Control Architecture for Automation

Automation technology has always tried to ensure efficient reusability of technology building blocks and effective implementation of solutions with modular approaches. These approaches, also known as control architectures for automation, are experiencing an increasing change toward more software-based methods. All classical architectures, such as NC, CNC, and PLC, are currently reaching their limits in terms of flexibility, adaptability, connectivity, and expandability. In addition, more and more functionalities are shifting from the classic pyramid-shaped communication to the smallest embedded devices or even to systems on higher levels of the communication pyramid such as MES. Operation technology is more and more penetrated by IT, which, due to its high speed of innovation, opens up ever-growing solution spaces. These include convergent networks that are equipped with real-time functionality and can be used directly in production for all kinds of horizontal and vertical communication needs. New wireless communications such as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G also represent a current revolution in automation technology – however, this does not apply in consumer electronics. Therefore, it is time to sketch new control architectures for automation. The advantage of these new architectures can not only be found in the classical application area of production but also in engineering in general. For example, the method of hardware-in-the-loop simulation has considerable potential in production control as well as in the upfront simulation of production plants and virtual commissioning. As in many other fields of applications, the topic of artificial intelligence is added as a further architectural component, as well. AI recently became a very versatile tool to solve a broad range of problems at different hierarchical levels of the automation pyramid.