The "IoT Assistant" is a tool for machine operators to connect devices, store, and analyze data through automated, temporary services. It utilizes a microservice architecture with Docker and Kubernetes, allowing for resource-efficient, flexible service deployment. The system has moved to the Fraunhofer Edge Cloud for improved scalability and connectivity, and future enhancements include automated service deployment and integration of an asset administration shell for enhanced linkage.
| Topic Fields | |
| Published | 2022 |
| Involved Institutes | |
| Project Type | ICNAP Research/Transfer Project |
| Responsibles |
The "IoT Assistant" was developed to enable machine operators in production to use automated services for connecting devices, storing, and analyzing data. The services are run as temporary single purpose services, so unlike web services which run continuously, the IoT Assistant services only run for the time of use. This enables a more efficient use of resources and a more flexible deployment.
This was made possible by using a microservice architecture based on Docker and Ku-bernetes. The increase in complexity with each service can be reduced and made man-ageable by encapsulation in containers. An important step, besides the implementation of the GUI and VPN access, was the move to the Fraunhofer Edge Cloud and a Kubernetes cluster. In addition to scalability and flexibility, this also offers a broad connection to the store floor, as the Kubernetes nodes can be complemented beyond the FEC, for example by IPCs or microcontrollers. The logical next step is to automate the deployment of services and add the asset administration shell for better linkage.
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