.
The first and foremost grade of IoT ecosystem. This ecosystem-level consists of various physical devices that are integrated into all IoT devices that provide data collection and mechanism control.
These components, in turn, are divided into two subgroups: sensors and actuators.
Sensors are known as microdevices and are used to collect data. No wonder their middle name is detectors because they are very sensitive, they notice and record even the most minor changes in the place where they are located. Sensors work very correctly because they provide real-time data.
There are various types of sensors that are designed to measure absolutely everything that surrounds them. In earlier articles, we already wrote about their capabilities, today we will go over that again. Sensors are capable of recording temperature, noise, smoke, movement, or even pressure.
Some sensors can measure a number of complexities themselves, and there are also devices that contain many sensors that can collect a range of information. For example, one such device is a telephone. It is multifunctional and has the ability to distinguish fingerprints, GPS, tilt angle, and many other sensors.
Another example is intelligent thermostats, which contain several sensors and can measure both temperature and humidity in a room.
Sensors are an essential part of the ecosystem because they not only help make life easier for the user but also allow them to achieve automation of operations. Using the example of an intelligent air conditioner, we can consider the process of these same sensors. Using this air conditioner, you can set the automatic mode, where indicate the preferred temperature from 22 to 25 degrees. When the room temperature exceeds the stated maximum, the device will transmit data to the air conditioner so that it changes the temperature. The same path will be followed if the room temperature is lower than indicated.
It is important to remember that there are various sensors and that the choice of the detector depends on your purpose. Perhaps you need motion sensors and temperature sensors for production, or maybe smoke and pressure sensors.
Actuators are a completely different story than detectors. Sensors are meters of anything, and actuators play the role of operational components. When the sensor detects environmental changes, the actuator must take some action.
Consider the example with air conditioner. Actuators control the heating of a room. We have a person who left the room; the sensors caught it and stopped the air conditioning.
Intelligent taps are also trendy now, and this can be our second example. As soon as you bring your hands under the tap, the water turns on, remove your hands and actuator made the water flow to stop. It is not only convenient but also very useful and safe because you do not touch the tap itself where can be some bacterias.
Learn about failure detection: https://vixtera.com/identifying/
Ours data curation system: https://vixtera.com/multifaceted/
We live in a fantastic time when technology practically rules the world. Now devices are no longer a luxury, but an everyday household item. Only 5-10 years ago, people could not think that wireless communications would be so popular and would become a key element not only in everyday life but also in the leading technology in production.
Production owners have faced problems of increased demand, growing customer expectations, as well as the establishment of global supplies recently. All this encourages the owners of large enterprises to generate new ideas and ways to maintain a place in the manufacturers’ market.
Many companies turn to IoT trying to increase the efficiency and safety of production, as well as not to lose out, and at the same time reduce the cost of maintenance of the enterprise. This technology can give a lot to the production. In this article, we will plunge into the world of IoT and understand the benefits of implementing this technology into production.
Like any other enterprise, IoT uses sensors and detectors to track up-to-date and vital information. In addition to collecting information, IoT technology keeps it in cloud storage to subsequently use these data to analyze the effectiveness of the enterprise, as well as the subsequent improvement of production processes.
The industrial revolution is the transition from manual work to machine labor. The same thing is happening with production. This business is experiencing a fourth revolution now. And if previously there was exclusively manual labor, that is, now everything is somewhat different. At the moment, most industries are partially automated but still need a human presence. The essence of the fourth revolution is to completely eliminate the human factor and replace it with more precise mechanisms. Various applications, sensors, detectors that use technologies such as AI and IoT are more effective for production work.
Numerous studies show that most enterprises suffer from low productivity. This problem is one of the most pressing in business. There are two possible solutions to increase performance and production efficiency: managerial and economical. Management tools are aimed at increasing staff involvement, and economic instruments are aimed at optimizing processes, modernizing production, and reducing the time spent on manufacturing products. In our case, we are interested in the second option.
Based on the existing problems, many manufacturers have relied on new IoT technology. They have already actively implemented its devices to reduce maintenance costs and increase labor productivity.
The introduction of modern technology is the best investment in the future of production. What changes can occur with the implementation of IoT we will discuss below.
Built-in location sensors in products and cars will help storekeepers to prevent a shortage of products in the warehouse, avoid unnecessary loading, and monitor the condition of the goods remotely. From a consumer point of view, these same sensors will help customers track the product from the beginning to the end of the manufacturing process.
The presence of sensors can solve the problem of planning and scheduling since each product and machine can exchange data so it will be possible to achieve faster delivery.
Constant monitoring would help reduce the human factor, and this will undoubtedly have a positive impact on productivity. This is because it is not profitable for the company to spend valuable time on errors and inaccuracies that people can often make by tracking and documenting the data of all machines manually. At the same time, sensors can simultaneously measure pressure, water level, electricity, and temperature, enhancing production quality control.
When the majority of machines in production have built-in sensors, this favorably affects most operations of the industry. In the event of a system or machine failure, the sensors respond quickly, detecting the place of failure and automatically notify the manufacturer about the problem.
Vixtera invented a complete solution to reduce the costs of a laborious and time-consuming task of installing devices and modeling AI. ViEdge is a unique algorithm that can analyze the root causes of production failures. Moreover, the algorithm uses the cause of failure as a label to generate training data for NN for the future prevention of such problems.
This solution helps to eliminate the human factor, which very often can make mistakes both in device configuration and in AI modeling.
ViEdge is a reliable source for predictive analysis, as well as an accurate and reliable data generator for applications and various services.
Since the introduction of IoT in production has occurred recently, do not wait for the full automation of processes. People need some time to become acquainted with innovations and technologies. It follows that enterprises have to strike a balance between humans and automated systems. For example, it is better for a person to give work to a robot if a place is potentially unsafe, and it is better to give work to a person, for example, at the sawmill, after ensuring reliable protection.
Human security control begins even before the start of the workflow. If an employee is highly qualified and experienced enough, they are assigned to a more dangerous job, where needed more serious protection methods. Also, some enterprises give smart bracelets to their employees, which control pressure, pulse, number of steps, and quality of sleep. All these things are of interest to the authorities because the more a person goes in for sports and moves, the more effective he is; the quality of sleep also affects how well and focuses the employee will do the work.
Cameras and sensors are optional devices that monitor safety. They register employees for the presence of a helmet, gloves, whether someone went beyond the restrictive line, as well as the number of working hours.