A universal interface for machine connectivity is key tool for all industries aiming for automation and industry 4.0. Using a common language ensures clear data collection, streamlined communication channels, and control of different machine types.

This article describes the benefits of integrating the OPC Unified Architecture (“OPC/UA”) communication protocol extended by the universal machine technology interface (“umati”) companion specifications into machines to support a new level of production automation.

OPC/UA - How to communicate

Open

OPC/UA is an industrial interoperability automation architecture for a communication protocol developed by the OPC Foundation. OPC/UA is deployed in a server-client model consisting of a look-up mechanism, read and write operations for current and historical data, method execution, and notifications for data and events.

The key features of OPC UA are:

• Platform Independent: Suitable to embed in machines and use in cloud-based software infrastructures.

• Secure: Supports encryption, authentication, and auditing.

• Extendable: Ability to add new features without affecting existing applications

• Comprehensive Information Modeling: Allows the definition and management of the complex information flow within additive manufacturing and industry 4.0.

Umati - What to communicate

Open

Umati defines standardized semantics, embedded in an information model based on OPC/UA companion specifications. This is achieved by specifying a common data structure for servers and clients on top of OPC/UA which is universal and therefore easily interoperable across different machine types and applications. It simplifies the task of machine connectivity with multiple vendors and machine types and also reduces the effort to connect to other OPC/UA integrations.

Umati bundles the following (modular) OPC/UA companion specifications:

OPC 40001-1 - UA CS Machinery
OPC 40501-1 - UA CS for Machine Tools
OPC 10000-200 - UA Specification Part 200 - Industrial Automation
OPC 10001-13 - UA Specification 1.04.01 Amendment 13 - Ordered List

You can find them either here, at the official OPC/UA webpages, or by contacting info@umati.info.

The following use cases are covered by the official umati release in 2020:

• Identify machines of different manufacturers

• Overview if production is running

• Overview of parts in a job

• Overview of runtimes for a job

• Overview of machine tool state

• Overview of upcoming manual activities

• Overview of errors and warnings

• Providing information for KPI calculations

• Providing data for media and energy usage statistics

• Providing an overview of tool data
  
  
  

Who coordinates umati?

Umati is an initiative of VDW, the German Machine Tool Builders‘ Association. Together with over 70 companies from over 10 countries umati is being developed by a Joint Working Group since 2018.

The umati working group includes some of the largest machine tool builders in the world including Chiron, DMG Mori, Emag, Grob Werke, Heller, Liebherr Verzahntechnik, Trumpf and United Grinding committed themselves to the working group. Application partners GF Machining Solutions, Pfiffner, and control technology experts like Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens share their know-how as well as the ISW at Stuttgart university, with their extensive OPC UA knowledge.

Further resources:

umati homepage

umati showcase

umati GitHub

How to join umati?

To become an umati partner or even join the Joint Working Group please contact info@umati.info.

• Partners involved in umati make a common user promise to their customers:
  A Plug&Play machine interface

• Companies benefit from a joint, strong, visible marketing presence through media, press, events, trade fair appearances and showcases  

• Market penetration is accelerated and simplified by a community fostering uniform data interfaces 

• (early) participating companies can actively participate in shaping the ecosystem