ABB helps Bayer implement modular automation solution

April 13, 2018 - The process industry is facing a harsh global competition and changing market requirements such as more customized products, shorter delivery times and smaller batch series down to batch size 1. This goes in hand with an accelerating pace of innovation. ABB has developed a modular automation technology to help module vendors and plant owners meet these demands.

ABB has developed a solution for modularization with plug and produce capabilities and a pilot is currently ongoing with one of the major life science companies, Bayer AG. Several so called Module Type Package (MTP) control sub systems and a modular configuration tool have been delivered and are currently running with a modular enabled ABB Ability System 800xA for the orchestration.

Dr. Torsten Knohl, Senior Project Manager, Bayer AG: “Modular Automation is very important for future production plants and the corner stone for IoT and Industry 4.0. We have chosen ABB as a technology provider because we have a long lasting good cooperation and it is a strong partner in automation systems with solutions from few automation loops up to big package units.”

Modular process plants will have pre-automated modular units that can be added, arranged and adjusted according to the production needs. Distributed Control Systems (DCS) will evolve to orchestration systems that manage the operation of the modular units. This is achieved through the Module Type Package (MTP), a standardized methodology enabling interoperability between any module and orchestration system developed within the MTP framework.

About ABB

ABB is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees.