Flexible and Secure Modular Automation (FLEXATION)

Purpose and goal:

The project goal is to develop a design methodology for next-generation automation systems to enable modularity in which each module is developed independently. The methodology consists of network backbone design, a cybersecurity framework, and containerization techniques for integrating legacy services. Moving towards modular automation will benefit future automation systems including the cost reduction, energy reduction in the system, and better sustainability via modularity.

Expected results and effects:

The key outcomes include: A digital tool for network design in modular automation. A cybersecurity framework for network backbone protection. A containerization technique for seamless transition. A proof-of-concept implementation & demonstration based on a use case. Approach and implementation:

The project is structured into four work packages to obtain the goal. The work packages include: (1) management and dissemination, which will focus on project management and defining solutions to increase the impact. (2) communication backbone design, which will focus on developing a methodology to design and configure network devices in automation system. (3) seamless transition to modular automation, which will focus on developing security framework and legacy integration to the network. (4) use case demonstration, which will develop a use case to show the proposed solutions.