Software and hardware for automated maintenance forecasting using data science
We are working on a predictive maintenance system in the area of assembly line maintenance incl. hardware components for a well-known German logistics company. Audio data and the positions of the sorting system's individual cells are recorded with sensors specially developed for this purpose and then analysed for maintenance-relevant anomalies in high resolution using statistical methods. Unplanned breakdowns can thus be prevented and efficiency increased. Above all, however, the use of automated maintenance prognosis considerably reduces personnel requirements as only those few elements of the sorting system specified by the prognosis algorithm have to be checked, instead of all of them.
Key areas of cooperation
Objectives
The aim of the project was to develop a predictive maintenance system based on the evaluation of audio data using data science methods. The software should recognise the degree of wear of the cells on the conveyor belt based on the recorded vibrations and generate a maintenance case. Particularly challenging were the handling of noise disturbance and the significantly different mechanical design of many of the sorters.
Key factors
- CI/CD
- Cloud
- Conception and design of hardware
- Data Science (various statistical methods)
- DevOps
- Frequency Analysis (Fast Fourier Transform)
- IoT
- Webfrontend
Implementation
- Design of the software architecture
- Hardware design of the sensor
- Cooperation in the construction of infrastructure
- Complete integration into the existing software architecture
- Data collection and data reduction in compliance with data protection-relevant framework conditions
- Secure communication from the company's internal networks with the cloud (IoT)
- Scalable data analysis/forecasting in the cloud
- Support with user interface design
- Multi-client Capability
Results
With the help of proven data science methods, a predictive maintenance system (hardware and software) was developed in the area of conveyor belt logistics. The system recognises maintenance-relevant abnormalities in the wagons and generates an automated notification in the management interface. This significantly reduces manual inspection efforts, ensures good planning of the maintenance process with graduated advance warnings and prevents avoidable failures.
Outlook
In the future, the maintenance forecasting system will be rolled out worldwide at the logistics service provider's various locations. The focus will be on adapting the forecasting algorithm to other sorter types and remotely configuring/updating the sensors.
Insights
Interested? Then just take a look at our prototype.
Services
Software and hardware development, setting up the operating environment
Timeframe
03/2022 – today
Project size
400 person days
Your contact
Our Managing Director Artur Schiefer will advise you on our custom solutions that will give your company the technological lead.