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EMO Hannover 2019 to demonstrate the potential of universal machine tool interfaces

The networking of machines, systems and software is currently one of the biggest trends in manufacturing

by Staff Writer
EMO Hannover 2019 to demonstrate the potential of universal machine tool interfaces
EMO Hannover 2019 to demonstrate the potential of universal machine tool interfaces

Around 50 machine tool manufacturers from all over the world will be jointly show how Universal machine tool interface (UMATI)  makes machine data usable, at the EMO Hannover 2019 expo in Germany, 16-21 September. 

Dr. Alexander Broos, UMATI project manager and Head of Research and Technology at the EMO organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Associationon), explains: “UMATI represents a quantum leap in the implementation of Industry 4.0 in production. The use of a standardised interface will give machine tool users and their customers a whole new dimension of benefits. The networking of machines, systems and software is one of the most important trends in manufacturing right now. Today’s customers expect to be able to integrate new machines into their own IT ecosystems with no difficulty. umati does this on the basis of the international interoperability standard OPC UA – easily, quickly and securely.”

For over two years, a team of various machine tool manufacturers have been working on developing this uniform language for machine tools. Together with control manufacturers, they aimed at making its use as user-friendly as possible.

“The concept is so impressive that many international manufacturers, but also various associations and scientific institutions, have signalled an interest in participating in UMATI,” says Broos.

The participants will be connected to a central dashboard. Furthermore, 18 software and data evaluation service providers will also be demonstrating how this data can then be used to generate added value for customers. Visitors can pick up information at the booths of the affiliated partners as well as at the central UMATI information booth in Hall 9, E24. This is where the data from the connected machines merges.

The participants are supported by control suppliers such as B&R Automation, Beckhoff Automation, Bosch Rexroth, Fagor Automation, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Mitsubishi Electric and Siemens. The demonstration is realized in cooperation with T-Systems, which provides a data hub to connect machines and services.