The Sensors Expo show was held in San Jose from June 26-28. It was exciting to participate in a trade show with growing attendance and enthusiasm. Various types of sensor vendors were on display, with many of them desiring a seamless way to connect to other devices. Some of the vendors had proprietary IoT solutions, but these would not be interoperable with most other devices from other vendors. They would have serious challenges in connecting with other devices on the factory floor or other IIoT applications. So, PICMG’s new IIoT specification concept seemed to fit a core need and our approach was very well received.
The PICMG approach is to create a meta-data model – a master schema if you will – of all types of individual companies’ data models to work with other devices. This meta-data model will allow all types of pressure, temperature, color, proximity, etc, sensors, to interface in a well-known language of the IT room. The models will also include multi-point sensors, controllers, and some specialty function devices. PICMG has a working agreement with DMTF and will utilize their RedFish® API.
The PICMG booth had a proof-of-concept demo showing a simple CNC machine with three 8-bit servo controllers that adjusted the machines X, Y, and Z axes. Each controller utilized the PICMG data model providing basic PUT and GET commands based upon RESTful interfaces. By showing an IIoT implementation over an established and well-known IT format, visitors were able to imagine a connected approach that their product/solution can utilize. Sensor companies understood that it was advantageous for them to be an active participant to ensure their schema approach is incorporated into the PICMG meta-data model. Our CTO, Doug Sandy, also did a presentation on our IIoT concept.
PICMG has a booth planned for Sensors Expo in 2019. If you would like to participate on the PICMG
Industrial IoT Advisory Board, contact us at
info@picmg.org for more details.
