Connecting a machine to the cloud makes it possible to remotely collect all kinds of data on both the operation and status of a machine and even control the machine in some cases. However, how do you connect a mobile machine or a vehicle to the cloud? TTControl is launching an end-to-end solution for this.
TTControl is a joint venture between TTTech Computertechnik and HYDAC International. The organisation has developed an end-to-end solution to connect vehicles and mobile machines to the cloud. A cloud platform then provides visibility and access to these systems.
Add cloud connectivity
The solution can be incorporated by machine builders while building a machine to add cloud connectivity. Machine owners can additionally use the solution to retrofit their existing machines with this connectivity. TTControl also targets fleet owners who want to gain more insight and control over their fleets.
The connectivity solution consists of several components. The basis consists of the TTConnect Wave, an Internet of Things (IoT) gateway specifically designed to connect vehicles and machines to the cloud via a wireless or cellular interface. The gateway is suitable for extreme conditions, such as temperatures from -40 to +85 °C. In addition, the device is certified for both IP67 and IP69K, meaning it is dust-protected, submersible and can withstand high humidity.
TTConnect Cloud Service
This gateway is equipped with a SIM card, which allows setting up a cellular connection to communicate with TTConnect Cloud Service. This cloud platform provides remote access to data from connected machines, which is collected in a portal. This portal can be designed as required. No programming knowledge is required to use the platform. Machine builders can also distribute so-called over-the-air updates to machines via the cloud platform. These updates are distributed via the internet, without the need for a machine to be physically connected to a laptop, for example.
The ability to read machine data via the cloud offers several advantages. For instance, machine builders can collect insights from machine owners or fleet owners and use these insights as feedback to add extra value for customers with future products. Also, based on these insights, machine builders can develop additional applications and services to further support customers.
Remote insight into machine data
Machine operators can gain remote insight into the status of machines and thereby optimise machine availability. With information available in real-time, the status of a machine can be continuously monitored to notice indications of potential impending technical problems. This makes it possible to take preventive action and, for example, replace a component before the machine's operation is disrupted. In addition, the performance of machines can be monitored, making it possible to compare and optimise performance.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: TTConnect
Source photo: Pixabay / wynpnt
