Edge Computing architecture to support Real Time Analytic applications : A State-of-the-art within the application area of Smart Factory and Industry 4.0

Abstract

The implementation of the vision of Industry 4.0 towards the Smart Factory requires, in addition to data collection and constant networking of all devices and machines, the rapid processing of large amounts of data. The concept of Cloud Computing enables central processing, but the latency of the transmission to the cloud requires too much time for real time applications. Therefore, the concept of Edge or Fog Computing has arisen in the recent years. Thereby, the calculation is no longer central, but decentralized at the network's edge. This eliminates high transmission latency and offers high potential for calculations, especially analytical calculations, in real time. In the course of this paper we present the State-of-the-art of Edge Computing within the Smart Factory. Thereby, the results of this contribution depict the current thematic priorities of scientific discussion and derive the possibilities for the support of RTA by EC from it.