The Importance of Narrow Band Internet of Things in Industrial Automation
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is transforming the manufacturing industry, enabling factories to become smarter, more efficient, and more cost-effective. The IIoT has the potential to create a highly integrated and automated manufacturing environment which saves time, increases accuracy, and lowers costs.
One of the key technologies that make these transformations possible is the Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), which is a low-power wireless technology designed specifically for the IIoT. Today, we will discuss the importance of Narrowband IoT in industrial automation.
What is Narrowband IoT?
Narrowband IoT is a cellular network designed to connect devices that require low bandwidth communication. It operates within the existing cellular network infrastructure, enabling low-cost devices to connect to the internet without needing Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. It offers various advantages over other cellular network technologies, such as lower power consumption, lower data rates, and a more extended range.
Advantages of Narrowband IoT in Industrial Automation
1. Low cost and low power consumption:
The use of NB-IoT in industrial automation can significantly reduce the cost of sensors, transmitters, and other devices. The low-power consumption of NB-IoT devices eliminates the need for expensive and bulky batteries. This allows for more devices to be installed, providing greater coverage and data collection.
2. Increased Efficiency and Productivity:
With Narrowband IoT, manufacturers can install sensors and devices within the machines to collect data without interfering with the operation of the machine. This enables for continuous monitoring of the performance of the machines and alerts operators when maintenance is required.
3. Improved Safety:
The use of NB-IoT technology in industrial automation can significantly improve safety. Sensors can be used to monitor environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. It can also be used to detect hazardous materials, ensuring that the safety of workers is not compromised.
Case Study: Narrowband IoT in Manufacturing
One example of the successful implementation of NB-IoT in manufacturing is Vodafone’s partnership with Grundfos, a global leader in the development of water pumps, wherein the deployment of NB-IoT would allow Grundfos to keep track of customer-use patterns and engage in predictive maintenance.
Using NB-IoT technology, Grundfos has been able to continuously gather data on pump performance, identify failures and remedies, remotely clear debris from the pump, and troubleshoot issues without the need to call out an engineer. Thus, reducing maintenance costs and improving user experience.
Conclusion
Narrowband IoT is a vital technological development that promises to transform the manufacturing industry into a highly integrated, automated, and smart environment. Its use in industrial automation leads to increased efficiency, greater accuracy, and lower costs. When considering the implementation of Narrowband IoT in industrial automation, it is important to weigh its benefits and advantages, as shown by the case study. As we have seen, the potential for Narrowband IoT to revolutionize the manufacturing industry is enormous, and businesses must begin considering it as an essential component of their strategic plan.
