Planet Arduino

In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial technology, three interesting trends are intertwining to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime. They are retrofitting, remote control/monitoring, and power metering – and together, they make for a great strategy to upgrade and improve existing machinery, reaping all the benefits of connected things and data analysis without the huge investment of completely new equipment.

• Retrofitting industrial machinery
  Retrofitting industrial machinery involves updating existing equipment with modern technology to enhance functionality and performance. It allows businesses to extend the lifespan of their machinery while adapting to evolving industry standards and requirements.

• Remote monitoring and control
  Remote monitoring and control enable businesses to oversee their operations from anywhere in the world. This capability not only improves operational efficiency but also facilitates proactive decision-making and troubleshooting, ultimately reducing costs and downtime.

• Power metering
  Power metering entails tracking and analyzing energy consumption. By monitoring power usage, businesses can identify areas for optimization, reduce waste, and lower energy costs, contributing to sustainability efforts and improving their own bottom line at the same time.

Our latest demo showcases the seamless integration of these three crucial aspects into a single solution, using Arduino technology.

The demo in detail

We focused on retrofitting an injection molding machine – a common piece of industrial equipment – with advanced automation capabilities. By replacing the original controller with the Arduino Opta WiFi micro PLC, we transformed the machine into a connected device.

Now, integrating with the Arduino Cloud, users can monitor and control the injection molding machine remotely via intuitive dashboards. This connectivity allows for real-time oversight of production cycles, performance metrics, and equipment status from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Additionally, the Arduino Opta WiFi is equipped with RS485 communication capabilities, enabling seamless integration with an external power meter – in our case, a Finder model. This provides valuable insights into energy consumption, production output, material usage, and equipment health.

The collected data is then analyzed through dedicated dashboards, offering information about operational efficiency and potential issues. By leveraging this data, businesses can proactively schedule maintenance and repairs, minimizing downtime and optimizing production processes.

Retrofitting for a connected future

Many businesses today can retrofit existing machinery to embrace the benefits of connectivity and automation. Our demo provides a practical example of how common industrial equipment can become smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage. From remote monitoring and control to power metering and predictive maintenance, retrofitting offers a sustainable way to modernize industrial infrastructure.

Unlocking potential across industries

Moreover, the versatility of Arduino’s open-source ecosystem ensures that this solution can be adapted and applied to a wide range of existing machines and equipment, enhancing their operation effectively – whether in manufacturing, logistics, or any other industry relying on machinery. 

To learn more about how you can leverage Arduino technology to upgrade your infrastructure and achieve tangible results, contact us today. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your industrial assets with practical, cost-effective solutions.

The post Arduino Cloud and Opta WiFi make an injection molding machine connected and smart appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Our team at Embedded World (April 9th-11th in Nuremberg) has announced not one, but two groundbreaking additions to the Arduino Pro range that are ready to elevate your prototyping and connectivity experiences. Say hello to the Arduino Portenta Mid Carrier and the Arduino Pro 4G Module!

Portenta Mid Carrier: maximizing prototyping potential

This ultimate companion to the Portenta boards family is your gateway to seamless prototyping and expanded connectivity, designed to grant you zero hassles and maximum efficiency.

From CAN lines to Ethernet, microSD, USB, camera interfaces, and more, it allows you to effortlessly tap into high-density signals through dedicated headers. Plus, debug pins and the RTC battery backup will simplify your development journey even more.

Compatible with Portenta C33, Portenta H7, and Portenta X8, it adapts to your evolving development needs with ease. Whether you’re delving into machine vision prototyping or testing cellular connectivity, this is the carrier for you. 

Find out more from the dedicated page, or head straight to the store.

Arduino Pro 4G Module: revolutionizing connectivity

Are you ready to revolutionize your connectivity game? Engineered to seamlessly integrate with the Portenta family, the Arduino Pro 4G Module comes with a plethora of benefits, ensuring your projects thrive with lightning-fast data throughput and high bandwidths, powered by a robust Cat.4 modem from Quectel. 

Enjoy secure data transfer, long-range global coverage even in the most isolated locations, and cost-efficient flexibility – all in the widely adopted Mini PCIe form factor: from remote maintenance to building safety inspection, the possibilities are endless. 

The full details are available on our website, but you can also jump right to purchase from the Arduino Store!

Embark on your journey of innovation with Arduino’s expanding ecosystem

Our end-to-end ecosystem of hardware, software, and cloud solutions keeps expanding to meet your needs. The Portenta Mid Carrier and Arduino Pro 4G Module are only the latest additions that promise to unlock new realms of creativity and innovation for seasoned developers and passionate hobbyists alike.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a world of seamless prototyping and unparalleled connectivity today, with the Portenta Mid Carrier and Arduino Pro 4G Module.

The post The new Arduino Pro 4G Module and Portenta Mid Carrier expand our ecosystem, and your options! appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Connecting machines and equipment to the internet became easier than ever when we launched the Arduino Opta micro PLC, enabling real-time control, monitoring, predictive maintenance and more – in industries ranging from smart agriculture to large-scale manufacturing to building automation. 

Supporting our well-known Arduino sketch programming experience and any of the five IEC 61131-3 PLC standard languages, the Opta was designed to be powerful yet easy to use from the start – as well as highly secure. Indeed, the Opta supports OTA firmware updates and ensures data security from the hardware to the Cloud thanks to the physical onboard secure element and X.509 Standard compliance. 

In addition, as part of the go-to-market for this innovative hardware solution, we actively committed to verifying its security against the threats posed by cyberattacks. 

To this end, in late 2023 we started a collaboration with global cybersecurity provider HWG Sababa: their Offensive Team engaged in a penetration test that lasted weeks, assessing Opta’s security posture and pinpointing any weaknesses. Their meticulous report allowed us to remedy any vulnerabilities before they became actual issues, and now we are proud to say the Opta is more secure than ever.

The software patches and configuration updates we carried out are part of our ongoing commitment to providing you the most robust solutions on the market in every respect – including against ever-evolving cyber threats. The rigorous testing process and following activities our team completed only confirms Opta as an ideal candidate for any industrial automation project you have in mind. 

To find out more about the testing process itself, check out the case study published by HWG Sababa. 

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Hospitality professionals are constantly looking for ways to offer guests an enhanced experience while improving operational efficiency and optimizing energy management. To achieve this, they require cost-effective solutions that are easy to install and maintain while also providing the scalability of future-ready systems – such as automating hotel rooms or B&B rentals to increase safety, comfort, and energy savings. 

Indeed, automation can be integrated seamlessly in various aspects including climate control, lighting, security, and entertainment. Upgrading these functions allows guests to enjoy customization and convenience throughout their stay, and staff to efficiently manage room settings remotely. Moreover, hoteliers can achieve substantial energy savings through optimized control and scheduling, contributing to sustainability goals.

Long-term scalability and future-proofing of automation systems, however, can be an issue. As hotels and rental properties undergo renovations or expansions, the ideal solution should accommodate changes without requiring substantial modifications or replacements. Adopting open and standardized protocols, as well as selecting flexible and modular automation projects, can help mitigate these challenges and provide a foundation for future enhancements.

Our solution

A comprehensive IoT automation solution can address these challenges effectively by aggregating sensor and user data and then intelligently managing lighting, cooling/heating and more – for a smart, connected experience. The elements required to achieve this kind of outcome are environmental sensors, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a human-machine interface (HMI), and cloud connectivity. 

Programmable logic controller (PLC)

PLC-based automation systems are widely used due to their reliability, flexibility, and ability to handle complex tasks. Arduino Pro’s Opta microPLC can serve as the central control unit for hotel room automation by connecting and monitoring various devices and subsystems such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting and door locks. The microPLC receives data from sensors and users and processes them to trigger appropriate actions or adjustments in the room.

Human-machine interface (HMI)

A touchscreen panel through which guests and staff can control various room parameters – such as lighting status, fan status, and door lock status – provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface to interact with the automation system. This HMI also communicates data to the microPLC for execution.

The Modbus communication protocol

The HMI and Opta PLC communicate via Modbus RTU over RS-485. Modbus RTU communication protocol is widely adopted in industrial applications due to its reliability, provided by the physical layer strength and by the cyclic redundancy check included in the data packets. It allows for multiple devices to be connected to the same bus, forming a multidrop network where each device has a unique address, used to identify the recipient of the transmitted data. The Arduino Opta can communicate with other Modbus devices, such as sensors, actuators, or traditional PLCs, by addressing them individually.

IoT Cloud solution

Cloud connectivity enables seamless communication between the hotel room or rental property’s automation system and the central management system. The Opta and HMI connect to the cloud infrastructure, allowing remote access, monitoring, and control of multiple locations. The solution also enables data logging and analytics for better energy management, predictive maintenance, and guest experience personalization.

Solving it with Arduino Pro

Let’s get into the details of how this solution can be put into action, and identify the hardware and software resources needed for deployment. Arduino Opta is a great option for deploying building automation solutions, as it offers simple integration with current systems, real-time control capabilities, support for Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates, and Hardware-To-Cloud data security. The Arduino Pro ecosystem allows users to benefit from easy integration, along with a range of scalable, secure, and professionally supported services.

Hardware requirements

• Arduino Opta WiFi
• Human-machine interface (HMI) – ePaper display
• Temperature and humidity sensor
• Light and motion (PIR) sensors
• Electronic lock
• Enclosure
• Electrical outlets
• 12 V power supply (for the electronic lock)
• 5 V power supply (for the HMI and sensors)

Software requirements

• Arduino IDE 2.0
• Arduino Cloud account
• Arduino Create Agent

The Arduino IDE 2.0 can be used to program Opta using C/C++. Opta acts as the main controller, communicating with the HMI via the Modbus RTU protocol. The HMI gathers data from various sensors – including light, temperature and humidity, and PIR (movement sensor) – as well as user inputs from its interface buttons related to room climate, lights, and door lock status. It then forwards this data to Opta, which controls the relay outputs that will activate the lights, thermostat or door lock.

Opta also sends this data via Wi-Fi^® to the Arduino IoT Cloud. After connecting it to the Arduino Cloud using the Arduino Create Agent, cloud variables corresponding to the sensor data being monitored can be defined.

Arduino Pro’s Opta microPLC offers an ideal solution for the automation of hotel rooms and B&Bs or rental properties. By leveraging standard communication protocols, easy integration, real-time control capabilities, secure hardware-to-cloud data exchange and remote access to multiple rooms from a centralized location, Opta provides the cornerstone of a comprehensive platform for smart hospitality.

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It’s time to catch up on all things LoRaWAN^® and low-power IoT! Our team is looking forward to returning to The Things Conference this year, joining all LoRa^® key players in Amsterdam on September 21st-22nd. Our experts will be showcasing new products and applications relevant to the technology that is putting the “smart” in smart cities, smart agriculture, smart logistics, and more. Indeed, with IoT’s huge growth potential in both B2B and B2C applications, LoRaWAN^® is stepping up as one of the technologies of the future. Already established as the low-power connectivity choice, according to The Things Network it is reaping the benefits of innovations that increase efficiency even further – and is poised to support ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals with reduced energy consumption and secure data transmission.

LoRaWAN^® novice, or expert? We’ve got you covered

Whether you are just realizing the potential of LoRaWAN^® or have been a fan of it since day one (like us!), we’ll have something for you to discover at our booth at The Things Conference:

• Looking for an entry-level option? The Arduino MKR WAN 1310 offers you the renowned versatility of the practical and cost-effective MKR family and adds LoRa^® connectivity to projects requiring low power.
• Ready to take it up a notch? The solution for advanced applications requiring sturdy computational power is to boost Arduino Pro’s Portenta H7 module (in any of its three variants) with the capability to run embedded computer vision applications, connect wirelessly via LoRa^® to the Arduino Cloud (or third-party infrastructure), and activate systems upon the detection of sound events. How? With the Portenta Vision Shield LoRa^®, of course!
• Feel the need for high performance? Pair the Portenta Max Carrier with a Portenta X8 module to add LoRa^® connectivity to your project, transforming your robust SOM into a single-board computer or reference design enabling edge AI for industrial, building automation and robotics applications.
• Need deep indoor coverage or want to add reliable connectivity to your outdoor system? The WisGate Edge Lite 2 and WisGate Edge Pro are your ready-to-use, industrial-grade gateways for LoRaWAN^® connectivity powered by RAKwireless.

The Arduino ecosystem has something for everyone, and might just have everything you need for your next LoRaWAN^® idea. Contact us or come by the booth to find out more.

Don’t miss the demos! 

The Things Conference will also be a great opportunity to see some of our products in action. You’ll have the chance to explore our solution to control pests in vineyards with the most effectiveness and the least use of chemicals or labor, for example. Computer vision and LoRa^® connectivity combine in a smart trap based on a MKR WAN 1310, which attracts bugs and records their number and type in real-time, allowing for remote monitoring and therefore more cost-effective interventions.

Our experts at The Things Conference will also be happy to show you how Portenta X8 and Portenta Max Carrier can join forces to deploy a secure, industrial-grade Linux computer capable of interacting with equipment/machinery or integrating within an existing smart kiosk: a system ready to collect data from onsite controllers, process them thanks to supported industrial protocols, and finally send useful information to your Cloud or ERP system, acting as a multi-protocol gateway via Wi-Fi, NB/IoT, LTE Cat.M1 or – you guessed it – LoRa^®.

People make The Things Conference special

We are proud to have two special events included in the program this year.

On Friday, September 22nd, our Application Engineering Lead, Sebastian Romero, will return to Amsterdam with a keynote showing how IoT-capable hardware can be retrofitted to integrate smart remote management, using Arduino components and LoRaWAN®. Interested in present opportunities, but also curious about the future of IoT from Arduino’s perspective? Then make sure to attend the fireside chat with our CEO Fabio Violante on Thursday, September 21st at 10:30am CEST, to find out how the company’s philosophy will continue to leverage the latest technological evolutions to best serve innovators like you.

Let’s get social! 

We’ll be happy to see you at the booth: come say hi, ask questions and get to know Arduino better. While approaching the venue, keep an eye on the ground and look for our street graffiti – be sure to take photos and tag us on social media: we’ll repost to share highlights with the millions in our community!

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Massimo Banzi and the Arduino Pro team will be crossing the Channel soon for a short tour of Southern England, touching base with long-time partners and meeting many new Arduino fans! 

On July 11th at 4PM BST, Massimo has been invited to give a Tech Talk at Arm’s headquarters in Cambridge, as part of the company’s ongoing series where “leading experts cover topics across the industry, including artificial intelligence, automotive, consumer technology, infrastructure, and IoT.” Register now to attend the talk remotely, anywhere in the world.

Fancy a pint and a fireside chat? Come and meet us in London at the Cittie of Yorke, July 12th at 6PM in Holborn. You can learn about Arduino’s latest products and future vision, straight from the co-founder himself. The event is free and no registration is required, but admission will be regulated depending on the venue’s capacity – get there early to save your seat!

Finally, on July 13th we are excited to announce Arduino Pro will debut with a booth at Hardware Pioneers Max. Come visit us at the Business Design Center in London, booth #48, to chat with our experts. Not sure where to begin? Our demos make great conversation starters! At the show, look for these:

• An industrial-grade computer built with a Portenta X8 and Max Carrier. The X8’s hybrid combination of microprocessor and microcontroller yields unprecedented flexibility to simultaneously run Linux apps and perform real-time tasks. Pair that with the Max Carrier and an 8″ screen and you have a secure and powerful computer to deploy advanced AI algorithms and ML on the edge. The Portenta X8 can also act as a multi-protocol gateway: data from onsite sensors and controllers (e.g. temperature, operation time, warning codes) are collected and processed thanks to the module’s supported industrial protocols, then sent to the Cloud or ERP system via Wi-Fi, LoRa^®, NB/IoT or LTE Cat.M1.
• A vibration-based condition monitoring system to detect anomalies with Nicla Sense ME. Developed in collaboration with SensiML, this solution makes great use of Nicla’s self-learning AI smart sensor – with integrated accelerometer and gyroscope – to measure vibrations generated by a computer fan. With the intelligence of a trained ML model, the system monitors the fan’s conditions and can determine whether it is on or off, if there are any shocks, and even if the airflow is simply sub-optimal.
• A solution to monitor vineyard pests, thanks to Nicla Vision and MKR WAN 1310. Smart farming leverages machine vision and valuable data on pest behavior, seasonality, and population size to optimize manual interventions against the dangerous Popillia japonica. Insects are attracted by pheromones inside the trap, where a low-power sensing solution leverages an ML model trained, tested and deployed with Edge Impulse to recognize and count insects, sending real-time data via LoRa^® connectivity to the Cloud for remote monitoring.

And don’t miss Massimo’s talk, “Everything you think you know about Arduino is WRONG” at 4PM (see the event agenda). It’s your chance to find out how the brand that made tech accessible for the first generation of makers is now evolving to support a new generation of innovators.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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On June 26th-28th, the Arduino Pro team will be in Amsterdam for the tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum – one of the year’s major events for the world where AI models meet agile, low-power devices.

This is an exciting time for companies like Arduino and anyone interested in accelerating the adoption of tiny machine learning: technologies, products, and ideas are converging into a worldwide phenomenon with incredible potential – and countless applications already.

At the summit, our team will indeed present a selection of demos that leverage tinyML to create useful solutions in a variety of industries and contexts. For example, we will present:

• A fan anomaly detection system based on the Nicla Sense ME. In this solution developed with SensiML, the Nicla module leverages its integrated accelerometer to constantly measure the vibrations generated by a computer fan. Thanks to a trained model, condition monitoring turns into anomaly detection – the system is able to determine whether the fan is on or off, notify users of any shocks, and even alert them if its super precise and efficient sensor detects sub-optimal airflow.

• A vineyard pest monitoring system with the Nicla Vision and MKR WAN 1310. Machine vision works at the service of smart agriculture in this solution: even in the most remote field, a pheromone is used to attract insects inside a case lined with glue traps. The goal is not to capture all the insects, but to use a Nicla Vision module to take a snapshot of the captured bugs, recognize the ones that pose a real threat, and send updated data on how many specimens were found. New-generation farmers can thus schedule interventions against pests as soon as needed, before the insects get out of control and cause damage to the crops. Leveraging LoRa^® connectivity, this application is both low-power and high-efficiency.

• An energy monitoring-based anomaly detection solution for DC motors, with the Opta. This application developed with Edge Impulse leverages an Opta WiFi microPLC to easily implement industrial-level, real-time monitoring and fault detection – great to enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and overall costs. A Hall effect current sensor is attached in series with the supply line of the DC motor to acquire real-time data, which is then analyzed using ML algorithms to identify patterns and trends that might indicate faulty operation. The DC motor is expected to be in one of two statuses – ON or OFF – but different conditions can be simulated with the potentiometer. When unexpected electric consumption is shown, the Opta WiFi detects the anomaly and turns on a warning LED.

The Arduino Pro team is looking forward to meeting customers and partners in Amsterdam – championing open source, accessibility, and flexibility in industrial-grade solutions at the tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum!

The post Meet Arduino Pro at tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum 2023 appeared first on Arduino Blog.

On June 26th-28th, the Arduino Pro team will be in Amsterdam for the tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum – one of the year’s major events for the world where AI models meet agile, low-power devices.

This is an exciting time for companies like Arduino and anyone interested in accelerating the adoption of tiny machine learning: technologies, products, and ideas are converging into a worldwide phenomenon with incredible potential – and countless applications already.

At the summit, our team will indeed present a selection of demos that leverage tinyML to create useful solutions in a variety of industries and contexts. For example, we will present:

• A fan anomaly detection system based on the Nicla Sense ME. In this solution developed with SensiML, the Nicla module leverages its integrated accelerometer to constantly measure the vibrations generated by a computer fan. Thanks to a trained model, condition monitoring turns into anomaly detection – the system is able to determine whether the fan is on or off, notify users of any shocks, and even alert them if its super precise and efficient sensor detects sub-optimal airflow.

• A vineyard pest monitoring system with the Nicla Vision and MKR WAN 1310. Machine vision works at the service of smart agriculture in this solution: even in the most remote field, a pheromone is used to attract insects inside a case lined with glue traps. The goal is not to capture all the insects, but to use a Nicla Vision module to take a snapshot of the captured bugs, recognize the ones that pose a real threat, and send updated data on how many specimens were found. New-generation farmers can thus schedule interventions against pests as soon as needed, before the insects get out of control and cause damage to the crops. Leveraging LoRa^® connectivity, this application is both low-power and high-efficiency.

• An energy monitoring-based anomaly detection solution for DC motors, with the Opta. This application developed with Edge Impulse leverages an Opta WiFi microPLC to easily implement industrial-level, real-time monitoring and fault detection – great to enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and overall costs. A Hall effect current sensor is attached in series with the supply line of the DC motor to acquire real-time data, which is then analyzed using ML algorithms to identify patterns and trends that might indicate faulty operation. The DC motor is expected to be in one of two statuses – ON or OFF – but different conditions can be simulated with the potentiometer. When unexpected electric consumption is shown, the Opta WiFi detects the anomaly and turns on a warning LED.

The Arduino Pro team is looking forward to meeting customers and partners in Amsterdam – championing open source, accessibility, and flexibility in industrial-grade solutions at the tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum!

The post Meet Arduino Pro at tinyML EMEA Innovation Forum 2023 appeared first on Arduino Blog.

The challenge

Optimizing manufacturing processes is a requirement in any industry today, with electricity consumption in particular representing a major concern due to increased costs and instability. Analyzing energy use has therefore become a widespread need – and one that can also lead to early identification of anomalies and predictive maintenance: two important activities to put in place in order to minimize unexpected downtime and repair costs. 

In particular, this approach can be applied to DC motors: used in a wide range of applications, from small household appliances to heavy industrial equipment; these motors are critical components that require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Unfortunately, traditional maintenance practices based on fixed schedules or reactive repairs can be time-consuming, expensive, and unreliable. This is where energy monitoring-based anomaly detection comes in: it can provide a crucial solution for the early detection of potential issues and malfunctions before they can cause significant damage to the motor. 

This more proactive approach to maintenance continuously monitors the energy consumption of the motor and analyzes the data to identify any deviations from normal operating conditions. By tracking energy usage patterns over time, the system can detect early warning signs of potential problems, such as excessive wear and tear, imbalances or misalignments, and alert maintenance personnel to take corrective actions before the issue escalates.

Our solution

This Arduino-powered solution implements an energy monitoring-based anomaly detection system using a current sensor and machine learning models running on edge devices. By capturing the electricity flowing in and out of a machine, it can collect large amounts of data on energy usage patterns over time. This data is then used to train a machine learning model capable of identifying anomalies in energy consumption behaviors and alerting operators to potential issues. The solution offers a cost-effective and scalable method for maintaining equipment health and maximizing energy efficiency, while also reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA)

In this application, a technique called Motor Current Signature Analysis is used. MCSA involves monitoring the electrical signature of the motor’s current overtime to detect any anomalies that may indicate potential issues or faults. To acquire real-time data, a Hall effect current sensor is attached in series with the supply line of the DC motor. The data are then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and trends that might indicate a faulty motor operation. MCSA can be used to detect a number of issues like bearings wear, rotor bar bendings or even inter-turn short circuits.

Depending on the dimensions of the motor, using a non-invasive clamp-style current sensor – also known as a Split-Core Current Transformer – is recommended if a larger current draw is expected.

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Edge ML

To monitor the current fluctuation and run the anomaly-detecting ML model, the solution uses an Arduino Opta WiFi: a micro PLC suitable for Industrial IoT, which is excellent for this project because of its real-time data classification capabilities, based on a powerful STM32H747XI dual-core Cortex^®-M7 +M4 MCU. The Arduino Opta WiFi works with both analog and digital inputs and outputs, allowing it to interact with a multitude of sensors and actuators. The Arduino Opta WiFi also features an Ethernet port, an RS485 half duplex connectivity interface and WiFi/Bluetooth^® Low Energy connectivity, which makes it ideal for industrial retrofitting applications. You can find the full datasheet here. 

To train the anomaly detection model, the project leverages the Edge Impulse platform: being integrated within the Arduino ecosystem, it makes it easy to develop, train, and deploy machine learning models on Arduino devices.

Connectivity

Once the machine learning model was successfully deployed on the Arduino Opta, the anomaly detection results were forwarded via Wi-Fi to the Arduino IoT Cloud. This enables easy monitoring and analysis of the data from multiple sensor nodes in real time.

Solving it with Arduino Pro

Let’s take a look at how we can put all of this together and what hardware and software solutions we would need for deployment. The Arduino Pro ecosystem is the most recent version of Arduino solutions, offering users the benefits of easy integration along with a range of scalable, secure, and professionally supported services.

Hardware requirements

• Arduino Opta WiFi
• DC Current Sensor
• Enclosure

Software requirements

• Arduino IDE 2.0
• Edge Impulse account
• Arduino Cloud account

The Arduino IDE 2.0 was used to program the Arduino Opta WiFi using C/C++. To train the Edge Impulse model, data was gathered from the current sensor for two classes: Normal Operation and Machine Off. The Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA) technique was implemented by extracting the frequency and power characteristics of the signal through a Spectral Analysis block. Additionally, an anomaly detection block was incorporated to identify any abnormal patterns in the data.

Here is a screenshot from a dashboard created directly in the Arduino Cloud, showcasing data received from the sensor nodes:

Here is an overview of the software stack and how a minimum deployment with one of each hardware module communicates to fulfil the proposed solution:

Conclusion

Through the implementation of a predictive maintenance system on an Arduino Opta WiFi PLC, using Edge Impulse ML models and the Arduino Cloud, this solution demonstrates the powerful potential of IoT technologies in industrial applications. With the use of current sensors and AI-driven anomaly detection models, the system enables real-time monitoring and fault detection of DC motors, providing valuable insights for predictive maintenance. The flexibility and scalability of the Arduino Opta WiFi platform make it a robust and cost-effective solution for implementing predictive maintenance systems in various industrial processes. Overall, the project highlights the significant advantages that MCSA and machine learning can offer in promoting efficiency, productivity, and cost savings for industrial processes.

The post Ensure DC motor performance with anomaly detection based on energy monitoring appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Mark your calendars: May 23rd-25th we’ll be at SPS Italia, one of the country’s leading fairs for smart, digital, sustainable industry and a great place to find out what’s new in automation worldwide. We expect a lot of buzz around AI for IoT applications – and, of course, we’ll come prepared to give our own, open-source perspective on the AIoT trend. 

At Arduino Pro’s booth C012, Pavilion 7, our experts will be presenting some of the latest additions to our ever-growing ecosystem, which includes everything companies need to fully embrace the digital transformation with professional performance paired with Arduino’s ease of use and open-source philosophy. You can explore our complete digital brochure here, but let us point out some recent highlights.

Meet the Arduino Pro ecosystem at SPS Italia 2023

• Over the years, Arduino Pro has built quite the presence on the market with SOMs like the Portenta H7 and X8, recently joined by the Portenta C33: a cost-effective, high-performance option that makes automation accessible to more users than ever, based on the RA6M5, an Arm^® Cortex^®-M33 microcontroller from Renesas.
• Our Nicla family of ultra-compact boards also expanded: after Nicla Sense ME and Nicla Vision, Nicla Voice packs all the sensors, intelligence and connectivity you need for speech recognition on the edge, leveraging AI and ML.

• What’s more, the Arduino ecosystem also includes turnkey solutions like the Portenta Machine Control and the new Opta, our very first microPLC, designed in partnership with Finder to support the Arduino programming experience with the main PLC standard languages – and available in 3 variants with different connectivity features: Opta Lite, Opta RS485 and Opta WiFi. Both the Portenta Machine Control and Opta can be programmed via the new PLC IDE, designed to help you boost production and build automation with your own Industry 4.0 control system.

• Finally, since SPS Italy’s last edition we have launched Arduino Cloud for Business: a dedicated Cloud plan for professional users requiring advanced features for secure device management including OTA updates, user-friendly fleet management, and RBAC to safely share dashboards among multiple users and organizations. Specific optional add-ons allow you to further customize your solution with Portenta X8 Manager, LoRaWAN Device Manager or Enterprise Machine Learning Tool – accelerating your IoT success, whatever the scale of your enterprise may be.

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If you are attending SPS Italia, don’t miss the conference by our own Head of Arduino Pro Customer Success Andrea Richetta, joined by Product Managers Marta Barbero and Francesca Gentile (in Italian): on May 24th at 2:30pm they will dive deep on the tools Arduino Pro makes available for all companies ready to take part in the IoT revolution, with a unique combination of performance and ease of use. This is your chance to discover how you too can integrate safe and professional Industry 4.0 solutions in new or existing applications, quickly growing from prototype to large-scale production with sensors, machine vision, embedded machine learning, edge computing, and more.

Curious? Register to access the fair if you are an industry professional, and reach out to book a meeting with a member of our team.

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