FANUC CORPORATION offers its FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive (FIELD) system that provides advanced analytics and deep learning capabilities for FANUC CNCs and robots, peripheral devices and sensors used in automation systems.
The FIELD system allows applications such as zero down time (ZDT) or capabilities such as deep learning or machine learning to be applied in the Edge level of a factory site. The FIELD system is based on Edge computing where a large amount of data is processed within the manufacturing site, minimizing the volume and cost of sharing data, while also providing a secure connection to the cloud for suitable applications. The data that is on the FIELD system from various machines can also be used for collaboration among equipment, performance optimization, improved traceability and quality control.
FANUC collaborated on the development of FIELD with Cisco, a provider of IT-enabled digitization; Rockwell Automation, a company dedicated to industrial automation and information solutions; and Preferred Networks, a provider of Artificial Intelligence solutions.
FIELD consists of hardware and software that allows multiple external computing devices to be added to the plant network in a highly secure manner. The software suite is composed of both open source and proprietary licensable products (from Cisco and Preferred Network). Once the FIELD software is loaded and configured, the machine data from all the automation equipment including CNC machines and robots can then be accessible to application developers through an open application programming interface (API). The easy access to machine data reduces the effort for a third party to develop applications to run on the FIELD system, providing a variety of monitoring, analytic and real-time functions.
"FIELD is the next generation of intelligence for FANUC," said Joe Gazzarato, Director of Product Development, FANUC America. "We are showing customers that the FIELD system will enable new applications that can drive significant improvements in machine reliability, quality, flexibility and speed to elevate manufacturing efficiency and profitability."
ZDT, an application that runs on FANUC's FIELD system, currently collects data from more than 6,000 robots in 26 factories. ZDT monitors these robots to see if the application is causing abnormal wear that could lead to a failure, and if so, FANUC sends parts with support to address the issue before any downtime occurs. With ZDT, FANUC also keeps track of robot usage and sends reminders at appropriate intervals to ensure important maintenance activities are completed on time. As the FIELD system and ZDT grow in the marketplace, FANUC will be able to help more customers with intelligent condition-based maintenance notifications and help optimize the performance and life of their robots.
"The convergence of Internet of Things and industrial manufacturing has begun. Connectivity to equipment on the factory floor is growing at a rapid pace," Gazzarato added. "This connectivity opens the door to new sources of data enabling applications that can leverage this data to deliver real business value."
For more information contact:
FANUC America Corporation
3900 West Hamlin Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3253
888-FANUC-US (326-8287)
www.fanucamerica.com