Sep 24, 2024
Edge Computing, cloud computing, and flexible connectivity come together for advanced, efficient, and secure management in smart industries and cities.
What is Edge Computing?
Edge Computing, also known as computing at the edge, is a distributed information technology (IT) architecture that runs close to the data generation source, instead of sending it to a centralized data center or the cloud (Cloud Computing). By performing this processing at the edge of the network, using devices such as sensors or IoT (Internet of Things) devices, faster responses are achieved, operational efficiency is improved, and bandwidth consumption is reduced. This technology is especially useful in sectors that generate large volumes of data, such as smart factories and smart cities, where real-time and historical data processing must be quick to optimize processes and enhance decision-making.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is a technology that allows access to computing resources and remote data storage via the internet, eliminating the need to rely on local hardware. This technology offers a wide range of cloud services, such as virtual servers, cloud storage, databases, networks, software as a service (SaaS), and data analytics, all accessible from online platforms.
Cloud Computing and Edge Computing are complementary technologies, rather than independent alternatives. Their combination is essential to meet the growing demands for connectivity, real-time processing, and scalability in an increasingly digitized world.
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Applications of Edge Computing in Industry 4.0
In the industrial field, Edge Computing enables processing data in real-time close to its source, which is crucial for:
Monitoring and predictive maintenance of equipment.
Optimization of production processes.
Efficient supply chain management.
Enhanced security and surveillance.
For example, in steelmaking, IoT sensors installed in foundry furnaces can instantly analyze data to adjust parameters such as temperature and pressure. In manufacturing, smart production lines can adapt in real-time based on local data analysis. Smart cities use Edge Computing to manage traffic, lighting, and public utilities more efficiently. In the AECO sector, this technology facilitates the monitoring of construction sites and management of smart buildings.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The term IoT or Internet of Things refers to the interconnection of physical elements to the Internet, using technologies such as Bluetooth, RFID (radio frequency identification), Wifi, and other smart sensors. These are physical objects equipped with computing and connectivity capabilities. Some examples of everyday objects with IoT are smart TVs, connected security cameras, or smartwatches that collect data from their environment and users.
In the business and industrial field, IoT is transforming key sectors, enabling the integration of industrial sensors, monitoring equipment, and machinery to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. Below are some examples of how IoT is revolutionizing various industries:
Manufacturing Industry: IoT sensors in manufacturing allow real-time monitoring of equipment performance, optimizing predictive maintenance, and reducing downtime. Collecting and analyzing real-time data enhances operational efficiency, enabling immediate adjustments in production. Additionally, IoT in manufacturing facilitates product traceability, improves quality control, and inventory management, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
Steelmaking: Connected IoT sensors continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature or pressure during steel casting and molding. This allows precise control of product quality and optimization of energy consumption. The Internet of Things (IoT) also enhances supply chain management by tracking the movement of raw materials and finished products. Moreover, integrating IoT systems with artificial intelligence allows for predicting and preventing equipment failures, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Machine Tool: Integrated sensors in machines collect real-time data about their operation, allowing constant monitoring of performance and early detection of failures. This information facilitates predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan. The Internet of Things (IoT) also optimizes machining processes by automatically adjusting cutting parameters to improve quality and operational efficiency. Furthermore, IoT connectivity allows for integrating machine tools into broader production systems, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness to market demands.
Smart Cities: Distributed IoT sensors throughout the city gather data on traffic, air quality, energy consumption, and waste management, among other aspects. This information helps optimize traffic flow, reduce pollution, and improve energy efficiency. Smart lighting systems adjust their intensity according to needs, saving energy. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates the management of public services such as transportation, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations): IoT is revolutionizing the AECO sector by providing real-time data throughout the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructures. In the design and construction phase, IoT sensors monitor construction progress, worker safety, and material usage. During building operations, IoT facilitates efficient management of systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. Sensors collect data on building usage, allowing for optimizing energy consumption and predicting maintenance needs. Furthermore, integrating IoT with technologies like building information modeling (BIM) allows for more efficient asset management throughout its lifecycle, improving sustainability and reducing operational costs.
Connectivity and Advanced Data Management with TOKII
At IMMERSIA, we have developed TOKII, a digital twin platform that provides complete connectivity and a centralized system for managing industrial plants and other complex environments. TOKII is designed to collect, process, and store large volumes of data generated by IoT devices and sensors, allowing companies to efficiently monitor their infrastructure in real-time.
Our platform offers advanced data visualization through dashboards or interactive control panels, providing personalized graphs and KPIs that facilitate decision-making. Additionally, it allows for exploring this data in immersive environments, through digital twins that integrate 3D navigation on the plant floor.
With augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities, users can interact with data more intuitively and in detail, allowing for simulations, remote maintenance, and process optimization. This combination of advanced visualization, connectivity, and immersive analysis enhances operational efficiency in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, AECO, steelmaking, and more.
Thanks to its multi-device API architecture, TOKII ensures smooth data transmission from any source and adapts to different devices such as PCs, tablets, mobiles, or kiosks. This provides users with a panoramic and flexible view of the data, accessible from anywhere, ensuring agility in the management of industrial plants and other complex infrastructures.
If you want to know more about our digital twin software, visit TOKII or Request a DEMO.
