A common language connects – and this also applies to machines. However, as part of the digitalization process, proprietary solutions have emerged instead. It is difficult for companies to keep track of developments, monitor solutions and decide what to use. These trends hamper the digital integration of systems and make it harder to exploit the full potential offered by Industry 4.0. umati – the universal machine technology interface – can help.
An international consortium headed by the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association VDW has designed umati on the basis of OPC UA Companion Specification to create a universal interface to machine tools. umati enables data to be exchanged efficiently and securely between machines and systems and subsequently processed, which has advantages for both users and manufacturers.
umati was initially intended to connect machine tools, and has now been expanded to the areas of machine and systems engineering, drive technology, plastics machinery, robotics and pump technology.
Swissmem recommends that companies look into this area and consider taking the first steps. As the association has been actively involved in the development of umati from the outset, it can provide advice and support to interested companies.
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Head of Digitalization, Innovation and Technology
+41 44 384 48 44 +41 44 384 48 44 a.gontarz@swissmem.ch