AWS, Autodesk join formal IIoT partnership to boost machine performance

AWS, McKinsey, Autodesk, and 17 other manufacturing-related companies have formalized their working collaboration around the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Boston-based MachineMetrics announced on Thursday the IIoT Partner Ecosystem to further collaboration and innovation for better machine performance via MachineMetrics’ custom, cloud-based IIoT platform. It is designed to support edge connectivity and communications workflows to optimize machine operations.

Other companies in the ecosystem include large industry leaders such as Hurco, Tsugami, SECO Tools and Saint Gobain. The group of 20 also includes WIPFLi, Marshall, the Digital Manufacturing Institute, Synergy, Eurotech, Gasbarre, LabJack, MT Connect, Alttek, EpiCenter, KOMO, NTMA and MassMep.

“With an ecosystem of partners that complement and supplement our industry-leading platform, we extend and accelerate our value proposition, driving new and continuous value for our joint customers as well as our partners,” said MachineMetrics CEO Bill Bither, in a statement.

The MachineMetrics Platform can be reached at the edge using an application programming interface in the cloud and an operator interface. From there, manufacturers and their partners can add their own unique intellectual property to the platform for use by their mutual data consumers.

The platform is designed for machine tool builders and component providers to provided advanced analytics and customized instructions, including preventative maintenance plans, for their customers through the cloud connection. Partners also receive training, support and promotional marketing services and access to consulting services such as system integration.

The partnership program builds on a group of partners who have used MachineMetrics over the last three years, according to Dave Westrom, vice president of business development. “Formalizing the program will foster partner collaboration and attract new partners,” he said.

Seco Tools North America uses MachineMetrics as a kind of toolbox to help lower its customers’ operational costs and improve their productivity, said President Rob Keenan. “By analyzing data output from machine tools, we can deploy our technical experts to work closely with our customers to identify bottlenecks…that lead to extended machine downtime,” he said in a statement.

Tsugami/Rem Sales has added MachineMetrics to its Swiss-turn machine platform, allowing users to collect data on machine health, production status and downtime. Michael Mugno, president of Tusgami/Rem sales, called the platform “cutting edge, disruptive technology.”

RELATED: Redefining Indutrial IoT