Bangalore – August 18, 2025 – Spirent Communications, a leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today announced a strategic partnership with Telescent, a leading manufacturer of Optical Circuit Switches (OCS) and automated fiber patch-panels for network and data center operators. The global collaboration provides for the integration of Telescent’s innovative optical circuit switch and smart patch panel solutions with Spirent’s Velocity test lab automation portfolio, creating a powerful force multiplier for companies seeking to optimize AI/ML resource connectivity and automate test infrastructure.

AI and machine learning workloads demand optimal connectivity through optical interconnections to maximize resource utilization and investment returns, and the partnership addresses this critical challenge by bringing together Spirent’s test lab automation leadership with Telescent’s cutting-edge automated fiber management technology. Telescent’s robotic fiber optic cross-connect systems enable automated and remote provisioning of fiber connections, dramatically reducing the need for manual patch panel operations and minimizing human error.

“Our partnership with Telescent represents another great example of how Spirent is bringing innovation to automated test solutions to help companies ensure reliability, security, and performance in their operational networks,” said Anil Kollipara, VP of Product Management at Spirent. “Furthermore, by integrating Telescent’s advanced optical switching technology with the proven test automation capabilities of our Velocity portfolio, we’re delivering a solution that will transform how organizations approach lab automation and AI/ML resource optimization.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing comprehensive, future-ready solutions to address the evolving challenges in network infrastructure and advanced development.”

The technical and commercial collaboration sees Spirent as the exclusive worldwide value-added reseller for Telescent’s advanced physical layer automation solutions for lab automation customers through Spirent’s global sales channels, along with comprehensive support services. When integrated with the Velocity Test Automation Portfolio, the solution delivers significant value to enterprise network test labs, AI/ML laboratories, data centers, and equipment manufacturer validation facilities seeking to improve operational efficiency through automation.

“Partnering with Spirent represents a significant milestone in expanding the reach of our automated fiber management solutions,” said Anthony Kewitsch, CEO of Telescent. “Spirent’s extensive global presence and deep industry relationships will accelerate adoption of our technology across markets worldwide. Together, we’re enabling the next generation of network automation and flexibility.”

To keep pace with constantly advancing technological ecosystems, automation has become a focus area for innovation, efficiency and delivering quality results. One of the significant areas where automation is making impact is in embedded systems.

Embedded systems are characterized by their ability to operate with minimal human intervention, often in real-time, and are integral to the functionality of many devices we rely on daily. The integration of automation into these systems is changing the way they are designed, developed, and deployed, leading to enhanced performance, reliability, and scalability.

Current challenges of automation

A typical embedded system development platform includes multiple jumpers, switches, and buttons for enabling various hardware (HW) configurations like boot modes, programming mode or enabling different HW features. Due to this it becomes difficult to automate and truly validate embedded board and software for all HW configurations remotely or via automation.

While this can be solved using mechanical arms and similar concepts, it is very costly and not time efficient, hence making it not practically a feasible solution. Another alternate solution is using development boards, but it deviates from actual testing scenario.

Proposed Solution

We will explore the use of circuit isolation techniques and the adoption of the Jenkins ecosystem for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). Circuit isolation ensures that test controller can configure the embedded systems under test safely and reliably by preventing electrical faults and interference from affecting the system’s performance while Jenkins provide a robust framework for automating the software development lifecycle of embedded systems. Jenkins, an open-source automation server, enables developers to build, test, and deploy code efficiently and consistently. By integrating Jenkins with embedded system development, teams can achieve faster iteration cycles, improved code quality, and seamless deployment processes.

The proposed solution shares a cost-effective solution with easy to implement method to overcome above mentioned limitations.

Figure 1 shows the block diagram of automation architecture where a small footprint microcontroller can be used to control an isolation circuit connected to the junctions of switch/jumper/buttons of embedded device under test (DUT). Isolation circuit (e.g., Optocoupler) ensures circuit safety. In the current demonstration NUCLEO-F401RE board (MCU) is used to control the optocoupler circuit connected to boot modes switches and reset button of STM32MP157F-DK2 board under test (DUT). Jenkins will issue remote commands to MCU.

Figure 2 demonstrates the circuit diagram where MCU can control the state of two-way Switch SW1. VDD is connected to one end of output and R1 register is added to limit current. The value of R1 is based on the embedded device specification. In the default state, the physical switch is put in off state. Then depending on which boot combination we want, MCU will enable the output side of Optocoupler circuit.

For example, to put STM32MP157F-DK2 in SD card mode, GPIO pair 1 and GPIO pair 2 will be put in HIGH state. This will short output circuit and achieve 1,0,1 combination for SD card boot configuration. A similar circuit is present at the embedded device Reset button. After changing configuration, one can trigger reset to boot in desired hardware configuration.

Jenkins is used to remotely send commands to NUCLEO-F401RE board through a computer containing automation scripts (python and shell scripts) which translates commands to configurations and sends it to MCU to change the device under test (DUT) state as explained above. Using this setup, one can manage all HW configurations remotely. The above arrangement successfully enables the developer to remotely perform board programming / flashing, toggling boot switches and configurations on STM32MP157F-DK2.

Python scripts are present on PC (Jenkins client) controlling MCU and Jenkins is used to invoke these scripts via Jenkins pipeline/scripts.

Scope and Advantages

The proposed solution can be extended to various embedded boards due to the small circuit size that can be easily connected to DUT. Also, a single MCU can control multiple circuits depending on the count of the GPIOs available on a given, multiple DUTs can be controlled. Another advantage being the low cost of circuits and MCU’s and solution is flexible due to multiple options being available to control it (UART, Bluetooth, I2C, SPI, Wi-Fi). Although the solution needs one controlling client which is used to control the Automation system remotely, one client can be used to control multiple Automation systems and thus making the solution scalable and reliable in every aspect as hardware configurations are also tested.

Future work

Embedded systems can include pin connections at desired switches and buttons, then the need for soldering is eliminated and one can simply connect MCU and isolation circuit to achieve complete and reliable automation.

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is exhibiting at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 (Booth L1901) on May 20-22.

The booth will feature more than 10 exciting demos including Edge AI & Sensors with gesture recognition, Wireless Connectivity solutions for personal electronics and home appliances, Automotive solutions for battery monitoring and charging co-developed with EDOM, and a robotic-automation demo developed with OMRON to showcase automation in the cleanroom.

Edge AI & Sensors
AI Assistant: This demo is an intelligent personal assistant terminal enhanced by various AI features implemented in the STM32N6 microcontroller (MCU). The AI assistant works with a pose estimation demo powered by YOLOv8n, showcasing its ability to understand and respond to human gestures, and the inference time could reach 25 fps.

Robotic Hand demo: This demo shows a system that utilizes the STM32N6 MCU to run a gesture recognition model through the N6’s built-in neural processing unit (NPU), coupled with the VD66GY high-sensitivity color image sensor, to achieve gesture recognition. The STM32MP257 PLC demonstration board then converts the data format of the 21 identified key point data, allowing the motion of the 15 servo motors in the dexterous hand to be controlled for real-time gesture tracking.

Smart Presence/Gesture Control: The demo detects human presence and reacts to hand control behavior to wake-up and respond-to instructions. It is powered by the VL53L8CX 8×8 multizone, ToF ranging sensor, which enhances performance under ambient-light conditions with reduced power consumption.

ST ISPU with Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform: The ISPU (Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit) is ST’s latest edge-computing core. DSP code developed by the application can be ported into the ISPU and runs in an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). FT (Fourier Transform) is one of the essential functions for condition monitoring in today’s AI enabled Industrial applications. SDFT (Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform) is loaded into this AI core to demonstrate the capability of the ISPU.​

Biosensors: An accelerometer embeds a vAFE (vertical analog front-end) and an AI core with Machine Learning and Finite State Machine. It is able to detect biopotentials by means of the external electrodes connected to the device to provide the data for ENG, ECG, EEG, Heart-Rate and Motion-Detection applications.​

Wireless Connectivity Solutions
ST60 Wireless Data Transfer: The ST60A2 is an RF millimeter-wave transceiver operating in the 60 GHz VBand. It provides a very power-efficient and high data-rate wireless link enabling freedom from physical cables and connectors for short-range (a few cm) point-to-point communications, using a variety of external antennas (such as patch antennas designed on a PCB or highly directive SMT horn antennas allowing both end-fire and broadside radiation patterns).

Ki Cordless Kitchen: The demo showcases the newly designed ST Ki power transmitter combined with ST’s NFC devices. Ki Cordless Kitchen is a new standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), to replace power cords in traditional kitchen appliances (e.g., mixer, toaster, rice cooker, coffee maker) and integrate them with induction cooktops. The ST power transmitter is combined with both “static” and “dynamic” appliances to demonstrate different modes and power control. It uses ST’s IH-series IGBTs for efficient power management and an STM32G4 MCU for precise control and seamless operation. While ST’s integrated NFC technology enables effortless connectivity, a secure cooking environment is ensured by STSAFE technology to safeguard user data.

Automotive solutions
The e-2 wheeler demo has been built by ST and EDOM, an esteemed distribution partner of ST. The demo showcases 4 key solutions including battery-management system, smart compact battery charger, energy-efficient traction inverter, and an NFC keyless system solution.

OMRON robot demonstration
Leveraging Industry 4.0 to advance manufacturing capabilities, ST deployed robotic solutions in its manufacturing facility in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore to automate wafer cassette handling, previously a strenuous manual process. These robots now operate 22 different machines efficiently 24/7, leading to a productivity gain of 10%. This also freed up additional resources among workers, who were then trained in higher-value skillsets benign to their career progression. Through a structured Career Development Plan (CDP), operators and technicians are advancing to higher technical roles, with over 100 employees benefiting from this initiative.

Onsite robotics experience
ST will be organizing hands-on robotics sessions onsite on May 22, targeting 12-18 year olds. The aim is to engage and interest them in STEM and robotics applications in their formative years. These workshops are conducted in small-sized groups for greater engagement and effectiveness. Limited seats are available and interested parties can apply here: https://stmicroelectronics.eightfold.ai/events/candidate/landing?plannedEventId=xKnvZ1RkpG

Speaking slots
As part of its thought-leadership and knowledge sharing, ST will also be engaged in several speaking opportunities throughout the event addressing topics of Advanced Packaging, Sustainability, MEMS for Medical Applications, and also on Talent Acquisition. For more details on specific onsite forums/summits, please visit https://www.semiconsea.org/

Advanced Packaging & Heterogeneous Integration Summit
Speaker: David Gani, Director, Back-end Manufacturing and Technology R&D
Topic: Panel Level Packaging: Challenges and advantages in packaging R&D and high-volume production
Date: 21 May
Time: 10:00 – 17:00hrs
Note: Paid entry

Sustainability Forum
Speaker: Edoardo Auteri, Head of Sustainability Programs – Asia Pacific excluding China Region
Topic: Accelerating sustainable transformation in technology and beyond to reduce emissions
Date: 22 May
Time: 09:30 – 13:30hrs
Note: Paid entry

Smart MedTech Forum
Speaker: Alberto Leotti, MEMS R&D, Lab-in-Fab Operations Manager
Topic: A new wave of sensors for vital sign monitoring
Date: 22 May
Time: 10:00 – 15:00hrs

Note: Paid entry

Workforce Development Stage
Speaker: Choon Fatt Chong
Topic: STMicroelectronics: Our Technology starts with You
Date: 22 May
Time: 12.40pm
Note: Complimentary entry

In the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, automation has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity, fundamentally reshaping how organizations operate across sectors. As businesses strive to meet the surging consumer demands of today’s market, they are confronted with an array of challenges, including rising operational costs, persistent labor shortages, and the urgent need for quick, high-quality service delivery. In this environment, automation technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and sophisticated software solutions serve as critical enablers. They streamline operations, minimize human error, and significantly enhance productivity. For instance, automated machinery in manufacturing can run continuously, dramatically increasing output while minimizing downtime. In logistics, automation optimizes inventory management and order fulfillment, ensuring swift and efficient product delivery to customers, thus setting a new standard for operational excellence.

The imperative for businesses to embrace automation is amplified by the digital transformation sweeping across industries and the advent of Industry 4.0, which merges digital, physical, and biological systems. Organizations that resist this shift risk obsolescence, grappling with the complexities of global supply chains and failing to adapt to the rapid pace of change. Automation is no longer a mere option; it is a strategic investment critical for long-term success. By integrating automation into their core operations, organizations can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and cultivate a culture of innovation, thus positioning themselves to seize future opportunities in an increasingly dynamic economic landscape. In this context, it becomes essential to explore the key trends shaping the automation market that will dictate its trajectory moving forward.

1. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

The infusion of AI and ML into automation systems is revolutionizing operational paradigms across industries. By harnessing these technologies, organizations can analyze vast datasets in real time, facilitating predictive maintenance and enhancing decision-making processes. AI-powered robots can learn from their environments, adapt to fluctuations, and optimize their performance autonomously. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly reduces downtime and operational costs, marking a transformative leap in how businesses approach automation.

2. Rise of Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are reshaping the workforce landscape by working alongside humans to enhance productivity while prioritizing safety. Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate in isolation, cobots can share workspaces with human workers, effectively taking on repetitive or hazardous tasks. This trend is particularly beneficial in manufacturing and logistics, where flexibility and efficiency are paramount. As companies increasingly integrate cobots into their operations, we can expect a notable rise in hybrid work environments that blend human intelligence with robotic efficiency.

3. Increased Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability has emerged as a central tenet of modern automation strategies. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the imperative to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly practices. Automation plays a crucial role in achieving these sustainability goals by optimizing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and improving resource management. For example, automated systems can continuously monitor energy usage, enabling companies to implement strategies that lower their energy consumption without compromising productivity.

4. Growth of the Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is transforming connectivity, allowing devices and systems to communicate seamlessly. In the realm of automation, IoT-enabled devices provide invaluable insights into operational performance. This interconnectedness facilitates remote monitoring, real-time data analysis, and informed decision-making. Companies gain enhanced visibility across their supply chains, empowering them to respond swiftly and efficiently to emerging challenges and opportunities.

5. Smart Warehousing and Supply Chain Automation

With the exponential growth of e-commerce, the demand for smart warehousing solutions is on the rise. Automated storage and retrieval systems, powered by advanced robotics and AI, are revolutionizing inventory management and order fulfillment processes. This trend transcends mere speed; it emphasizes accuracy and adaptability in meeting customer demands. Automation technologies, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and sorting systems, are becoming integral to modern supply chains, enabling businesses to adjust to fluctuating market conditions seamlessly.

6. Talent and Skills Development

The rapid advancement of automation technologies necessitates a skilled and adaptable workforce. Organizations are investing in training programs to upskill employees, ensuring they can effectively collaborate with new technologies. This focus on talent development is crucial for addressing the skills gap that automation may create, allowing companies to fully harness the potential of their automation investments.

The automation market is undergoing a transformative phase, propelled by technological advancements and shifting business needs. As we look to the future, it is evident that automation will play a central role in driving growth, enhancing competitiveness, and shaping industries. By embracing these trends, organizations can not only prepare for the challenges ahead but also position themselves as leaders in the new era of automation.

Author

The Industrial Summit 2024 will open in Shenzhen, China, on October 29, 2024. It will showcase over 150 demos, hold 28 sessions on motor control, power & energy, and automation, and feature our technologies and products. For those who can’t be physically there, ST will also organize more than 40 unique live streams to reach a wider audience, thus making the event more accessible. As those attendees will see, it was essential for ST to bring the Industrial Summit 2024 to more engineers and decision-makers because of its emphasis on smart energy. While climate change demands greater efficiency, data centers, renewable power sources, and new consumer trends in heating and cooling are also requiring innovative technologies.

A reference design for HVAC

One of the most impressive demos at the Industrial Summit 2024 is a 10 kW reference design for high-power HVACs (air conditioners, heat pumps, and data centers cooling systems) with only one microcontroller driving the three-phase PFC Vienna and the BLDC motor of the compressor. Traditionally, engineers must use an MCU for each. Consequently, this more efficient system provides greater control stability and helps significantly reduce the bill of materials.

Our motor control and digital power integrated firmware library runs on an STM32G4, and despite doing so much, the CPU load hovers at about 60% only, [thanks in parts to its math coprocessors] and data management architecture capabilities. The board also features additional capabilities like KNX support and predictive maintenance applications. Put simply, we are showing a comprehensive board that would jump-start a project.

The choice to create a reference design for 10 kW applications comes from the fact that most compressors in residential and commercial HVAC solutions need around 10 kW to 15 kW. Consequently, engineers can leave the Industrial Summit 2024 with a concrete example of how they can rapidly innovate. Indeed, the point is to adapt the solution to fit specific needs. For instance, while we used 1,200 V IGBTs and silicon diodes as a default (STTH30S12 in the PFC, STGWA40M120DF3 in the compressor), designers could use ST’s SiC devices to improve efficiency and power density. Similarly, it’s relatively straightforward to adapt the current specification for a 15 kW compressor while retaining the advantage of using a single MCU.

The largest Industrial Summit 2024 demo

The automated assembly line system at the show is the first of its kind and the largest demo at the Industrial Summit 2024. Attendees get an impressive showcase of ST’s comprehensive system-level know-how featuring an unusual range of products and technologies. In total, more than 500 ST devices are present across the multitude of controllers, drivers, RFID readers, gateways, sensors, and more. It is rare to see such an expansive demo with so many different components coming from one company.

The massive demo shows a complex automation system combining three robotic arms and seven dual-motor servo drive solutions that ST designed in its competence center for a total of 14 permanent magnet linear synchronous motors that move carriages around the automation line. The seven dual servo drives communicate using EtherCAT and just one programmable logic controller (PLC), which receives real-time motion references using the CiA 402 protocol. Put simply, it’s not only an impressive demo but a turnkey solution.

The system also supports CODESYS, Profinet, Sub-1G, IO-link, and more. Moreover, this demo demonstrates our collaboration with Siemens. By leveraging their automation solutions, we can bring PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) to ensure greater accuracy, reliability, and precision. Hence, our automated assembly line is one of the best examples of ST’s exhaustive portfolio and intensive expertise in embedded systems.

The demo also showcases a digital twin platform, a virtual representation of the physical manufacturing processes. The benefit of a digital twin is that its model provides unique simulation capabilities for predictive maintenance and efficiency analyses. Instead of physically monitoring every nook and cranny of the assembly line, a digital twin can help engineers anticipate issues, reduce downtimes, and test potential changes without shutting down production. The idea is already popular in the automotive and aerospace industry. By showing it at an event like the Industrial Summit 2024, ST can demystify it, thus bringing smart manufacturing to more use cases.

Rethinking AI data center power supplies

There are also new gems at the event, like a 5.5 kW power supply for AI data centers using silicon carbide for greater efficiency and improved power density. Over the past five years, cloud computing, AI, and blockchain technologies have led to the rise of data centers. It’s not only the fact that so many are cropping up worldwide but that they require a vast amount of cooling and electricity. In fact, besides running the machines themselves, cooling is the most significant power draw. Consequently, any increase in efficiency will have tremendous repercussions as the machines will use less power and need less cooling.

The power supply on display is also unique because its greater efficiency means it can do away with the bridge diode. Indeed, using SiC devices driven by STGAP as galvanic isolation gate drivers increases efficiency, enabling new topologies that further improve accessibility. The STM32G4 also brings intelligence and advanced controls to our power solutions for more intricate power distribution mechanisms that can better adapt to fluctuating loads in real time.

Put simply, building modern and feature-rich power supplies becomes more cost-effective, thus facilitating their adoption. Moreover, the supplies for AI data centers from our partners on display are just a few real-world applications with SiC devices. The demos also show that transitioning to HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) infrastructure also helps create greener data centers. HVDC reduces transmission losses and lowers energy consumption during power distribution, thus improving overall efficiency.

Additionally, another path to environmentally friendlier data centers relies on integrating renewable energy resources directly into the site’s operations, as it can drastically reduce the overall carbon footprint. Indeed, solar and wind, for instance, can help mitigate reliance on traditional energy grids, thus contributing to more sustainable AI data centers. Powering an AI data center with renewable energy may be challenging, which is why the Industrial Summit 2024 shows how our partners have used our devices to make it a reality. Put simply, while the world is building more data centers, ST is contributing to this new era of more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible power infrastructure.

Innovating with the global leader of SiC

Because ST has more than a quarter century of experience in silicon carbide, we have been able to have a hand on the entire SiC value chain, from R&D to substrate, epitaxy, wafer fabrication, module assembly, and packaging. Unlike many competitors, we are able to innovate across the board to offer some of the best-performing devices in the industry. Moreover, being able to control all manufacturing stages, from powder to substrate, wafer, bare die, discrete devices, and power modules, also gives us a unique ability to meet the increasing demand.

As engineers wonder how to use SiC or even source it, the Industrial Summit 2024 shows how ST has answered these concerns and how it has led us to become the leading global supplier of silicon carbide. Concretely, attendees will see our broad portfolio of MOSFETs and diodes fit key automotive and industrial applications. For instance, attendees will see how our SiC MOSFETs portfolio can concretely improve efficiency, reliability, and performance in solar EV charging stations, EV on-board chargers, traction inverters, energy storage applications, and power supply for AI servers.

At the DigiKey booth, customers and visitors can engage with interactive platforms, learn directly from DigiKey tech experts and play fun slot machines for various multitool giveaways. To learn more about DigiKey’s presence at SPS and enter the giveaway, visit DigiKey’s SPS website.

“At DigiKey, we partner with some of the biggest names in the industry and are thrilled to return to SPS to showcase the state of the industry and where it is headed,” said Eric J. Halvorson, senior marketing technology manager – automation & control for DigiKey. “From digital twin to the technology enablement of IIoT, we can see the products and technologies shaping the direction of marketing, and we’re looking forward to sharing our robust offerings with attendees, as well as joining broader conversations about the future of automation.”

DigiKey’s booth is sponsored by some of the industry’s top automation manufacturers, including Siemens, Schneider Electric, igus and SICK, to bring further expertise to attendees. SPS covers the entire spectrum of innovative automation offerings and is an incubator for new automation ideas, making it the perfect fit to highlight the organization’s breadth and depth of experience and participation in the automation industry.

The SPS Expo in Nuremberg, organized by the Messe Frankfurt Group, is the largest automation-focused trade show in Europe.

Attendees can find DigiKey at Booth #430 in Hall 10. For more information about DigiKey’s automation and control offerings, please visit the DigiKey website.

Bangalore – September 13, 2024 — VIAVI Solutions today introduced the VIAVI Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS), an intelligent automation platform that incorporates AI/ML capabilities to enable wireless and cloud service providers, network equipment manufacturers and their ecosystems to reduce operational expenses and accelerate time-to-market.

The complexity of network architectures continues to increase, as operators and equipment manufacturers investigate the next generation of technology, migrate to the cloud, and leverage AI and ML. Continuous Testing (CT) becomes ever more prevalent to provide a unifying perspective on real-world performance. Yet labs are confronting the dual challenges of more tests and limited headcount. Automation has become a crucial way for them to manage the complexity, scheduling and manpower demands of CT, allowing technicians to efficiently power through hundreds of test cases, and to focus on higher-order analysis and problem solving.

VIAVI has developed VAMOS as part of its industry-leading NITRO Wireless portfolio to automate test campaigns and their execution in one centralized cloud-based, Lab-as-a-Service platform. Built-in AI and ML capabilities enable test optimization and faster response times.

VAMOS’s customizable workspaces and configurations streamline the testing process across organizations and lab locations. Shared tool testbeds and individual sandboxes accommodate multiple test needs while the platform’s robust analytics and reporting help maximize test resource utilization and boost test accuracy.

“As VIAVI works with leading labs around the globe to integrate wireless, cloud and AI, the need for automation and orchestration has never been clearer,” said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “In initial implementations at major labs, VAMOS has already demonstrated significant reductions in cost per test-hour and increases in hardware utilization.”

In addition to providing a standalone solution to schedule and run test campaigns based on VIAVI’s NITRO Wireless portfolio, VAMOS can be integrated with a third-party automation framework, allowing it to interact with a wider range of products and existing test environments. Connection is available via both software and hardware.

VAMOS will be integrated into the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) for the lab’s on-demand, cloud-based testing. VALOR is designed to manage and support 5G and Open RAN deployments that would benefit from access to tools and expert staff with a minimal ramp-up time. The project is funded by the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.

By Barley Li, DigiKey

Connected sensors, robotics, adaptive drives – advanced automation concepts are key to energy-saving and resource-efficient production. To system integrators and plant operators, they provide a powerful lever for optimizing their infrastructure and processes in terms of sustainability.

The demand for energy, the use of raw materials, and – particularly in metropolitan areas – the size of the land required are the most critical factors of industrial production. On the one hand, they determine the economic efficiency of factories and plants; on the other, they are crucial for sustainable operation.

In many regions of the world, enormous efforts are being made towards limiting the use of conventional fossil fuels and replacing them by renewable alternatives. The successes to date are considerable thanks to the commitment of politics, industry, and the private sector. In Germany, for example, which aims to evolve renewables into the prevailing energy source within the framework of its energy revolution, their share of total energy consumption reached a value just above 48 percent last year [1]. According to the Federal Network Agency, the manufacturing industry accounts for more than a quarter of the energy consumption; its share of electricity demand is also comparable. Production and processing of chemicals and metals are the leading sectors [2].

These and many other manufacturing industries, including electrical and mechanical engineering as well as food production, are driven by the progress made in factory and process automation. In addition to optimizing productivity and costs, the focus is shifting more and more to parameters that result in improved sustainability of products and processes: In the context of digitalization and through the concept of Industry 4.0, they are increasingly targeting energy efficiency, the economic use of resources, waste avoidance, and the smallest possible carbon footprint.

Optimize for sustainability

Automation technology offers a range of approaches that system integrators in mechanical and plant engineering, as well as manufacturing companies, can utilize to leverage the optimization of their infrastructure, plants, and processes in terms of sustainability. The comprehensive use of sensors and their integration into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) opens up a wide range of possibilities here by means of continuously monitoring energy consumption, environmental parameters, or inventories. With the help of connected sensors, manufacturing companies can, for example, track the transport of goods in real time, monitor filling levels or record condition data of machines and tools in production lines (Figure 1).

An excellent example of sensor product families that holistically support the IIoT approach to production is the Snap Signal portfolio from US supplier Banner Engineering. In general, the users’ challenge is to first identify relevant data and, in the next step, to extract it from existing equipment. If the need is identified to integrate additional sensor technology for measuring further variables, such as vibration and temperature at a drive, this should not require any changes to the existing control architecture. It is also important to standardize communication and convert all sensor and control data to a common protocol. For this purpose, the Snap Signal product line (Figure 2) offers smart sensors, signal converters, controllers, signal adapters, and wireless communication modules, as well as wired connectivity technology that enables automation engineers to plug-and-play to resolve these tasks [3].

The processing and analysis of such sensor data – performed either centralized in a cloud or directly in the field – then allows conclusions to be drawn regarding error and optimization potential in the processes or the need for maintenance. In this way, energy losses can be reduced and the use of resources minimized. On the other hand, predictive maintenance makes it possible to plan service work in advance and thus reduce downtime, which in turn helps avoid additional expenditure on energy and materials.

Smarter control

In the quest for a more sustainable use of energy and industrial resources, optimizing control technology is an inevitable part of the equation. When it comes to collecting, processing, and analyzing production data in automated plants, state-of-the-art edge controllers play a key role today. Compact, scalable and connected via Industrial Ethernet, these devices can be used to implement both cloud-based and local solutions. Dedicated functions for diagnostics and energy management help automation engineers analyze manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks, and initiate optimization measures based on industrial controllers such as theSimatic S7-1200. Advanced control algorithms as well as integrated communication and safety functions make a decisive contribution to precise process execution.

Efficient by precision

Small, agile and extremely versatile, with their compact, lightweight design and intelligent control technology, robots have a significant impact on the sustainable use of production resources. The robust and highly adaptable devices of German manufacturer Kuka’s Agilus family are an outstanding example of this (Figure 5). They come with an integrated energy supply and in several variants, some are offered as cleanroom robots, others for hygiene-critical applications or potentially explosive environments. Designed for human-robot collaboration, the robots enable highly efficient processes thanks to their very precise and repetitively accurate motion control. For example, they are ideal for minimizing the need for rework in machining processes as well as the level of rejects.

The use of such compact and variable assistants also makes sense for small and medium-sized companies as the manufacturer documents in various success stories [4]. These include a university project in which students at the University of Reutlingen/Germany are researching reusable alternatives to disposable plastic cutlery. They are supported by German injection molding expert Gindele as well as by Kuka and their system partner Robomotion. All handling around injection molding is covered by a highly flexible robotic cell, the core of which is an Agiluscompact robot equipped with a 3D-printed gripper [5].

According to the data sheet [6], the KukaAgilus KR6 R900-2six-axis robot features a maximum reach of 901 mm and a payload of 6.7 kg and it achieves a pose repeatability of ±0.02 mm in accordance with ISO 9283. Possible usage ranges from handling in conjunction with other machines, through test and measurement technology, and the application of adhesives or sealants, to assembly, pick-and-place, packaging, and commissioning. The robot occupies a footprint of 208 mm x 208 mm, weighs approximately 54 kg, is IP56/67 and ESD-protected (Electrostatic Discharge), as well as suitable for floor, ceiling, wall, and angle mounting.

Digital models, materials, and more

Beyond the approaches shown here, engineers can leverage further optimization potential by applying sustainable materials, circular economy techniques and the latest developments in the field of digitalization. The aim of circular economy is to avoid waste and residual materials and to recycle and reuse as many raw materials, components, and packaging materials as possible. Its principles can make a decisive contribution to automated plants operating more sustainably.

The concepts of the digital twin and the digital shadow are promising approaches towards identifying optimization potential without testing on real machines or plants with a high expenditure of resources. Thanks to the comprehensive digital representation of real products, plants or processes – and of their life cycles – maintenance measures can be initiated or correlations established between development, production and all other stages of the value chain. Engineers can thus simulate the behavior, functionality and quality of real objects or processes in detail – and improve their sustainability, for example by eliminating the need for physical prototypes.

Summary

Automation holds major advantages for process and production engineering in terms of productivity and costs. It is thus a crucial economic factor. Beyond this, however, advanced automation concepts and products are also key to improving the sustainability of industrial processes. From predictive maintenance to the modular factory and human-robot collaboration – this article, along with selected examples, gives an impression of the manifold possibilities.

References

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Panasonic Industrial Devices Division (INDD) delivers advanced industrial components and electronic devices to businesses in India. These include industrial automation devices, relays, connectors, sensors, wireless connectivity, and other passive components. The company’s commitment towards driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to Indian automobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers has made it a key player in the automotive industry.

Narayan Kumar, Group Chief – Industrial Devices Division, Panasonic shares his  insights into the remarkable technology strides Panasonic has made and its dedication towards shaping the future of automotive technology. Attached is his profile for your reference.

1. Give us an overview of the electronic component ecosystem and why is it gaining importance?

The Indian electronic component ecosystem has been experiencing substantial growth in the country with a focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. This has led to a surge in demand for electronic components including semiconductors, integrated circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs), passive components, Electromechanical Relays and more. The rapid expansion of the consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and industrial sectors in India has led to an increased demand for electronic components. Additionally, emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, electrification of automobiles, cloudandedge computing to name a few are driving the growth of electronic components. Therefore, the domestic market for components is expected to increase from $21 bn in 2019-20 to reach $119 bn by 2025-26.

Moreover, in recent times, global players have been looking to diversify their supply chains due to the Pandemic & Geopolitical uncertainties. A renewed focus to reduce import dependence of supply chain disruptions during COVID has led to more inward-looking policies across the globe. Therefore, the government initiatives like “Make in India” and the “Production Linked Incentive (PLI)” scheme have been launched to stimulate domestic manufacturing, draw investments, and encourage exports in the sector.

The significance of this burgeoning electronic component ecosystem lies in several crucial aspects. Firstly, it diminishes India’s longstanding dependence on imports, bolstering self-reliance and resilience. Additionally, the expansion of the sector generates employment opportunities across various skill levels, driving economic growth. The growth also positions India to partake in and contribute to global technological advancements, fostering innovation and competitiveness. Furthermore, as the ecosystem matures, India could establish itself as a manufacturing and export hub, bolstering foreign exchange earnings. The growth of the ecosystem also fuels research and development activities, contributing to innovation and the creation of intellectual property. Lastly, the availability of dependable and cost-effective electronic components supports the expansion of various industries, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

2. What are some of the recent trends that are defining the industry?

The electronic components industry is currently experiencing a multifaceted evolution driven by several key trends. The momentum behind the rollout of 5G networks is generating a surge in demand for components that facilitate high-speed data transmission, low latency, and enhanced connectivity. This, in turn, is propelling manufacturers to engineer specialized components tailored for seamless integration with 5G technology. Simultaneously, the Internet of Things (IoT) proliferation in various sectors is escalating the need for sensors, microcontrollers, and other vital components pivotal for establishing connections and empowering smart devices and systems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its mark across the electronics landscape, permeating an array of devices and applications. Consequently, the development of AI-centric hardware components, such as dedicated AI chips and accelerators, has become imperative to cater to the increasing demand for intelligent functionality. Consumer preferences are instigating a significant shift toward compact devices and wearable technology, fostering heightened demand for miniaturized components. The rise of wearable devices, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, further amplifies this trend.

In light of environmental sustainability concerns and power consumption considerations, the electronics sector is prioritizing energy-efficient components and technologies. The automotive industry’s rapidly adapting electric mobility and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is significantly reshaping vehicular capabilities, encompassing sensors, processors, and communication modules. Edge computing, an innovative paradigm that processes data closer to its source rather than within a centralized cloud, is experiencing a notable ascent, thereby driving the need for components that effectively support edge computing infrastructure.

The healthcare sector is also adopting electronics integration, particularly evident in the development of specialized components for medical devices and diagnostic tools, enhancing the landscape of digital health. The profound disruptions precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the vulnerability of global supply chains, prompting a strategic shift towards building more resilient supply networks and reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacities.

In tandem, the electronics industry is progressively gravitating towards sustainability and circular economy principles. Manufacturers are increasingly exploring sustainable design practices and materials to mitigate e-waste and advocate recycling. The acceleration of product development cycles is being fuelled by advancements in 3D printing, rapid prototyping tools, and simulation software, marking a significant leap in the realm of rapid prototyping and design.

3. Components are key to any industry. Be it EVs, sensors in factories, compressors in ACs etc., technologies are evolving at a rapid rate. What are your key innovations, developments and go to market strategy?

Panasonic’s Industrial Devices Division (INDD) is driving innovation through consulting, designing, and supplying a wide range of technologies and systems to various industries, including automotive, e-mobility, telecom, Metering, Renewable, HVAC, manufacturing &factory automation infrastructure including products that ensure worker safety, drive productivity, product inspection & Traceability. To address each segment objectively, we have organised our INDD business under five verticals namely – Automotive, Industrial Infrastructure, ICT, HVAC and Industrial Automation solutions.

Panasonic’s INDD has made significant contributions across multiple sectors with its innovative solutions. In the Automotive Solutions segment, we cater to OEMs with a focus on eco-friendliness, reliability, comfort, and safety. Our electronic components are being utilized in electrification, chassis & safety, interior, and human-machine interface (HMI) systems for vehicles globally. This includes sensors, touch panels, relays, switches, connectors, and more. For instance, our components support active & passive safety systems, LED lighting, vehicle body & security, infotainment & connectivity, instrumentation &human-machine interface (HMI), EV battery management, and ADAS.

Our ICT solutions encompass high endurance, efficient power delivery solutions such as thermal, noise management, sensor solutions, and lithium-ion batteries. We offer thermal management solutions like graphite sheets and thermistors, as well as noise control products such as EMC management components and circuit protection components. Sensor solutions cover a wide range, including MR sensors, gyro sensors, temperature sensors, and more. Furthermore, Panasonic is a prominent supplier of lithium-ion batteries, offering diverse options for various industries.

Under the Industrial Infrastructure solution, we deliver reliable electronic components to sectors like power utilities, solar, railways, and security cameras. We provide a range of relays, including mechanical and solid-state types, as well as connectors designed for durability and resistance to challenging environments. Snap-action switches find applications in security cameras and medical devices.

In the HVAC Devices portfolio, Panasonic excels in energy-efficient motors and compressors. These components find applications in air conditioning units, ventilation, refrigeration, electric vehicles, and more. Our brushless DC (BLDC) motors are gaining traction for its energy efficiency, complying with regulations, and optimizing overall performance.

In Industrial Automation, Panasonic offers AC servos & motors, industrial sensors, laser markers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), machine vision systems, and machine safety solutions. AC servos & motors provide high precision and stability, while industrial sensors cover various types of factory automation. Laser marking systems offer precision marking for different materials. PLCs offer various functionality levels, including IIoT 4.0 features. Machine vision systems ensure accurate image processing, inspection, and quality improvement.

4. What is the Panasonic advantage that sets it apart?

Panasonic’s steadfast commitment to durability, reliability and value-proposition serves as a cornerstone of its competitive edge. We anticipate the technological requirements for present and future needs and develop components and solutions accordingly. We do rigorous testing and quality control to ensure components withstand real-world challenges, offering long-lasting solutions that reduce the total cost of ownership in the long term. This commitment solidifies Panasonic’s position as a preferred choice, emphasizing its role as a trusted and sought-after provider in the component market.

5. How is INDD catering to GoI’s broad narrative of Make-in-India, EV policies, digitisation et al, through its component business?

Through our wide range of device and components, we are enabling enterprises to build reliable products and solutions and thus, enabling the Make-in-India initiative. We are also manufacturing T-Oil sensors in our Jhajjar plant in Haryana. Plans are in the offing to keenly study local mfg of some other key components.

6. What is INDD’s outlook for India?

In recent years, India has placed a strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and innovation, driven by government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This scheme encompasses large-scale electronics manufacturing, IT hardware, and semiconductors, all aimed at enhancing India’s manufacturing prowess and bolstering exports as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) program has also been introduced to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for electronics production within the country.

Moreover, digitalization has taken centre stage charting a course to transform India into a digitally empowered society which is seeing the rise in the adoption of connected devices and solutions in both (B2C and B2B sectors) which is anticipated to increase the demand for components as well.

The landscape is further evolving as global companies recognize the potential of India as an electronics manufacturing destination, catering to the growing domestic demand for electronic goods. With electronics being a dominant global industry valued at over USD 2 trillion, the diversification of manufacturing bases owing to Geopolitical uncertainties is prompting many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to consider India as their next strategic hub. This confluence of factors positions India to enhance its component ecosystem through the integration of startups and new technologies, propelling the nation towards self-reliance and competitiveness on the global supply chain.

With 5G reaching a tipping point in terms of buildout and capabilities, leading service providers and their ecosystems are developing paths to 6G. Industrial applications such as large-scale private networks, smart cities and critical communications require higher throughput and lower latency to enable the real-time computing and communication of precise sensing, imaging and positioning data. The introduction of TeraHertz/Terabit/microsecond connectivity through the cloud, open networking in a multi-vendor environment, and AI/ML to automate network operation, all point to a fundamental re-architecting of the network, at the semiconductor, equipment, software and application levels. The resulting challenges of network performance, quality of service (QoS), security and energy consumption now need to be mitigated and simplified.

NITRO Wireless brings together proven performance and interoperability test platforms used throughout the industry for 3GPP and O-RAN with cloud, intelligence, automation, and digital twin technology enabled by the Network Integrated Test, Real-Time Analytics and Optimization (NITRO) platform. As networks become more complex and layered, a focus on measuring and assuring experience from the user perspective – by emulating usage scenarios modeled on real network data – generates the essential intelligence to simplify the delivery of new technology. NITRO Wireless use cases include:

RAN Intelligence – The NITRO Wireless TeraVM RIC Test trains the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) based on data from real network scenarios, the App Validation Engine (AVE) acts as an App “IQ test” to validate if the proposed changes improve RAN efficiency, and Geolocation exposes geolocated data to r/xApps including 24/7 insights on spatial distribution and mobility dynamics of subscribers.

Private Network Intelligence – To support the high reliability and QoS requirements of Private Networks, NITRO Wireless offers signal analysis, timing and synchronization verification, antenna alignment, fiber certification, and coverage and performance testing from design to operation.

Network Security – 5G RAN, 5G Core, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Next Generation Firewalls, VPN and cloud security solutions all need to be compliant against the latest specifications, while ensuring network performance remains uncompromised. NITRO Wireless Open RAN Security Solution provides test coverage that includes 3GPP SCAS compliance, DoS and fuzzing attack, O-Cloud resource exhaustion, protocol validation, port scanning and open fronthaul security test.

Digital Twin – Digital Twins can reduce business risk in multiple ways. Test software updates and introduce new services in a safe environment to pre-empt failures when deployed in the live network. NITRO Wireless Digital Twins combine tools such as RAN and Core emulators, assurance solutions, realistic traffic scenarios, and cyberthreats to mirror an operator’s network in the lab, allowing network changes and challenges to be planned and implemented with results analyzed before action is taken on the live network.

Military Communications – NITRO Wireless integration and test portfolio offers complete end-to-end and subsystem testing of 5G private military radio and core networks. These can be deployed on the ground, via HAPs or via satellite.

“While 5G offers new opportunities with an exciting potential to offer connectivity and amidst the race to deploy these networks, it’s vital that reliability, stability, and performance testing are done to ensure success. Network resiliency requirements, complexity and risk thresholds are introducing new dynamics,” said Shamik Mishra, CTO Connectivity, Capgemini Engineering.  “We are very happy to work closely with VIAVI at our ‘5G-Lab-As-A-Service’ in Portugal and global O-RAN engagements to leverage the potential of this emerging technology and contribute to harmonize efforts for connectivity-driven transformation across the industry.”

“We’re excited to work with VIAVI on helping move the industry forward to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN,” said Lakshmi Mandyam, vice president, Service Provider Product Management and Partner Ecosystem, VMware. “Our companies share a vision of what it will take to address the challenges hindering adoption by simplifying the path for CSPs to test, profile, and certify third-party xApps and rApps through a common framework. VIAVI’s leadership in Open RAN testing and VMware’s leadership in RIC make this an ideal collaboration.”

“With each generation, networks grow more layered, disaggregated and complex,” said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “NITRO Wireless cuts through the technology fog with cloud intelligence and automation based on VIAVI’s trusted expertise in performance validation, so our customers can stay focused on the drivers of the top and bottom line.”