Japanese industrial automation specialist FANUC has launched new IIOT software designed to prevent production problems before they happen. AI Servo Monitor uses artificial intelligence to predict possible failures of the drive systems for FANUC servomotors and spindle motors.

AI Servo Monitor works in combination with MT-Linki, FANUC’s machine status monitoring and data collection software that connects shop floor equipment, including machine tools, robots and PLCs.

In conjunction with MT-LINKi, AI Servo Monitor analyses the daily performance of machines equipped with FANUC CNCs. Daily data is displayed in graphs to allow users to monitor abnormalities on these machines. Artificial intelligence automatically creates a baseline model of the machine while running in a normal state. An “anomaly score” developed expresses a difference in the baseline model and the daily recorded values. On a web interface, users can see the anomaly scores in a graph. Email notifications can be issued if this value exceeds the predefined thresholds.

“The power of IIOT software is that it detects a failure before it happens, not after,” said Jon Heddleson, General Manager of Factory Automation for FANUC America. “Predictive maintenance is key in preventing unexpected downtime. FANUC’s AI Servo Monitor helps ensure that production keeps running smoothly.”

Fanuc’s MT-Linki monitors, collects, and presents data in colour-coded graphical representations of the factory floor to provide more information about manufacturing processes as well as historical data. Non-FANUC CNCs, PLCs and various sensors can be connected using MTConnect or OPC-UA protocol.

Information presented via MT-Linki enables data-driven business decisions to optimise operations through enhanced maintenance capabilities such as scheduling memory backups, presenting alarm/operator history, and monitoring the status of memory backup batteries, cooling fans, motor temperatures, etc.