Central Piedmont Community College student’s submission combines
Raspberry Pi, Python and MTConnect
McLean, Va. April 5, 2016 -- Alexander Lee, a student at Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte, N.C.), has been named the winner for the Idea Creation competition as part of the MTConnect Student Challenge for his submission, “Raspberry Pi for Data Visualization.” Lee’s winning submission proposed the use of a Raspberry Pi single-board computer as an MTConnect adapter to monitor a machine’s overall equipment effectiveness, utilizing the Python programming language to visualize the data that comes from the machine.
“I’m part of a generation that grew up with the internet, and it was something that was always just there. But if you enter a factory today, it feels like the manufacturing industry kind of missed out on the whole internet revolution,” Lee said. “I hope this award brings to light that there is a huge opportunity to innovate in manufacturing, and that kids who are using computers like Raspberry Pi will explore ways to use them in real-world industrial applications. A lot of millennials are entering the workforce, and they are enthusiastic to introduce these types of new and innovative ideas.”
Lee’s submission utilized an example of a manufacturing facility where engineers are required to manually record a machine’s downtime through a legacy Sinumerek 840D controller, as the controller is not connected to any network. As a solution, a Raspberry Pi could be repurposed as an MTConnect adapter to collect data, with that data processed through MTConnect and the Python programming language and visualized through an open-source Python-based application. Lee has won a $5,000 prize and has been invited to attend the upcoming [MC]2 Conference in Dallas along with the other competition winners. The finalists, along with their schools and titles of submissions, include:
- Steven Hearndon, Clemson – “MTMonitor (IFTTT Channel)” ($2,500 winner)
- Zach DeSmit and Patrick Good, Virginia Tech – “Cyber-Attack Detection” ($1,000 winner)
- Maxwell Micali, U.C. Berkeley – “Extracting Design from Data Streams” ($1,000 winner)
- Ilya Kovalenko and Miguel Saez, Michigan – “Multi-Agent Control of Manufacturing Systems” ($1,000 winner)
“The MTConnect Institute is particularly excited about Alexander’s winning proposal because of his innovative ideas for linking several open-source elements to address an industrywide need for better OEE data collection and visualization,” said MTConnect President Douglas K. Woods. “By leveraging the low-cost Raspberry Pi along with Python, Alex has opened the doors to thousands of developers – especially those in the Maker Movement – to effectively connect, analyze, and visualize data from equipment, all made possible by the MTConnect standard.”
The MTConnect Student Challenge seeks to better develop manufacturing’s digital capabilities by using student creativity to find industry solutions. The challenge continues through July with the ongoing Application Development competition, which closes to submission on July 15. Winning submissions are eligible for a share of $22,500 in cash prizes; competition information is available at http://web.ncdmm.org/cn/ackdg/Mtconnect.
The MTConnect Student Challenge is sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Defense-wide Manufacturing Science and Technology (DMS&T) and executed by the U.S. Army Benét Labs, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and the MTConnect Institute, in partnership with SME and the National Tooling and Machining Association.
MTConnect is an open, royalty-free standard that fosters greater interoperability between devices and software applications. By establishing an open and extensible channel of communication between devices, equipment, and systems, MTConnect enables applications aimed at providing more efficient operations, improved production optimization, and increased productivity.
The MTConnect Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization established to further the development and adoption of the MTConnect standard and is a subsidiary of AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is the avenue for input from industry via working groups and quarterly meetings. The Technical Steering Committee authors the MTConnect standard. The Institute’s activities are overseen by a Board of Trustees. Membership in the MTConnect Institute is free. www.mtconnect.org
About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America.
www.AMTonline.org
About Benét Labs
Benét Labs is a Department of the Army Center of Excellence supporting the management and execution of life cycle research, development, engineering, design, producibility, and engineering standardization programs for large caliber armaments, mortars and direct fire systems. A full complement of modern laboratory equipment, along with a highly trained staff of scientist, engineers, and technicians, enables Benét to be a world leader in innovative technology and applications.
About [MC]2 Conference
The [MC]2 Conference is a three-day conference designed for end users, equipment and device suppliers, software developers, distributors, integrators, students, and professors interested in the advancement of data-driven manufacturing. The conference, April 19-21, 2016, in Dallas, Texas, will be packed with timely insights, strategic views, and actionable items. For more information about the [MC]2 Conference, visit
MC2Conference.com.
About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers optimized manufacturing solutions that enhance the quality, affordability, maintainability, and rapid deployment of existing and yet-to-be developed defense systems. This is accomplished through collaboration with government, industry, and academic organizations to promote the implementation of best practices to key stakeholders through the development and delivery of disciplined training, advanced technologies, and methodologies. NCDMM also manages the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3DP printing (3DP), America Makes—the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. For additional information, visit NCDMM at
ncdmm.org.
About Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is the principal staff element of the
Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSD includes the immediate offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretaries of Defense, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Assistants to the Secretary of Defense, Director of Administration and Management, and such other staff offices as the Secretary establishes to assist in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
Contacts:
Penny Brown
Public Affairs Director – AMT
703-827-5275
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