PLC, HMI and edge device in one software-based workstation

At Hannover Messe 2023, Siemens presented a completely virtual controller for the first time: the Simatic S7-1500V. Now comes the Simatic Automation Workstation, which enables manufacturers to replace a hardware PLC, a conventional HMI and an edge device with a single, software-based workstation.

According to Siemens, they have achieved a breakthrough in the challenge of closely managing numerous hardware control points throughout the factory. The solution is the new Siemens Simatic Automation Workstation, which allows manufacturers to replace a hardware PLC, a conventional HMI and an edge device with a single, software-based workstation. This ushers in Internet Technology (IT) workflows to Operational Technology (OT) environments.

PLCs are often referred to as the brains behind factories, energy grids, office buildings, and trains. Hundreds, even thousands, of these boxes can be found throughout plants, each one requiring extensive programming to keep it current, secure and aligned with the other PLCs in the environment. On the contrary, every Simatic Automation Workstation can be viewed and managed from a central point. Since programming, updates and patches can be deployed to the entire fleet in parallel, the shop floor remains in synch. One example of the value this brings occurs when a facility needs to ramp up or down quickly in response to fluctuating demand. The manufacturer is no longer tied to boxes on the floor and can quickly deploy programming adapted to the current demand scenario.

The Simatic Automation Workstation is an on-premise OT device that utilizes Siemens industrial edge technology to allow for high data throughput with the low latency needed to allow manufacturers to run an expanded variety of modular applications. This applies not only to traditional automation tasks like motion control, sequencing, and safety, but it becomes the platform for future, novel automation tasks that incorporate industrial AI-in-the-control-loop, such as visual inspection and robotic grasping and placing.

“In times of volatility in demand and supply, manufacturers can no longer be tied to boxes on the floor that need to be individually – and manually – updated. Centralized management is the best option for increasing visibility and security for manufacturers managing a high number of automation control points,” said Del Costy, President and Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries, USA. “This makes automation highly scalable and changes the game for how factories can be managed.”

The initial deployment of Simatic Workstations will be deployed across a number of Ford Motor Company’s manufacturing facilities. The Simatic Workstation is the newest addition to the digital business platform Siemens Xcelerator and will be adapted to serve other industries and customers.