Reducing shop-floor hardware, Siemens’ Simatic Automation Workstation delivers centralized software-defined factory automation and control. The system allows manufacturers to replace a hardware programmable logic controller (PLC), conventional human-machine interface (HMI), and edge device with a single software-based workstation.
Hundreds of PLCs can be found throughout plants, each one requiring extensive programming to keep it up-to-date, secure, and aligned with other PLCs in the manufacturing environment. In contrast, the Simatic 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.
Simatic Workstation is an on-premise operational technology (OT) platform. It offers high data throughput and low latency, essential for running various modular applications. Simatic caters to conventional automation tasks, like motion control and sequencing, as well as advanced automation operations that incorporate artificial intelligence.
The Simatic Automation Workstation is the latest addition to Siemens’ Xcelerator digital business platform. Co-creator Ford Motor Company will be the first customer to deploy and scale these workstations across its manufacturing operations.
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