Vario-X – the decentralized solution for the automation world of the future

Welcome to a world where networked production and digital integration are revolutionizing automation. This transformation process is throwing up a whole host of questions for automation experts: How can the benefits of digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT and big data analytics be put to effective use? How can existing systems be linked up to new digital solutions? The challenge lies in building a bridge between the past and future by connecting together analog and digital worlds. Murrelektronik is striving for a seamless, high-performance and futureproof topology. 

Vario-X – an impressive concept

A successful digital transformation needs consistent decentralization. The concept at the heart of this decentralization is as simple as it is brilliant. The first step is to pack the power supply along with peripheral components such as fuses and the main power switch into small, decentralized modules. The next step is to place these compact units directly alongside the production machine, along with the industrial PCs that take care of communication and control elements for the entire system or for individual modular machine components.

The award-winning Vario-X automation platform is the perfect embodiment of this approach. It is the enabler for decentralization in industry and production. For the first time, all automation functions can be scaled as required and implemented on a decentralized basis, i.e. without a conventional control cabinet architecture. Besides being a platform, Vario-X is also an installation concept that can be adapted to suit specific purposes and customer requirements. After all, when it comes to creating an efficient installation solution, the basic idea of “simplifying, modularizing, transferring to the field and combining technologies” is all-important – and provides the basis for building decentralized automation concepts.

“Vario-X offers 100 percent decentralized, cabinet-free automation,” says Olaf Prein, Head of Global Business Unit Automation at Murrelektronik. “Our automation platform delivers modular and transparent processes, higher added value in all areas of your company and, consequently, improved competitiveness and profitability in mechanical and plant engineering. Thanks to the integrated installation concept alone, Vario-X reduces the amount of time it takes to install a machine by around 40 percent.” 

Leading the way in this regard is a newly developed installation concept from Murrelektronik for decentralized servo drive technology. One crucial component is the MQ15 DC plug-in connector, which features an innovative quick-connection system. A quarter turn is all it takes to connect up the machine system. This means that, when using pre-assembled cables, connections can be made easily, securely and – most importantly – without any errors. That saves time and thus reduces installation and planning costs.