Virtual Manufacturing: Virtual Computing & Communication with E2M
By: Bonnie Montalvo
Feb 01, 2012 | 2:57 pm
In June, Apple Inc. introduced their new application iCloud, signaling a continued movement toward portability with a reliance on remote data storage and high-speed network retrieval. As businesses increase their reliance on information technology with remote data storage, remote desktop applications, and virtual machines, this blog will explore the role of information technology and computing technology in the world of virtual manufacturing.
Virtual Conferencing
While not a new concept, as web conferencing continues to evolve into a powerful communication tool, virtual manufacturing is gaining a valuable toolbox. Sharing 3D models via streaming video is exceeding useful and the ability to share desktop control is by far my favorite feature. This technology is especially useful when training new software users or seeking software support.
Emulating Programmable Logic Controllers
Emulation, the process of building a virtual 3D production line responsive in real-time to a logic controller, provides the controls engineer early access to the line. By emulating the programmable logic controller (PLC), the controls engineer can debug logic with the PLC, Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Emulation all running on a single laptop. The elimination of PLC hardware allows for easy access, travel, and portability and expands the lifetime of the emulation model, allowing control logic debug before the hardware is purchased and long after the hardware is installed and in use.
Virtual Machines & Remote Desktops
To increase the portability of an emulation, the PLC and HMI can also run on a virtual machine allowing easy transfer without installing software packages. Unfortunately, we cannot run the software packages we use for emulation, Emulate3D’s Controls Testing software Demo3D (Emulate3D Ltd. 2010) and Applied Materials’ AutoMod (Applied Materials, Inc. 2010) due to graphic card requirements. Virtual Machines are ideal when creating a training station that requires a portable HMI, PLC, and emulation model because they allow for easy transfer from the controls engineer’s computer to the training instructor after controls debug.
For the ultimate, portable computer, why not set up a remote desktop running a PLC, HMI, or model and access them via a sleek new tablet? As information technology continues to progress and we see a rise in “cloud” computing, Virtual Manufacturing may see an increase in portability that doesn’t rely solely on the historic constraints of processing power and graphics cards. It truly is an exciting time for virtual manufacturing nerds as technology advancement rushes forward!
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