FLEXATION - Flexible and Secure Modular Automation

The project objective is to develop a design methodology for the next generation of automation systems considering cybersecurity and integration of legacy services.

The technical architectures of industrial automation control systems are evolving due to evolution of Industry 4.0, transitioning from controller-centric architectures to modular network-centric architectures. Conventional systems face limitations such as inflexibility, inability to adopt new technologies, high latencies, limited interoperability, and retrofitting challenges. Modular automation overcomes these limitations by using network-centric architectures, where modules perform tasks independently with standardized interfaces. This approach offers scalability, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

However, we have identified three problems to achieve such an automation.

(1) There is a need for a well-designed network backbone.

(2) Due to the openness of modular automation, the existing security solutions are inadequate.

(3) A low-cost seamless transition solution towards modular automation is missing.

Therefore, the project aims at developing a design methodology for next-generation automation systems, addressing the above-mentioned problems. Prospective solutions include a design methodology for network backbone design, a cybersecurity framework, and containerization techniques for integrating legacy services.