The Internet of Things is advancing steadily: not only computers, but also machines, cars and household appliances are connected. Connecting devices from different manufacturers is difficult. Researchers from the University of Kaiserslautern have found a solution: They are developing a user-friendly software system that connects devices from different manufacturers. The user can decide who has access. The system is ideal for businesses, private households, as well as traffic systems and building technology. They will present the technology at the Land Rhineland-Palatinate research stand at Hannover Messe from April 24 to 28.
Users can easily turn on heating or lights remotely by smartphone, while machines exchange data in a car production plant. These are just two examples that show how devices are increasingly interconnected. The Internet of Things (IoT) has been part of our daily lives for some time. “An increasing number of devices have their own network connection and their own IP address,” says Christopher Heinz, a doctoral student with Professor Christoph Grimm, who heads the department of cyber-physical systems design at the University of Kaiserslautern. The abbreviation “IP” stands for Internet Protocol and stands for a unique web address.
In the near future, a set of devices could be interconnected in many homes, exchanging data, such as the vacuum cleaner with the coffee machine and the refrigerator. “Currently, the devices must come from the same manufacturer,” adds Johannes Kölsch, another doctoral student under the professorship. “Companies usually offer their own web solutions for this purpose.”
The two computer scientists are working on a software system that aims to connect devices and machines from different manufacturers. “Our technology is similar to the concept of an adapter used to connect differently shaped plugs to electrical outlets abroad,” says Kölsch. Experts also call this interoperability. This term describes the ability of technical systems from different manufacturers to communicate with each other and to recognize different signals, for example.
Researchers at the University of Kaiserslautern would like to connect the devices using a software interface. The system is intended to be a simple and user-friendly solution. Special hardware is not required. It is conceivable that the technology could be used on network devices already available in private homes, for example Internet routers. “Devices would only need to be registered in the system,” Heinz continues. A particular advantage is that the user retains control over who can control and use the devices. “Users can grant permission to someone else. The data would then be encrypted before being transmitted from the sender to the recipient in accordance with the latest security standards,” says Kölsch.
This technology is not only of interest to private households. Companies could use it to combine different machines in their production facilities, hospitals could connect important medical equipment in laboratories and treatment rooms, and transport companies could link buses and trains to display screens. in stations. Distribution systems for large housing developments could also be more easily controlled this way, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting. In addition, the energy provided by renewable energy sources could easily be distributed: this system would allow solar panels to supply stored electricity directly to appliances when they need energy, such as electric cars, to recharge.
The research is taking place within the framework of the “VICINITY” project, supported by the European Union to the tune of 7.5 million euros. Professor Grimm coordinates the project in Kaiserslautern. A total of 16 European partners are involved in the work. The researchers will present the project at Hannover Messe.
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Materials provided by Technical University Kaiserslautern. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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