Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB
Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB

Plug and Work

The info brochure “PLUG and WORK - Integration of machines and devices into digital manufacturing” can be downloaded here (in German language only).

The “Plug and Work” application includes the following benefits for your operation:

  • accelerate the integration of components with your machinery
  • combine machines faster with each other to form production lines
  • reduce start-up times
  • add equipment to your IT environment faster and with fewer errors:

If you are interested in these benefits we are the right partner for you! We will support you in fulfilling these tasks efficiently, providing intelligent software solutions based on proven industry standards.  On this page and under detailed information, you can find the solution components available today.

You can also find us as an accredited test environment in the Online Atlas of Plattform Industry 4.0 (German website).

Secure Plug and Work

In the collaborative project “Secure Plug and Work”, Fraunhofer IOSB worked with partners from industry and research on a solution that enables plug-and-work capability in production-related software components across the various levels of the manufacturing hierarchy.

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  • Plug and Work – Interoperability for Factory 4.0 based on existing industry standards

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    The video (2015) clearly explains the background and functioning of the “Plug and Work method” (in German language only).

  • NEO Award of the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion

    Beaming winners: Dr. Florian Langenscheidt (left) and Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup presented the NEO2014 to Dr. Miriam Schleipen and Dr. Olaf Sauer. Photo: Fränkle

    Industrie 4.0: IOSB develops universal interface for the factory of the future / Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup and keynote speaker Dr. Florian Langenscheidt handed over the 20.000 € award.

    For many years now, Fraunhofer IOSB has been working on the universal interface for industrial production. Industry is greatly interested, and the technology is ready to be used in Industrie 4.0. At the NEO 2014 prize ceremony, the jury concluded that the idea was actually marketable and of global significance for industry. This was the fifth innovation prize the jury awarded for inventions focusing on the factory of the future.  

    The approach of a universal interface based on open industry standards actually works – something which IOSB has successfully proved in cooperation with manufacturing enterprises. The universal interface allows the time and costs for starting up machines to be reduced by about 20%, while those for linking equipment and controls to a higher-level manufacturing execution system (MES) can be reduced by about 70%. In this way, the configuration of monitoring and control systems including the generation of process control images with all the relevant connectivity information can be automated. To this end, IOSB uses CAEX (Computer Aided Engineering Exchange) and/or AutomationML™ and OPC UA, for example.  

Detailed information

No Industry 4.0 without any semantics!

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Standards: AutomationML / OPC UA und verfügbare Tools

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