Bosch Connected Devices and Harting Technology Group have recently released a new plug-and-play kit that enables digital condition monitoring of any kind of machinery or equipment. According to Harting, this new solution enables users to get up and running inside a day, connecting valuable production data to an IoT platform.
Digital condition monitoring involves measuring data such as the temperature and pressure of machines to ensure they are running smoothly and at an optimal level. Having the ability to spot any fluctuations quickly allows you to undertake predictive maintenance. In other words, you can identify, isolate and carry out repairs before the machine breaks down, alleviating costly downtimes.
In order to undertake condition monitoring, you firstly need to digitally retrofit machines with monitoring devices, a task which is simplified by the MICA CISS IIoT Kit. The robust and compact Bosch CISS sensor unit can be easily attached to any machine surface. Once it’s in place, it can simultaneously measure vibration, pressure, temperature, humidity, light, magnetic fields, acoustics and any changes in position. The CISS sensor then connects to the local network and HARTING’s MICA, a compact industrial computer, which is installed next to the machinery.
Data from the CISS sensors is delivered in the MQTT common exchange format, giving you the flexibility to analyse or store information within any IT system or IoT platform. All the information is displayed in a web browser via the integrated browser-based Node-RED dashboard, whilst a connector for Microsoft Azure Cloud is pre-installed.
It’s also possible to store local data on the device as it can be supplemented with software containers for databases, cloud connectors and OPC-UA translators, which are easily installed and managed like apps. In addition, MICA's modular, open-source software design enables the data to be specifically adapted to meet your requirements and goals.
Practical Uses
Thanks to the open-source software, the MICA CISS IIoT Kit can be used across a wide-range of industries. In addition to condition monitoring it can be used as an energy management tool, giving businesses the opportunity to measure output, implement changes and save on costs. When combined with RFID, the equipment can also identify practically any object digitally or wirelessly, providing a cost-effective digital asset tracking solution. Furthermore, the robust nature of the equipment means it can be installed on running machinery, in logistic or production areas and on rail and road vehicles.
For more on new sensors and other production technology, check out Latest Production Tech.