Smart Manufacturing Hardware Connects Legacy Machines to the Industrial Internet of Things

Develop a hardware device that enables quick connection to existing sensors, equipment and serial communication ports, and communicates via modern industrial network protocols to Industry 4.0 systems.

Many small and medium sized manufacturers still utilize old equipment that is not connected to a network. By installing the hardware devices developed in this project, American manufacturers will be able to network their legacy equipment, enabling manufacturing data collection and production process control. Implementing smart manufacturing tools has been shown to improve manufacturing productivity and decrease unplanned equipment down-time. This modernization of the manufacturing sector will lead to lower operational costs and improve the competitive position of American manufacturers.

When small and medium sized manufacturers connect legacy equipment to networked controllers, they enjoy a number of benefits. A key advantage of networked equipment is the ability to remotely monitor and control production machines. Remote monitoring contributes to greater operational efficiency and improved productivity, driving increased profits and better business performance.