AutomationML


AutomationML is a neutral data format based on XML for the storage and exchange of plant engineering information, which is provided as open standard. Goal of AutomationML is to interconnect the heterogeneous tool landscape of modern engineering tools in their different disciplines, e.g. mechanical plant engineering, electrical design, HMI development, PLC, robot control.

Approach

AutomationML describes real plant components as objects encapsulating different aspects.
An object can consist out of other sub-objects, and can itself be part of a bigger composition. It can describe a screw, a claw, a robot or a complete manufacturing cell in different levels of detail.
Typical objects in plant automation comprise information about topology, geometry, kinematics and logic, where logic comprises sequencing, behaviour and control.
AutomationML incorporates different standards through strongly typed links across the formats:
  1. Topology implemented with CAEX
Properties and relations of objects in their hierarchical structure
  1. Geometry implemented with COLLADA of the Khronos Group
Graphical attributes and 3D information
  1. Kinematics implemented with COLLADA
Connections and dependencies among objects to support motion planning
  1. Logic implemented with
Sequences of actions, internal behavior of objects and I/O connections
For future extensions, AutomationML is designed to integrate further formats using the same referencing mechanism.

History

After first evaluations of exchange formats, Daimler initiated the joint activity of the companies ABB, KUKA, Rockwell Automation and Siemens together with and as well as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the University of Magdeburg in October 2006 to define and standardize the Automation Markup Language as an intermediate format for the Digital Factory.
In April 2009, an independent organization was founded. The institute became the first new member.
AutomationML is available as open standard free of charge.