An Aggregated Data Integration Approach to the Web and Cloud Platforms through a Modular REST-Based OPC UA Middleware

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Industrial Automation
• Embedded Systems

Background:

• The Internet of Things (IoT) enables heterogeneous systems but faces interoperability challenges in industrial automation due to diverse protocols and resource-constrained devices.
• Efficient information exchange and remote supervision are hindered by incompatibility issues at various automation levels.
• Integrating IoT with cloud and web services is crucial for unlocking network capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a platform-independent middleware module that addresses interoperability and data integration challenges in industrial IoT.
• To enable seamless information exchange between heterogeneous industrial systems and external domains like cloud and web services.
• To facilitate resource-constrained device performance for data management and remote process supervision.

Main Methods:

• Proposed a middleware module combining Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and Representational State Transfer (REST) paradigms.
• Implemented RESTful web and cloud platforms for data collection, remote support, and aggregated resource allocation.
• Utilized an object-oriented structure for information contextualization and aggregated data integration.

Main Results:

• The developed middleware demonstrated acceptable platform resource utilization (CPU, bandwidth, power consumption) on Raspberry Pi and Intel NUC.
• Achieved low service, update, and response times, indicating efficient system performance.
• Successfully enabled aggregated data management and remote process supervision.

Conclusions:

• The integrated OPC UA and REST middleware offers a cost-effective solution for interoperable Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication.
• This approach enhances industrial IoT by facilitating data exchange, remote supervision, and broader domain integration.
• The middleware provides a scalable and efficient platform for managing diverse industrial data and applications.