As a partner at the Microsoft booth, Beckhoff presented its new IoT products at Hannover Messe 2016 for easy connection of the automation and field levels with the Azure cloud. These software and hardware products enable simple routing of all automation signals, fieldbus systems and devices to this cloud by means of standardised communication protocols such as OPC UA and AMQP, for example. The new EK9160 IoT bus coupler connects Beckhoff EtherCAT I/Os with the Microsoft Azure cloud directly and without the need for any specific control program. The coupler is said to offer simple and standardised integration of I/O data with cloud-based communication and data services. The “Azure certified” status of the device fulfils an important requirement in this regard for a seamless and easily configured connection via an integrated website to the Azure IoT hub.
Contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, Tel 011 795-2898, kennethm@beckhoff.com