Transform Manufacturing with VMware Edge Compute Stack

Smart Manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, has the potential to significantly improve operational technology (OT) environments by enhancing productivity and quality. VMware’s Edge Compute Stack is designed to optimize the deployment and management of these advanced technologies across factory settings. By leveraging real-time and deterministic processing of virtual Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other industrial applications, VMware enables manufacturers to achieve greater agility, enhanced security, and improved sustainability in their operations.

Traditionally, manufacturing environments rely on separate systems for different functions, such as human-machine interfaces (HMI), robot control, and PLCs for conveyor belts. VMware’s solution allows for the virtualization of these systems, enabling them to run concurrently on a single server. This approach not only simplifies the infrastructure but also allows for the integration of both real-time and non-real-time applications. For example, VMware has been working with Audi, which operates with thousands of industrial PCs across its factories, to virtualize these systems and optimize their performance based on latency requirements.

By virtualizing the factory floor, VMware’s Edge Compute Stack offers manufacturers the flexibility to deploy applications either on the factory line or in the server room, depending on their specific needs. This approach reduces the need for multiple physical systems, streamlines operations, and enhances the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process. The collaboration with Audi demonstrates the practical application of this technology, showcasing how edge computing can transform traditional manufacturing environments into more agile, secure, and sustainable operations.

Presented by Chris Taylor, Product Marketing, Software-Defined Edge

See how Audi is using edge compute in their factory: https://www.vmware.com/explore/video-library/video/6360760638112