Uncovering the Impact of Cabinet-Less Automation on Factory Manufacturing Processes
In the world of automation, a shift is underway, and Brandon Snell, product manager at Beckhoff USA for MX-System, is leading the charge. Snell believes that the traditional control cabinet is ripe for a reset, favoring a decentralized approach to automation.
This approach, gaining traction in the industry, involves moving components out of centralized cabinets into smaller, distributed modules on machinery. Known as cabinet-free automation, this concept offers several benefits for machine builders.
Firstly, cabinet-free automation provides maximum flexibility and modularity. By integrating power supply, control technology, and field-level I/O into a compact, pluggable system often mounted directly on machines, it eliminates the need for traditional control cabinets [1][4]. This results in reduced installation time, a smaller footprint, less wiring effort, and accelerated commissioning.
Machine builders can capitalize on this innovation by adopting modular, pluggable systems like Beckhoff's MX-System, which combines various automation functions into a single, scalable platform that simplifies engineering and reduces complexity [1].
Another advantage is the use of open, real-time operating systems with consistent standards, such as Linux-based ctrlX AUTOMATION, enabling flexible hardware/software integration, IoT connectivity, and app-based programming [4].
Simplified networking and digitization also play a significant role, enabling easier co-creation with hardware/software partners and integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to reduce component and engineering costs by up to 50% [4].
Focusing on machine-mounted solutions that reduce space and wiring while improving maintainability and scalability is another key aspect [1]. Lastly, automation that supports seamless scalability and adaptability is crucial, helping machine builders innovate faster with less engineering effort and enabling rapid customization for diverse applications [1][4].
In summary, cabinet-free automation enables machine builders to innovate by simplifying control architectures, accelerating installation and commissioning, reducing costs, and providing a flexible foundation for integrating modern automation standards and IoT technologies [1][4]. This represents a transformative step beyond traditional control cabinets towards more efficient, scalable, and connected machine design.
Decentralized automation, as offered by Beckhoff USA's MX-System, opens new avenues for innovation in the industry. As more machine builders adopt this approach, we can expect to see a surge in efficient, flexible, and connected machinery designs.
[1] Beckhoff Automation. (n.d.). Beckhoff MX-System. Retrieved from https://www.beckhoff.com/en-us/products/automation-systems/mx-system/
[4] Beckhoff Automation. (n.d.). The Benefits of Cabinet-Free Automation. Retrieved from https://www.beckhoff.com/en-us/news/articles/the-benefits-of-cabinet-free-automation/
In the realm of decentralized automation, the finance sector may witness reduced costs due to accelerated commissioning and less wiring effort with the elimination of traditional control cabinets. Furthermore, the technology industry could observe increased innovation as machine builders adopt modular, pluggable systems like Beckhoff's MX-System for seamless scalability and adaptability.
