Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes welcome Rajvir Singh, a mechatronics engineer and founder of Code and Compile, to delve into the intricacies of industrial automation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). With a rich background in PLC programming and digital twin technology, Singh sheds light on the pivotal role of open-source tools, the transformative impact of digital twins in education, and the value of practical IoT projects for budding engineers and seasoned professionals alike.
Open-Source Tools for IIoT
Rajvir Singh underscores the vital role that open-source tools play in democratizing IIoT development. He emphasizes how Node RED, an open-source flow-based development tool, has transformed the landscape by making machine interaction and data extraction significantly accessible. "Node RED allows you to interact with machines and extract valuable data efficiently," Singh explains, highlighting its seamless integration with Siemens PLCs using OPC UA servers.
Singh further introduces a suite of additional open-source tools essential for IIoT projects: Grafana for creating insightful dashboards, InfluxDB for robust database management, and MQTT brokers like Mosquitto and HiveMQ. These tools offer a comprehensive ecosystem for anyone venturing into IIoT. Singh's enthusiasm for these resources stems from their ability to lower the entry barrier, allowing enthusiasts and professionals to experiment and learn without hefty financial investments. "Start with minimal investment using tools like Raspberry Pi and simple sensors," Singh advises, emphasizing a hands-on approach that builds foundational skills vital for larger industrial applications.
By advocating for open-source tools, Singh provides a roadmap for learners and professionals to enhance their technical prowess, paving the way for more sophisticated and impactful automation projects.
Digital Twin Technologies in Education
Digital twin technologies stand out as a major focus in Singh's discussion, particularly their applications in education and industry. Reflecting on his experiences at industry events like SPS in Nuremberg, Singh notes the impressive demonstrations by companies like Siemens, which showcased real-world applications of digital twins. "Digital twins allow you to simulate industrial environments, which is revolutionary for both education and industry," Singh points out.
In educational settings, Singh actively develops digital twin applications, enabling a risk-free platform for students to engage with complex machinery and industrial processes. These virtual replicas offer unparalleled training opportunities, making learning both immersive and practical. "By using digital twins, you can create virtual factory scenarios that significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes," he elaborates.
For industry professionals, digital twins play a crucial role in project simulation and analysis, allowing for error minimization and performance optimization before real-world implementation. Singh's involvement in these technologies underscores their potential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making them indispensable tools for both education and industry.
Practical IoT Projects
Phil Seboa and Singh place significant emphasis on the importance of practical IoT projects as a means to build hands-on experience and confidence in automation technologies. Singh suggests starting with simple home automation projects, leveraging affordable tools. "Using smart relays like Shelly can help monitor energy consumption and automate simple routines," he explains. These projects serve as a practical entry point for learning and applying automation concepts in real-world scenarios.
Seboa shares his personal experience with the Factory IO simulator, which offers a realistic yet virtual environment to explore factory automation. "The Factory IO 30-day trial was instrumental for me in exploring home automation," Seboa recounts. Singh also highlights other useful simulators such as Simulmatics and Factory IO, along with PLC simulation tools like Raspberry Pi and Open PLC. These resources, he notes, are invaluable for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in industrial automation.
Singh's approach advocates for an engaging and interactive learning process, where practical projects not only enhance understanding but also make learning enjoyable. "Engaging in these projects helps overcome learning barriers and makes the journey into IIoT more accessible and rewarding," Singh passionately states.
Key Quote From The Episode
"Node RED allows you to interact with machines and extract valuable data efficiently." – Rajvir Singh
Key Takeaways
Understanding Open-Source Tools:
Singh highlights Node RED's ability to simplify IIoT development, making it accessible for beginners.
Digital Twin Technologies:
Singh discusses the revolutionary role of digital twins in education and industry, noting their ability to simulate real-world systems.
Practical Project Engagement:
He emphasizes the importance of hands-on projects using affordable tools like Raspberry Pi and Shelly relays to build practical skills.
Wrap Up
This episode underscores the significance of open-source tools, with Rajvir Singh illustrating how platforms like Node RED empower learners and professionals alike. The transformative potential of digital twin technologies in educational settings and industry training is also highlighted, providing invaluable insights into their practical applications. Finally, Singh and Seboa emphasize the importance of practical IoT projects, encouraging listeners to engage in hands-on learning to build confidence and technical expertise.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of IIoT and automation, Singh suggests starting with accessible tools for hands-on experimentation, exploring digital twins for immersive learning, and undertaking practical projects to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
About the Guest
Rajvir Singh is a mechatronics engineer and the founder of Code and Compile, a leading educational platform. With extensive experience in PLC programming, digital twins, and industrial automation, Singh has helped learners across the globe grasp complex automation concepts through his online courses and YouTube channel. Currently based in Germany, he continues to lead innovative projects in smart factories and IIoT, making significant contributions to the field.
Connect with Rajvir on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/singhrajvir/
Join Code and Compile (Use code "UNPLUGGED30" for 30% Discount):
https://www.codeandcompile.com/
