Flat panel IPC aids the Smart Factory

Throughout manufacturing and production sites across the globe the demand for information has been a constant for several years. However, the increasing need for more and more data. and, of increasing importance, the ability for local manipulation of this data, leads to the demand for powerful IT solutions on the factory floor.

Now, the new X1 series programmable operator interface solutions from Fuji Electric brings with it a “new level of IT integration and creates a flexible solution for the new generation of Smart Factories”, states the company.

The MONITOUCH X1 from Fuji Electric presents an edge-computing solution to accelerate the transition to smart production sites, it adds:

• The OS is Windows 10, allowing all those familiar applications to run smoothly on its Quad Core/Quad Thread, 1.6GHz processor and 4Gb of RAM.
• Broad range of communication possibilities – dual LAN, Serial and multiple USB ports (USB3.0 x 2 & USB2.0 x 2). Options for WLAN and Bluetooth add further enhancements
• Multi-media with HDMI output and Audio output
• Supports OPC UA (Server & Client compatibility), MQTT, Microsoft AZURE and SQL Server
• Capacitive (PCAP) Touchscreen
• The only choice for the user needs to make is either 12.1” (WXGA 1280x800) or the 15.1” (FHD 1920x1080).

“The powerful processing capabilities of the X1 series with Windows performs as a gateway from the production sites to the IT systems via OPC UA and MQTT connections. It contributes to the efficient communication between the factory [machines, PLCs, VFDs and process instruments] and the management office or cloud system.”

Concerns over complexity are overcome, it is further stated, due to the simplicity in system set-up, which is achieved using the ‘X1 System Configurator’, which "facilitates the installation of applications and Windows configuration, assignment of ‘buttons’ on the touchscreen to seamlessly start and switch between applications, without displaying the Windows screen – combining the power of a Windows IPC and the in-depth control of the HMI”.