An analysis of asset interoperability for I4.0 middleware

An important step towards a flexible Industry 4.0 (I4.0) production needs to be taken by enabling effective integration of assets, which requires interoperability knowledge for a supporting I4.0 middleware. The middleware facilitates communication and coordination between assets. The level of interoperability influences the software architecture of the middleware, and how assets connect and operate in an I4.0 setting. There is a gap in knowledge of the interoperability between assets and I4.0 middleware based on previous literature and prior I4.0 lab experiences. This paper presents an analysis of multiple levels of asset interoperability for I4.0 middleware. The Levels of Conceptual Interoperability Model (LCIM) is used as a reference model to analyze the interoperability level of assets. Prior experiences with an I4.0 case and the MASON ontology are used to facilitate understanding of the interoperability levels. The LCIM provides a frame for understanding the complexity of asset interoperability for I4.0 middleware at different interoperability levels. Concretizing the LCIM levels helps grasping the complexity of asset interoperability in the I4.0 domain. From our perspective, more attention to the pragmatic and dynamic levels are required to fulfill the I4.0 vision's potential towards a flexible production.