IoT Connected Devices and Sensors

 

Internet of Things (IOT) Devices / Sensors

COMMON USES / COMMON PROBLEMS SOLVED 

  • Improves quality assurance  
  • Real-time cycle–time tracking 
  • Real-time machine (up-time) monitoring 
  • Helps to understand where bottlenecks or issues arise on a production line 
  • Improves understanding of capacity 

 IOT COULD BE A GOOD FIT IF:  

  • Operations where there are variations between the complexity of progressive units (a supervisor could track the movement of each unit through the line so they could flex capacity where it is needed) 
  • You have downtime due to unexpected machine failures 

IOT MIGHT NOT BE A GOOD FIT IF:

  • You don’t have any plans of using the data to manage the operation or derive insights from it  

FAQ 

What are the restrictions on this technology?  

Bandwidth and refresh rates of the database can inhibit real time data getting to where it needs to go fast.  

Will I need special equipment to operate this technology? If so, what equipment is required?  

An IOT setup of RFID tags, readers, screens to show the information, and a backend database to collect and calculate any data.  

Do I need any special training or certification to operate this technology? If so, what?  

Not if you are just consuming data from the RFID reader. 

THE FACTORY OF TOMORROW EXPERIENCE

  • Clock cycle time per assembly step by tracking how long it takes a tool to move through assembly steps (stations). The sensors in this case are RFID tags that are attached to the tool holder.   
  • Machine monitoring demo (Coming Soon) 

EQUIPMENT IN THE LAB

  • Custom fixture design (Raspberry Pi 4 and RFID scan plates)
  • Tako in machine monitoring sensors and monitoring software (Coming Soon) 

The Factory of Tomorrow demonstrates real-world applications in a low volume, high mix environment. Made possible by our partnerships with national, regional, state, and local organizations, The Factory of Tomorrow is here to offer new opportunities for the real-world application of advanced manufacturing technologies.

Integrated technologies demonstrate that Smart Factories and Industry 4.0 advanced technologies are within reach for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Learn more and visit the lab >