Edge computing plays a vital role inIndustrial IoT (IIoT) by reducing latency, optimizing bandwidth, enhancing security, and improving performance. By processing data closer to the source, edge computing minimizes bandwidth usage, reducing the strain on networks. Edge computing offers enhanced security by processing data locally, reducing the risk of data breaches during transmission.

Architectures of Edge Computing in IIoT

Edge computing in IIoT can be deployed in three primary architectures: Pure Edge, Thick Edge + Cloud, and Thin Edge + Cloud. Pure Edge involves deploying all compute resources on-premises, ideal for organizations with stringent security requirements. Thick Edge + Cloud combines on-premise data centers with cloud-based resources, offering flexibility and scalability. Thin Edge + Cloud connects edge resources directly to the public cloud, providing a lightweight and flexible solution.

Key Capabilities of Edge Computing in IIoT

Edge computing in IIoT offers several key capabilities, including consolidated workloads, pre-processing and data filtering, scalable management, open architecture, edge analytics, and distributed apps. Edge computing enables the consolidation of workloads, reducing the complexity of IIoT devices. It also enables pre-processing and data filtering, reducing the volume of data transmitted to the cloud.

Role of Machine Learning in Edge Computing

Machine learning (ML) plays a vital role in edge computing, enabling predictive maintenance, quality control, and anomaly detection. ML algorithms can be deployed at the edge, enabling real-time decision-making and improving the overall efficiency of IIoT devices.

Role of IoT Gateway in Edge Computing

IoT gateways play a crucial role in edge computing, enabling the secure transmission of data between IIoT devices and the cloud. IoT gateways offer several benefits, including data encryption, secure authentication, and protocol translation.

Industry Experts Insights

According to Benjamin Homuth, Director of PLCnext Technology for PHOENIX CONTACT Electronics GmbH, open ecosystems are the key to a networked future. “Automation providers provide a cloud connection to the various cloud platforms or a connection to other automation providers. The key to this, however, is the connection and interaction on the automation level. Many software experts are able to optimally utilize and process the data originating from an automation application, but they do not possess the necessary automation know-how to obtain this data from an existing automation application. In order to overcome this obstacle, an open edge or automation platform is required so as to integrate the software or at least data connectors into an automation platform.”