Interoperability of systems

Communication standards play an essential role in process automation because they enable data exchange between different systems and devices. They promote interoperability and compatibility, reduce integration costs, and enable seamless communication. This results in increased efficiency in integration, reduced costs, and improved scalability in automated systems.

In the infrastructure-reduced logistics and production of the future, flexible autonomous robotics systems are increasingly replacing rigid automation solutions. The integration of new systems and robotics solutions into existing processes makes material flow more efficient and thus meets the requirements of modern supply chains. Fleet management must also be adapted to these circumstances. The increased flexibility and heterogeneity requires interfaces and standards to ensure the interoperability of the systems involved.

Communication standards are essential for the interoperability and automation of processes, as they enable the smooth exchange of information between different systems. In areas such as industrial value creation and digital transformation in particular, standardized interfaces are crucial for the effective integration and operation of decentralized, autonomous, and self-optimizing systems. Interface definitions such as VDA 5050 or M2X standardize the connection between fleet management and mobile robots and enable the cost-efficient integration through interoperability. This makes them future-proof for automation solutions.

Our services include both professional and technical expertise in the creation of interfaces and digital solutions for interoperability:

• Standardization and testing:
  Support in the development of communication standards and the performance of interoperability and conformity tests to ensure reliable, standardized data communication
• Technology implementation:
  Support in the (further) development and implementation of interfaces, consulting, and integration of proven interfaces
• Research and innovation:
  Development of open source tools and platforms to support automation
• Training and knowledge transfer:
  Training courses, workshops, and technical support for implementing and optimizing interfaces

There are four levels of interoperability that relate to the connection and collaboration of systems:

1. Structural interoperability: Enables the physical transfer of data between different systems (e.g., through networks or interfaces).
2. Syntactic interoperability: Ensures that data follows standardized data formats (e.g., XML, JSON) so that it can be recognized and processed in a structured manner.
3. Semantic interoperability: Ensures that data is interpreted uniformly in terms of content (e.g., through uniform meanings). 
4. Organizational interoperability: Supports collaboration at the process level and creates common roles, workflows, and business strategies.

For example, VDA 5050 is part of semantic interoperability. It defines standardized communication protocols and data formats (e.g., MQTT/JSON) for the uniform interpretation and processing of data between automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and central control systems.

The potential associated with the development and use of open source software (OSS) is enormous, especially for automation. Interoperability between different software solutions plays a central role here in ensuring a smooth flow of information and optimized processes. Open source software is designed to connect seamlessly with other systems and technologies, often offering greater flexibility in integration compared to proprietary solutions. Open source offers numerous advantages for automation, including:

Flexibility and adaptability

Open source software enables companies to adapt software to their specific requirements, which is particularly important in automation in order to optimize individual processes.

Cost savings 

By eliminating license costs and using freely available software, companies can reduce costs, which facilitates the introduction of automation solutions.

Interoperability and standardization

OSS promotes integration and collaboration between different systems and technologies, which is crucial for the automation of heterogeneous production environments.

Promotion of innovation 

Open source provides access to new technologies and innovations developed by a broad community. This accelerates the development and implementation of new automation solutions.

Security and stability

Regular updates and code transparency ensure a high level of IT security and stability, which is essential in automation.

»We want to develop a public interface specification for standardized data models and a description of interaction processes that is middleware-neutral and widely applicable in order to simplify the use of mobile robots in these environments.«
Dennis Lünsch, research associate at Fraunhofer IML in the field of interoperability

VDA 5050 is a manufacturer-neutral interface specification that enables standardized communication between automated guided vehicle or autonomous mobile robots (AGV/AMR) and a central control system (fleet management). The de facto standard was developed to ensure interoperability between different vehicle types and control systems and to enable modern fleet management.

An open source implementation of the VDA 5050 guideline, called libVDA5050++, was developed by Fraunhofer IML. It enables manufacturers to quickly and easily convert their proprietary AGV solutions to the VDA 5050 guideline. This reduces complexity and administrative effort and facilitates the integration of heterogeneous vehicle fleets into a common control system.

Communication between automated guided vehicles and peripherals is crucial for automation, as interaction with additional peripherals is necessary in almost every automation solution.

The “M2X” (machine-to-x) research project aims to develop standardized interfaces in the context of AGVs and their environment. It aims to standardize interactions between AGVs and environments such as warehouse management or ERP systems, as well as with peripheral devices such as doors, elevators, or load transfer stations. The main goal is to reduce the effort and costs of integrating heterogeneous systems and make automation more accessible across industries.

Aulis is an agent-based, modular operating system for intralogistics that efficiently organizes the internal transport of goods using automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots. It is based on open de facto standards such as VDA 5050 and enables interoperability between different manufacturers and technologies. Its flexible architecture allows companies to customize and extend modules to meet specific requirements. As an open source solution, it reduces integration costs and provides efficient control of complex logistics processes.

AULIS

The PACE Lab (Positioning Accuracy Communication Evaluation) is a globally unique research infrastructure at Fraunhofer IML for the development of autonomous systems in logistics. It offers high-precision real-time data acquisition and a digitized image of reality with submillimeter accuracy. Companies can test autonomous systems such as mobile robots, drones, or humanoid robots here, as well as evaluate technologies for navigation, human-technology interaction, or communication. With innovative testing capabilities such as 5G communication and motion capturing, the PACE Lab supports the development of efficient, automated solutions.

Pace-lab

Do you need support with implementing communication interfaces and performing interoperability and compliance tests? Our team is always available to assist you. 

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