Proceedings, 15th IFAC Conference on

Proceedings, 15th IFAC Conference on

Programmable Devices
Programmable15th
Devices and Embedded Systems
Proceedings, IFAC and Embedded
Conference Systemsonline at www.sciencedirect.com
Available
on
Ostrava,
Ostrava, Czech
Proceedings,
Czech Republic,
15th May 23-25,
IFAC Conference
Republic, May 23-25, 2018
on
2018
Programmable Devices and Embedded Systems
Programmable Devices and Embedded Systems
Ostrava, Czech Republic, May 23-25, 2018
Ostrava, Czech Republic, May 23-25, 2018 ScienceDirect
IFAC PapersOnLine 51-6 (2018) 156–161
Possibilities
Possibilities of
of transfer
transfer process
process data
data from
from PLCPLC toto Cloud
Cloud platforms
platforms based
based on
on IoT
IoT
Possibilities of transfer process
Possibilities of transfer process data from
dataGavlas*.
from PLCPLC to
to Cloud platforms based on IoT
Cloud platforms based on IoT
Antonin
Antonin Gavlas*. Jan
Jan Zwierzyna*
Zwierzyna*
Antonin Jiri
Jiri Koziorek*
Gavlas*. Jan Zwierzyna*
Koziorek*
Antonin Gavlas*. Jan Zwierzyna*

Jiri Koziorek*
Jiri Koziorek*

*VSB-Technical
*VSB-Technical University
University of
of Ostrava, FEECS,Department
Ostrava, FEECS, Department of
of Cybernetics
Cybernetics and
and Biomedical
Biomedical Engineering,
Engineering,
17. listopadu
listopadu
*VSB-Technical University of Ostrava,
17. 15,Department
FEECS,
15, Ostrava, Czech
Ostrava, Czech Republic and Biomedical Engineering,
of Cybernetics
Republic
*VSB-Technical University
(e-mail: of Ostrava, FEECS,
antonin.gavlas@vsb.cz; Department of Cybernetics
jan.zwierzyna.st@vsb.cz; and Biomedical Engineering,
jiri.koziorek@vsb.cz)
(e-mail: 17. listopadu 15,
antonin.gavlas@vsb.cz; Ostrava, Czech Republic
jan.zwierzyna.st@vsb.cz; jiri.koziorek@vsb.cz)
17. listopadu 15, Ostrava, Czech Republic
(e-mail:
(e-mail: antonin.gavlas@vsb.cz;
antonin.gavlas@vsb.cz; jan.zwierzyna.st@vsb.cz;
jan.zwierzyna.st@vsb.cz; jiri.koziorek@vsb.cz)
jiri.koziorek@vsb.cz)
Abstract:
Abstract:
Abstract:
This
This article
article is
Abstract: is based
based onon efficient
efficient andand user-friendly
user-friendly remote
remote control
control of of the
the real
real device
device viavia internet
internet byby PLC
PLC
with
This using
with using
articleCloud
Cloud
is platforms.
platforms.
based on For
efficient control
For control
and it is used
user-friendly Industrial
it is used Industrial
remote IoT Gateway,
IoT Gateway,
control of the which
which
real storages
devicestorages
via and processes
and processes
internet by PLC
This through
data article isseveral
based CLOUD
on efficient and user-friendly
platforms. remote control ofathe real device via internet by PLC
with using Cloud
data through platforms.
several CLOUD For controlThe
platforms. it ismain
The usedaim
main is
is to
to introduce
Industrial
aim a solution
IoT Gateway,
introduce for
for transmission
which
solution storages and of
transmission process
processes
of process
with between
data using Cloud PLC platforms.
and Cloud Forplatforms
control itinis laboratory
used Industrial
of IoT Gateway,
industrial which and
automation storages and processes
distributed control
data through
betweenseveral
PLC andCLOUDCloudplatforms.
platformsThe in main aim is of
laboratory to introduce
industrialaautomation
solution for and
transmission
distributedof process
control
data through
Systems several
within the CLOUD platforms. The main aim is to introduce a solution for transmission of process
Systems
data withinPLC
between the VSB
VSB
and -- Technical
Technical
Cloud University
University
platforms in of
of Ostrava.
Ostrava.
laboratory of It can
can be
be used
Itindustrialused for
for this
this IoT
automation IoT
and concept
concept mechatronic
mechatronic
distributed control
data between
tasks PLC and Cloud platforms in laboratory of latency
industrial automation and distributed control
tasks in
Systemsin laboratory.
laboratory.
within the Another
Another
VSB - important
important
Technical part
part is
Universityis to
to
of compare
compare
Ostrava. latency
It can be of process
ofused
process
for data
data
this IoTbetween
between
concept aamechatronic
real
real device
device
Systems within
(mechatronic the VSB
tasks) and - Technical
CLOUD University
platforms. of Ostrava. Itexample
Demonstration can be used
of for this
using IoT
this concept
solution mechatronic
compares two
(mechatronic
tasks in tasks) Another
laboratory. and CLOUD platforms.
important part Demonstration
is to compare example
latency of of using data
process this solution
between compares
a two
tasks inPlatform.
Cloud laboratory.The Another
first importantplatform
commercial part is toiscompare
from latencyIBM
company of process
and data between
second free a realisdevice
real
platform device
from
Cloud Platform.
(mechatronic Theand
tasks) firstCLOUD
commercial platform
platforms. is from company
Demonstration exampleIBM of and
usingsecond
this free platform
solution is from
(mechatronic
company tasks)Aand
Ubidots. CLOUD platforms. Demonstration example solution compares two
of using thisvisualization.compares two
company
Cloud Ubidots.The A part
part of
of the
the demonstration
demonstration of
ofisreached
reached results
results is also
also available
isIBM available visualization.
Cloud Platform. The first commercial platform is from company IBM and second free
Platform. first commercial platform from company and second free platform
platform is is from
from
© 2018, IFAC
company
Keywords: IoT, (International
Ubidots. A
A part of Federation
of the of Automatic
demonstration of Control)
of reached Hosting
results is by Elsevier
is also availableLtd. All rights reserved.
visualization.
company IoT, PLC,
Keywords:Ubidots. PLC, Gateway,
part
Gateway, the Cloud,
Cloud, IBM,
IBM, Ubidots
demonstration reached
Ubidots results also available visualization.
 Keywords: IoT, PLC, Gateway, Cloud, IBM, Ubidots
 Keywords: IoT, PLC, Gateway, Cloud, IBM, Ubidots
 1.
 1. INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The world around us1. is
INTRODUCTION
constantly
The world around us 1. is constantly evolving
INTRODUCTION evolving and and with
with it it the
the
demands
demands
The world of people
ofaround
peopleusand andis companies
companies
constantly on the technologies
on the technologies
evolving and with it that
that
The world around
surround us isThe constantly evolving and with it the
the
surround us
demands us
of every
every
people day.
day.
and The industry
industryon
companies is
is increasingly
increasingly
the technologies focusing
focusingthat
demands
on more of people
efficient use and
of companiesincreasing
resources, on the technologies
productivity that
of
on more efficient
surround us use of resources, increasing productivity of
surround
work, us every
reducing every day.
day. The
operating
industry
Thecosts,
industry is
is increasingly
ensuring increasingly
safety of
focusing
focusing
workers,
work,
on more reducing
efficient operating
use of costs, ensuring
resources, increasing safety of workers,
productivity of
on more
and efficient use of resources, increasing productivity of
and bringing
work, bringing
reducing revolutionary
revolutionary
operating Internet
Internet
costs, of
of Things
ensuring Things
safety(IoT)
(IoT)of to
to all
all of
workers, of
work,
this. reducing operating costs, ensuring safety of workers,
this. bringing revolutionary Internet of Things (IoT) to all of
and
and bringing revolutionary Internet of Things (IoT) to all of Fig.
this. Fig. 1.
1. Elementary
Elementary parts
parts of
of IoT,
IoT, see
see I2ot
I2ot (2017)
(2017)
this. According
According to to one
one of of many
many definitions,
definitions, itit is is aa network
network of of Fig. 1. Elementary
"Things" in parts
IoT of IoT, see
communicate I2ot (2017)
with each
interconnected
According objects
interconnected to one of
objects (objects), that
that are
are uniquely
many definitions,
(objects), it is a addressable
uniquely network of
addressable Fig. 1. Elementary
"Things" partscommunicate
in IoT of IoT, see I2ot each other
(2017)
with other inin an
an
with According tobeing
one of many definitions, itcommunications
is a network of unsettled, random way and all the time. It is used, for example,
with the
the network
network
interconnected objects based
based on
being (objects), on standardized
standardized
that are communications
uniquely unsettled, random
"Things" in way
IoT and all the time.with
communicate It is used,
each for example,
other in an
interconnected
protocols to objectsor
exchange (objects),
share datathat
and uniquely addressable
areinformation addressable
to "Things" in IoT communicate with eachindustry.
other inThe an
protocols
with to exchange orbased
shareondata and information to achieve
achieve in
in industrial
industrial
unsettled, automation,
automation,
random way andtransport
transport
all the or
or energetic
time.energetic
It is used,industry.
for The
example,
with the
higher
network
theadded
network being
being
value. IoT based
is on standardized
standardized
therefore a concept
communications
communications
for physical and unsettled,
second randomfocuses
segment way andon all consumers
the time. It is used,
(Fig. 3).forElectronic
example,
higher added value. IoT isshare
therefore a concept for physical and second
in segment focuses transport
on consumers (Fig. 3). Electronic
protocols
protocols to exchange
to exchange or
or share data
data and
and information
information to
to achieve
achieve in industrial automation,
industrialused
devices automation, transport or
or energetic
energetic industry.
industry. The
The
virtual objects
virtual added
higher (things)
objectsvalue.
(things)IoT that
that
is can share data
can shareadata
therefore over
overfor
concept the Internet.
thephysical
Internet.and To
To devices are
second are used to
segment to simplify
simplify
focuses on everyday
everyday
consumers work.
work.
(Fig.This
This
3). is the
the field
isElectronic
field
higher added value. IoT isfunctionalities,
therefore a concept for physical and second
of segment focuses on consumers (Fig. 3). Electronic
achieve higher
achieveobjects aims
higher (things) (new
aims (new functionalities, more
more complex
complex tasks,
tasks, of home
home automation,
devices automation, smart devices
devices (television,
smarteveryday (television,iswearable
wearable
virtual
virtual“Things”
etc.), objects (things)
can
that can
that can share data
share data over
over the Internet.
the Internet. To
To devices are
are used
electronics). used to
to simplify
Pohanka simplify
(2017) everyday work.
work. This
This is the
the field
field
etc.), “Things”
achieve higher can be
aims be linked
linked
(new based
based on on IoT.
functionalities, IoT. Greengard
moreGreengard
complex (2015)
(2015)
tasks, electronics).
of home Pohanka (2017)
automation, smart devices (television, wearable
achieve higher aims (new functionalities, more complex tasks, of home automation, smart devices (television, wearable
etc.), “Things” electronics).
electronics). Pohanka
Pohanka (2017)
1.1 “Things” can
1.1 Development
etc.),Development canof be linked
linked based
ofbeIoT
IoT based on on IoT.
IoT. Greengard
Greengard (2015) (2015) (2017)
1.1
From Development
the of IoT
the point
point of
1.1 Development
From view
of of
view IoTof
of the
the development
development of of IoT,
IoT, twotwo main
main
directions
directions
From the (Fig.
point 1)
(Fig. 1)
of have
have
view been
been
of gradually
gradually
the development created,
created,
of but
but
IoT, they
they
two do
do not
not
main
From
compete the with
pointeach
of viewother,of because
the development
they are of IoT, two
focused on main
their
compete with
directions (Fig.each
1) haveother,
been because
gradually they are focused
created, but theyondotheir
not
directions
unique (Fig. 1) have been gradually(Industrial
created, but they do not
unique area
compete area
withof use.
use. The
of each The
other,first segment
firstbecause
segmentthey (Industrial
are IoT)
IoT) is
focused is based
on based
their
compete
on M2M with eachtoother,
(Machine Machine)because
and they
adds are
the focusedto on
ability their
analyse
on M2M
unique (Machine
area to Machine) and adds the ability to analyse
unique
data area of
through
use.
use. The
ofCloud The first
first segment
segment (Industrial IoT)
IoT) is
(Industrial between is based
based
dataM2M
on through CloudtoPlatform.
(Machine Platform.
Machine) Communication
Communication
and adds the abilitybetween
to IoT
IoT
analyse
on M2M
devices is(Machine
built on a to Machine)
different and
principle adds
than the
theability to
communicationanalyse
devices
data is builtCloud
through on a different
Platform. principle than the communication
Communication between
datathethrough
of Cloud Platform. Communication between IoT IoT
of the existing
devices existing
is built onM2M
M2M
a concept
concept
different (Machine
(Machine
principle than to Machine).
Machine). The
to communication
the The
devices
M2M is built on asolves
concept differentone-time
principle than and thepre-programmed
communication
of the existing
M2M concept M2M solvesconcept (Machine
one-time and topre-programmed
Machine). The
of the existing (Fig.
communication M2M2).concept (Machine to Machine). The
communication
M2M concept (Fig. 2). Pohanka
solves Pohanka
one-time (2017)
(2017) and pre-programmed
M2M concept solves one-time and pre-programmed
communication
communication (Fig. (Fig. 2).2). Pohanka
Pohanka (2017)
(2017)
Fig.
Fig. 2.
2. Difference
Difference between
between M2MM2M and and IoT,
IoT, see
see Srivastava
Srivastava
(2018)
(2018)
Fig.
Fig. 2. Difference between M2M and
2. Difference between M2M and IoT,
IoT, see
see Srivastava
Srivastava
(2018)
2405-8963 © 2018, IFAC (International Federation of Automatic Control) Hosting
(2018) by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2018 IFAC
Copyright 156
Peer review©under
2018 responsibility
IFAC 156Control.
of International Federation of Automatic
10.1016/j.ifacol.2018.07.146
Copyright © 2018 IFAC 156
Copyright © 2018 IFAC 156
 2018 IFAC PDES
Ostrava, Czech Republic, May 23-25, 2018Antonin Gavlas et al. / IFAC PapersOnLine 51-6 (2018) 156–161 157
From the technological point of view, there are several
possible ways to communicate within individual devices. In
the industry, it is often better to use cable transmission (e.g.
ethernet, profinet, profibus) due to the reliability of data
transmission. However, wireless communication buses such as
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (less energy-intensive), NFC, ZigBee, Z-
Wave and more are also used. Pohanka (2017)
Fig. 3. Communication between devices based on IoT
(possibilities of using in consumer IoT), see Green (2017)
In this study is the most relevant part the segment of
Industrial IoT (IIoT), which represents application of the IoT
to the manufacturing industry, improves manufacturing by
enabling accessibility of far greater amounts of data and far
more efficiently than before. It is not only a future, because
several innovative companies have started to implement the
IIoT. These companies find benefits from lower consumption
as a result of foreseeable maintenance, improved safety and
more operational efficiency. Networks of IIoT can greatly
improve interconnection, efficiency, scalability, time savings,
and cost savings for industrial organizations. The networks
also enable industry organizations to link all their employees,
data and processes from the factory. Leaders of companies can
use IIoT data to get a complete and accurate idea of how their
business works, which will help them to make better decisions
in different situations. Green (2017) and Inductive automation
(2018)
Interoperability and safety are probably the two biggest
challenges in implementing of IIoT. One of the problems that
can be encountered when switching to IIoT is the fact that
unique devices use different protocols for sending and
receiving process data. There are a few of different
communication protocols which are currently in use (for
example OPC-UA). However, the MQTT transmission
protocol becomes the standard for IIoT (Fig. 4). Inductive
automation (2018)
Fig. 4. Communication based on MQTT protocol, see Vojáček
(2017)
157
This communication protocol works on the principle of
transmissioning messages between clients who are connected
to the server (MQTT Broker). Each client can be either
Subscriber or Publisher. The publisher is usually given a
sensor that sends measured values to a broker. A subscriber is
usually a control unit that processes the values and then works
with them. The main advantages of MQTT include energy
saving, publish/subscribe model and two-way communication
(via both directions) capabilities. Inductive automation (2018)
2. DESIGN OF SOLUTION
Usually, students work on projects in laboratories, which
contain various devices and specific laboratory tasks.
Therefore, in this case, it is not possible to access the
individual tasks remotely. The main aim of this article is to
present a user-friendly solution for process data processing in
the laboratory based on IIoT (control of PLC and selected
CLOUD platforms). This solution is conceived as remote
control and processing of relevant data. It allows to clients
(students) access real projects via a web-based interface
outside the laboratory. Johnson (2013) and Colak et al. (2007)
2.1 Existing solution
The difference between traditional control (programming in
software interface from specific company) and offered control
is considerable. At first, you need to build the program,
compile it, upload it to the PLC, and test the functionality. Of
course, these steps need to be repeated several times during
testing. All operations have to always take place on the
machine, so that the result is immediately visible, and the
programmer can correctly writes a code to the device for the
function.
2.2 Solution based on Cloud platforms
This solution represents significant progress in work with
process data (transmission between PLC, IoT Gateway and
CLOUD platforms). From the beginning it is necessary to
create the “raw” program. Based on it there is no need to
significantly interfere to the standard programming interface
(solution tested, no relevant changes are expected in the
future). This method of data processing offers several
advantages:
- Backup (archiving) of data in the Cloud Platform
(from a security point of view is better to use
commercial cloud platform)
- Data processing outside the PLC (real experiments
via internet). PLC can even be controlled directly
from the Cloud platform (in practical demonstration).
- If software PLC program correctly programmed in
the PLC, then it really is a user - friendly solution,
which is a useful tool for teaching and efficient data
processing in industrial applications.
- An IP camera can be installed for the better access
outside the laboratory
2018 IFAC PDES
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158
This study is a solution (Fig. 5) that allows the device to
be remotely controlled by transferring of process data between
the PLC and IoT Gateway (it have to be connected to Internet).
Two-way communication between these devices is possible
via the libraries, which are available in the powerful
programming tool for connecting hardware devices, API and
other online services. This tool is Node-RED. Initially, an open
source project was created in the IBM Technologies group of
members (this article uses in practical demonstration of results
a commercial Cloud platform directly from company IBM).
The main aim is therefore to simplify the process of connected
systems and sensors to building technologies for customers.
Node-Red provides an editor that makes it easy to link flows
via a wide range of nodes in a palette (for example, nodes for
MQTT protocol) in an internet browser (multiplatform
solution). Heidoloff (2015)
Fig. 5. Transfer of process data from PLC to one of Cloud
platform and back
Communication between Cloud Platforms is provided by
the MQTT protocol (it described in chapter 1.1). However, the
whole solution depends on several factors that can be defined
as possible limitations:
- The PLC and primary the controlled device can be in
operation for several days (higher consumption of
energy).
- The IIoT Gateway must be connected to the Internet
(remote control often via VPN client, some larger
companies may have a problem with an access "from
the outside").
- In this manner you can control individual parts of the
device, yet it is not a complex tool and for the
programmer is often more than important to be
directly next of the device (primary for safety of
work).
- Selected process data can be delayed by transmission
to (from) Cloud platforms (it is a big problem when
it works on free cloud platform). Eventually it can
occur in case of random network outage to some
deformation or loss of process data.
By moving data to the Cloud platform, backups of data can be
achieved, which can be further exploited due to two-way
communication to control of the PLC, respective to the
technological part. However, Free Cloud Ubidots allows to
control some variables (Bool, Word) directly from the Cloud
platform based on visualization elements in Dashboard
(programmable interface). IBM commercial solution does not
offer this option.
158
2.3 Available hardware
As part of Industry 4.0, the IIoT continues to expand.
Processed data are collected and evaluated in the cloud to
optimize the production. Making the networking based on
existing devices is in this case a great challenge, because
machines from different companies and at different
technological levels often do not communicate with the same
data language. The solution is often time consuming. An
intelligent gateway, which harmonises communication
between different data sources, is analyses and transmits data
to the appropriate recipients. The IoT Gateway, which is
capable of accepting and processing process data from a PLC,
is after that used to store the process data from the PLC into
the Cloud platform and then it controls real device remotely
via the web application. Controlling can take place at the IoT
Gateway level or directly from the CLOUD platform (both
examples are available in a practical demonstration of results).
IIoT Gateway from company Siemens (Simatic IoT
2040) was selected for collection, processing and transmission
of process data. It is a reliable gateway that can be used as an
interface between Cloud platforms and production. It can
either collect data from the device or transfer the analysed data
from the Cloud Platform to the device. The openness of the
system to support multiple communication protocols and
writing code in higher programming languages points to a
wider filed of using in the context of specific solutions. The
Simatic IoT2040 can be easily integrated into an existing
device. It is therefore an economic and safe alternative to the
complete additional equipment of older machines. This device
supports a few of programming languages, such as C ++, Java,
or Python, and it is possible to connect or perform local or
remote control of peripherals via various communication
protocols (such as MQTT, SQLITE3). The IOT2040 is
characterized an IP20 protection that guarantees safe
installation in machines and electrical panels. The Shield is
made of durable industrial components and therefore allows
continuous operation even in demanding conditions.
W3siemens (2017) and Rs-online (2017)
3. LABORATORY BASED ON IOT CONCEPT
Laboratory of industrial automation and distributed control
Systems is located at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and
Computer Science within the VSB - Technical University of
Ostrava. In this laboratory are available industrial PLCs from
different companies. Devices for real-time control are also
available, including mechatronic tasks that are controlled by
Siemens PLC (Simatic S7-1200). Each PLC have to contains,
as mentioned earlier (it based on Fig. 5 – in part „Data“ in
PLC), fundamental program. It was created an elementary
concept of this program (Fig. 6). The main aim of program will
gradually change the states of predefined variables or different
structures that can be defined via the IIoT Gateway or directly
the Cloud platform.
Communication between the PLC and the IoT Gateway
can be performed via the official S7 libraries. These libraries
sort out a large quantity of required PLC items and decide what
total data blocks will be occupied. Then it groups a few small
 2018 IFAC PDES
Ostrava, Czech Republic, May 23-25, 2018Antonin Gavlas et al. / IFAC PapersOnLine 51-6 (2018) 156–161 159

requests together into one or more packets, up to the maximum

size, which PLC supports. Subsequently is possible to send
more packets at once for maximum speed. There is continuous
refreshing of used inputs and outputs (it will work after
possible short-term disconnection from the power supply).
Libraries require access through "rack slot 1" and in
programmable interface TIA Portal have to optimized access
for blocks that are already in use. In addition, the PUT/GET
access in the hardware configuration have to be enabled within
the S7-1200 controller. Blue part of picture shows using of
programmable interface Node-RED, which contains modified
decision logic. According to this logic is possible to control
remotely available mechatronic tasks.
Fig. 7. Worked table number 6 - Stock of pucks
The first important element is the conveyor belt, which is
powered by a DC motor. At the end of the belt there is a
handling unit for transferring the pucks from the loading
position to the color testing position where the optical color
sensor and magnetic induction sensor are located. After that,
the puck is transferred to a certain position of the store, which
has 4 levels (positions) based on the loaded color. The
manipulator equipped with a gripper is controlled by two servo
motors that allow the manipulator to move vertically or
horizontally to predefined positions.

3.2 Demonstration of reached results

Practical demonstration (Fig. 8) and comparison of individual

CLOUD data systems can be realized based on the Node-RED
platform (programming via nodes, function blocks). The first
node (Counter of red pucks in stock) receives information
Fig. 6. Elementary concept of PLC program about the quantity of red pucks in stock from PLC.

3.1 Description of test hardware

Mechatronic tasks represent a diminished form of the puck

production, which is gradually modified via six worked tables
so that the potential customer will receive the finished product.
The resulting software application uses a various sensors and
elements for moving pucks to prevent potential worse quality
of products, which will send to the final customer. The first
worked table contains a stack that gradually moves the pucks
to the conveyor belt. This is the first important move of the
puck to the production technological part. On the other worked
table, the depth of the puck is measured by a control probe,
which is active, based on the puck is stopped by a stop barrier.
On the third worked table there are devices that simulate
drilling, stamping and blowing. After this process, the puck is
moved to the next worked table by means of a suction arm
which is controlled by a servomotor. This worked table is
designed for worse quality of products sorting based on the Fig. 8. Transfer of information about state of pucks in
recognized puck color. The last worked table used to store stock to Cloud platforms
finished products (pucks). It subsequently described in more Settings of this node is shown at the bottom of the image
detail as it serves as an application demonstration device that (black rectangle). The most important parameters are the IP
allows to send, process and receive process data from the PLC address, mode (variables/structures), variable/structure
into several Cloud platforms. Stock of pucks, respectively selection and unique identification name. Based on the output
workplace for stocking of pucks (Fig. 7), represents a device value from decision switch node, the correct value will be
that is one of the most important part of this article's stored to selected cloud platform. In this picture these
experiment. platforms are displayed in the form of nodes, it means blue

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(IBM cloud – commercial data storage) and pink (Ubidots
Cloud – free data storage) node. To save data on IBM cloud it
is important to have a registered device on the special website
called IBM Watson IoT Platform. This platform represents
interface for makes a new device, which have to contains
unique ID, type and authorization token. Saving data on free
cloud platform Ubidots takes the form of protocol MQTT. This
protocol have to contains parameters topic and authorization
token (it assigned to the user upon registration).
Based on the data received from the selected Cloud
Platform, process can be reversed (unless only some data
backup is needed). After that Control of PLC is possible either
directly from the selected Cloud platform (this functionality
contains only the Free Cloud platform Ubidots) or from IIoT
Gateway. The following program blocks (Fig. 8) are used to
turn on the laboratory model of mechatronic tasks.
For better comparison of both Cloud platforms, there is a
graph (Fig. 10), which compares response speed when
changing process data. It is a counter of pucks within
individual stock positions. The graph shows that latency is
quite different for both Cloud platforms when adding or
removing a puck. Based on the measurements it is possible to
argue that commercial solution IBM Cloud reacts with a
maximum delay of one second. The second Cloud, Free
platform Ubidots, shows worse results. According to the input
data has been always measured longer accidental delay via
comparing with commercial IBM Cloud (up to 5 seconds).

Fig. 9 - Control of mechatronic tasks from Ubidots Cloud

In Cloud Platforms (selected elements from both
platforms), an elementary visualization (Fig. 9) was created to
show counter of pucks in individual positions in stock. For
both platforms it can be used control panel (switch, slider) and
visualization elements (indicator, chart) in the graphical
interface (Dashboard). After the belt conveyor (top left corner
of the image) is turned on, the puck moves to position for
testing of color. Based on correct color of the puck, it will be
move to right position in stock. Everything is continuously
synchronized in Node-RED. For the absolute control of all
relevant statuses, events were also created, which are able to
send emails for example when an alarm state (the upper right
corner of the image) occurs. The result of counter of pucks in
the appropriate position of stock is visualized via indicator,
which also detects an alarming event (full of stack in correct
position 1). The last element is a chart that detects counter of
pucks depending on time (left part of the image).
Fig. 10. Comparing latency of available Cloud platforms
4. CONCLUSIONS
In this study, we managed to interconnect PLC with CLOUD
platforms based on IoT concept. The result is a solution that
can be used for learning purposes. Students no longer have to
work only in laboratories, but they can process relevant data
almost anywhere where there is access to the Internet. When
we compared both Cloud platforms, commercial IBM Cloud
offers the biggest and of course considerable advantage. It
excels in latency. Response speed when changing process data
was at this platform always the quickest and never lasted more
than 1 second. Free cloud Ubidots offers a completely different
speed. Through dozens of measurements, was observed an
interval with a wide range of values (from 1 to 10 seconds).
For a better comparison, it would be advisable in the future to
extend this article adding another Cloud platform. Due to PLC
used, in this case, the commercial Cloud is available directly
from company Siemens (Cloud platform call MindSphere). In
terms of other modifications, it would be optimal to add IP
camera for detection various situations in laboratory.

Fig. 9. Visualization for counter of color pucks in stock

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This work was supported by the European Regional
Development Fund in the Research Centre of Advanced
Mechatronic Systems project, project number
CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_019/0000867 within the Operational
Programme Research, Development and Education.

This work was also supported by the project SP2018/160,

„Development of algorithms and systems for control,
measurement and safety applications IV'' of Student Grant
System, VSB-TU Ostrava.

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