By George Senzere, solution architect: Secure Power at Schneider Electric.
George Senzere.
Today’s vehicles have become, if you’d excuse the pun, computer-driven machines. Software forms a vital part of the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from production to testing to in-car navigation.
However, with each manufacturing milestone up to decommissioning, modern vehicles generate a significant amount of data. Plus, if you add the connected vehicle, or rather its evolved version, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), we are dealing with mountains of data that require seamless processing and storage.
The evolution
Today’s cars have become bona fide connected machines and not merely an extension of our mobile devices such as smartphones. And this connectivity has given way to intelligent vehicle networks that are drastically changing the landscape.
Vehicles feature a myriad of sensors which in turn generate huge amounts of data. These sensors are used to monitor safety, environmental parameters and traffic, for example. And now we are on the verge of yet another evolutionary step in transportation; the IoV is not only communicating information to the driver and manufacturer but also other transport infrastructure. It is becoming a network of objects, people, vehicles and even smart city infrastructure.
Like the IoT, the IoV can – through intuitive technologies such as AI – anticipate a driver’s intent and provide communications and intelligence, realising a safer and optimised driving experience. With the IoV comes extensive consumption of big data, which then fuels valuable evidence-based business decisions. Interestingly, big data has undoubtedly formed a part of the evolution that has led to IoV.
To understand IoV, we have to look at the architecture. The IoV network is made up of three layers:
1. The bottom layer comprises sensors that measure and gather data such as driving patterns, collision detection, fuel consumption, braking and various other parameters. With wireless sensors like radio frequency identification (RFID), light detection and ranging (lidar) and radio detection and ranging (radar), vehicles can map the environment three dimensionally and calculate the relative positions of other objects in their vicinity.
2. The second layer includes various sensors that are connected to the sensor platform via fifth-generation mobile networks (5G), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, local area networks (LAN) or wireless local area networks (WLAN).
3. At the very top is the application layer. This is made up of embedded applications and/or others residing elsewhere on the network like the cloud, the edge and in adjacent infrastructure.
Data navigates the IoV
IoV is all about data, whether real-time or historical. Translating this data results in valuable information to enable real-time decision making, safety and to continue fuel innovation.
Vehicle manufacturers must harness the value of data. In the IoV, opportunities will open for many other players. Those that will succeed will be able to connect everything that can be connected, gather the data, process it and draw real, meaningful insights from it. The infrastructure to collect this data is going to be key.
The bulk of the infrastructure needed for IoV will lean on industrial edge computing. Vehicle owners will have the convenience of being connected, avoid traffic congestion and enjoy improved road safety without too many fatalities.
As for facility operators, this could be the dawn of intelligent traffic and parking management as well as vehicle tracking systems. Manufacturers, on the other hand, will not be left behind – industrial edge computing will enable them to become highly automated and benefit from connected and uninterrupted production systems that are fully in tune with customer needs and wants.
Meeting the demands of modern logistics
Industrial Wireless
When Jungheinrich set out to pack more storage into less warehouse space, its high-density PowerCube shuttles needed wireless links that never drop. This is how the intralogistics specialist worked with HMS Networks to keep its shuttles moving safely, and it points to where the partnership goes next.
Read more...New chiller line for high-density AI data centres Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has launched the Uniflair XCA, a new series of air-cooled and free-cooling chillers designed for artificial intelligence-driven, high-density liquid-cooled data centres.
Read more...Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.
Read more...Schneider Electric introduces next-generation BlokSeT switchboard Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its next-generation BlokSeT low-voltage switchboard in West Africa, offering high reliability, predictive maintenance capability and digital integration for critical infrastructure and industrial applications.
Read more...Lessons in long-distance telemetry Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Key engineering lessons from decades of deploying wireless telemetry systems in demanding industrial applications, covering network management, power constraints, physical challenges and the value of open, simplified architectures.
Read more...How a digital foundation can overcome the LNG trilemma Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing SCADA/HMI
The LNG sector is racing to add capacity, but without a digital backbone, growth creates complexity rather than capability. Christophe Begat of Schneider Electric explains how connecting data, systems and analytics across the LNG value chain can resolve the trilemma of secure supply, lower emissions and tighter costs.
Read more...You can’t digitise a blackout Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Across East Africa, smart meters and AI promise cleaner, more reliable power, but digital tools cannot optimise a grid too weak to carry the load. Schneider Electric’s Symphrose Ochieng sets out why operators should strengthen physical infrastructure first, then add digital capability in phases.
Read more...Decarbonisation is reshaping mining strategy in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Electrical Power & Protection
Mining companies across Africa are embedding decarbonisation into operational strategy, driven by investor, regulatory and customer pressure to reduce emissions while improving resilience.
Read more...Africa on the edge of a digital future Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Edge computing promises lower latency, stronger reliability and real-time responsiveness across Africa, yet its rollout keeps colliding with one stubborn obstacle, power. Steven Santini explores how renewable microgrids, smart energy management and the right partnerships could turn the continent’s energy gap into its biggest edge opportunity.
Read more...How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version