Exploring the Integration of cloud manufacturing and cyber-physical systems in the era of industry 4.0 – An OPC UA approach
Tang Ji, Xun Xu
Abstract
• A hybrid architecture using OPC UA to enable seamless data exchange and interoperability across manufacturing systems, addressing integration challenges in Cloud Manufacturing and CPS. • The role of OPC UA in various communication levels, emphasising its importance in field-level, enterprise-level, and supervisory and control-level interactions. • The key OPC UA functions, e.g. protocol conversion, remote monitoring, and information modelling, showcasing their impact on smart manufacturing. • The future research directions are discussed, focusing on the OPC UA Field eXchange (UAFX) and the OPC UA Cloud Initiative, which enhance field-level communication and cloud interoperability. The convergence of Cloud Manufacturing and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) presents an opportunity worth exploring. This paper looks into integrating these two concepts by utilising the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) as a key communication protocol. Following a critical review of the relevant concepts, the authors propose a conceptual hybrid architecture that relies on OPC UA to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability across different levels of manufacturing systems. The proposed architecture addresses current challenges in integrating Cloud Manufacturing and CPS, including the need for real-time monitoring, adaptive control, and efficient data management. Through this approach, enterprises can optimise manufacturing processes by enhancing real-time capabilities and utilising cloud resources effectively. The paper outlines the key components of this architecture, including communication protocol levels, OPC UA functions, and the relationship between cloud services and manufacturing systems. It offers a clear path toward smarter manufacturing environments.