Picture: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay

Early next year the VDMA will establish the working group “Wireless Communications for Machines” (AG WCM). The aim is to bring together various wireless communication technologies for Industry 4.0 and relevant players.

On the occasion of the (virtual) trade fair SPS Connect, the German mechanical and plant engineering industry association VDMA announced that a new committee is to be created for wireless communication in industry next year. On March 1st, the VDMA will establish the working group “Wireless Communications for Machines” (AG WCM). According to the announcement of the association, the AG WCM is to expand the VDMA network by including relevant players from the communications industry, for example network equipment manufacturer and network providers, chip manufacturers and research institutes.

The new working group aims to promote the use of all modern radio technologies in mechanical and plant engineering within a single body, including 5G NR and WiFi-6. As announced by the VDMA, the 5G User Group will therefore also be merged into the AG WCM. This will create an application-oriented platform of experience for the integration of wireless communication technologies in machines, plants and production systems, according to the VDMA.

Source: VDMA

Source: VDMA

“The aim is to open up new business models and value-added opportunities through innovative applications and thus set the course for future competitiveness in automation technology and in mechanical and plant engineering,” emphasises Harmut Rauen, Deputy General Manager of the VDMA.