Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Siemens’ Cutting-Edge SIMATIC Automation Workstation Integrates IT and OT Workflows

Siemens has recently unveiled the “SIMATIC Automation Workstation,” a revolutionary software-based solution that integrates a hardware PLC, a conventional HMI, and an edge device into one unified workstation. This cutting-edge technology brings together Internet Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) workflows, enabling manufacturers to streamline their processes.

With the SIMATIC Workstation, manufacturers can easily manage their entire fleet of workstations from a centralized location. This centralized approach allows for programming, updates, and patches to be deployed simultaneously across all stations, ensuring that the shop floor remains synchronized. This feature is particularly valuable in situations where factories need to quickly adjust production levels in response to changing demands.

The SIMATIC Workstation is designed as an on-premise OT device that takes advantage of Siemens’ industrial edge technology. This technology provides high data throughput and low latency, allowing manufacturers to run a wide range of modular applications. In addition to traditional automation tasks like motion control and safety, the SIMATIC Workstation can also support future automation tasks that incorporate industrial AI, such as visual inspection and robotic grasping.

Siemens’ first deployment of SIMATIC Workstations will take place at several Ford Motor Company manufacturing facilities. This partnership with Ford demonstrates the potential for the SIMATIC Workstation to revolutionize manufacturing processes and drive efficiency and innovation in the industry.