SMC Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of automation and control technology. Founded in Japan in 1959, the company provides solutions for a wide range of industries, including automotive, electronics, food, packaging and medical technology. With an annual turnover of over 5.7 billion US dollars (as of 2023) and more than 22,000 employees worldwide, SMC is committed to providing innovative and sustainable automation solutions.
To expand its leading market position, SMC is continuously driving forward digital projects - including the "SmartAssets" project, which optimizes the management of digital company resources.
Digital twins as the
key to efficiency
The "SmartAssets" project aims to use digital twins for more efficient production and the simple integration of machines.
In collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and objective partner, SMC is forming a strong consortium to develop and test new technological solutions. The project is funded by the EUROSTARS program - part of the EUREKA network, which specifically supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cross-border research and development. The project will run until March 2027.
"The interdisciplinary collaboration in the SmartAssets project is an outstanding example of successful innovation projects in Industry 4.0. With the introduction of digital twins and the development of a federated system architecture, we are setting new standards for interoperability and efficiency - and creating a blueprint for future projects. "
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans Wernher van de Venn, Director Institute of Mechatronic Systems IMS at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
A win-win situation for SMC and its customers
The "SmartAssets" project has a clear objective: to develop a future-proof solution that enables SMC to optimally prepare for regulatory requirements such as the EU's Digital Product Passport (DPP) and at the same time establish new business models based on digital twins. Such business models could, for example, be usage-based billing (pay-per-use), where customers only pay for the service actually provided or the use of certain components.
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More InformationA central, well-structured database is essential in order to achieve these goals. Only when relevant information - from machine status data to documentation - is easily accessible and uniformly available can processes be optimized, new services created and regulatory requirements met.
For SMC, the project offers the opportunity to optimize existing processes and at the same time lay the foundation for innovative service offerings.
In summary, the "SmartAssets" project has the following advantages:
The project thus creates a solid basis for the future of SMC in terms of networked production and makes it possible to meet both legal and market-oriented requirements. At the same time, customers benefit from a modern solution that is flexible and easy to integrate.
Joint project development for efficient solutions
The project is divided into several phases. After the official launch, an initial prototype will be developed and tested in customer projects by March 2025. A central element is the Asset Administration Shell, which is designed to reduce downtimes and help integrate machines and systems seamlessly into existing infrastructures.
Key components of the solution for SMC:
Digital twins enable SMC to comprehensively monitor and network its own production machines - such as CNC machines, assembly robots or test benches. This allows relevant operating data such as running times, temperature curves or wear indicators to be recorded and analyzed in real time. This supports predictive maintenance and prevents unplanned downtime. At the same time, the integration of the data improves the overall overview of the production processes and enables SMC to continuously optimize the quality and efficiency in the production of its valves, cylinders and regulators.
SMC relies on BaSyx Enterprisea platform that has been specially developed for the management of asset administration shells. In BaSyx Enterprise, data from various sources, such as data sheets or AIM tools, can be processed uniformly and automatically. This allows employees to access all relevant information at any time and make their work more efficient.
The standards of the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) form the basis for the implementation of the Asset Administration Shell. The IDTA is an association that works worldwide on the development and dissemination of these standards and makes a significant contribution to an open and interoperable ecosystem. The IDTA standards can be used in BaSyx Enterprise so that components such as pressure regulators, sensors and vacuum systems can be managed uniformly and monitored in real time.
With the Asset Administration Shell, SMC creates the basis for being optimally prepared for future requirements of the Digital Product Passport. At the same time, standardized data management opens up potential for new business models, such as a usage-based billing model.
" It is exciting to work with SMC to establish SmartAssets as the basis for future-proof processes and innovative business models - a true combination of technology and strategy. "
Alexander Gordt, Head of Industrial Solutions at objective partner
Current status and outlook
More than 2,000 digital twins have already been created as part of the project - a milestone that shows that the project is on the right track.
SMC benefits from close cooperation with scientific and technological partners. This partnership ensures that the solutions developed are not only innovative, but also globally scalable and future-proof.
The next step: a prototype will be completed by March 2025 and tested with the first customers. Over the following months, feedback from the practical tests will be used to further improve the solution and complete the rollout by 2027.
Conclusion: With the combination of technological excellence, scientific expertise and strategic partnership, SMC is setting new standards in the "SmartAssets" project. This not only strengthens SMC's market position, but also offers customers a reliable and future-proof solution for their challenges in Industry 4.0.
"Our aim is to be a role model in the digital transformation and to give our customers a clear competitive advantage."
Alessandro Grizzetti, Business Development Manager at SMC
