NOMINATED for the bauma Innovation Award 2022
MiC 4.0: Construction Machine Attachments – A Uniform, Common Digital Language

A cross-machine and manufacturer-independent data interface between construction machines and attachments is a groundbreaking step towards the digital construction site.

Within Cluster 7 – Attachments – of the Machines in Construction MiC 4.0 working group, a standard for cross-manufacturer communication between attachments and construction machinery is being developed. The goal here is not to standardize the existing mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical interfaces between attachments and construction machinery. The aim is to create a universal, uniform, and manufacturer-independent data interface between construction machinery and attachments. Through the intensive collaboration of over 25 users, machine, and tool manufacturers, a data interface via CAN bus is being defined under the name MiC 4.0 BUS, which can cover all relevant use cases for communication between tools and machines.

This includes identifying the tool when coupled, so that information such as serial number, tool type, and manufacturer is transmitted to the machine and available for analyses of machine and tool usage. Subsequently, based on information such as the required hydraulic pressure, the construction machine can be automatically adjusted to the tool, thus relieving the machine operator and preventing incorrect operation. The MiC 4.0 BUS also provides for the transmission of control data, making operation as simple and clear as possible. By transmitting geometry data, assistance systems, such as work area limitation, can automatically work with correct data, thereby supporting the operator in their work.

Machine operators are relieved by the MiC 4.0 BUS because tool control is simplified, and additional controls and displays, as are common today, can be omitted. By providing tool information to assistance systems, complex manual setup is eliminated. This means the MiC 4.0 BUS helps prevent operating errors and also increases safety on the construction site.

Both customers and manufacturers benefit from the ability to use complex tools via „Plug-and-Work“ with the MiC 4.0 BUS, avoiding costly modifications. This means that the use of efficient, specialized tools becomes easier and more attractive, positively impacting the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of construction sites.

The MiC 4.0 BUS also makes information about tool usage on the construction site available. This information allows conclusions to be drawn for the customer regarding the load and operating hours of attachments, thus representing a step towards „attachments as IoT devices.“ In general, knowledge about tool usage can also provide insights into construction site progress, so the MiC 4.0 BUS also contributes to the path towards Construction Site 4.0.

As part of proof-of-concept tests, the MiC 4.0 BUS was successfully tested in April 2022 with prototype machines and attachments from various manufacturers. The tests demonstrated the great potential resulting from the widespread adoption of the MiC 4.0 BUS. At Bauma 2022, a demonstrator of the MIC 4.0 BUS will give visitors the opportunity to see the interface in action. We invite all interested parties to experience the MIC4.0 BUS firsthand in LAB0 and engage in discussions with our experts.

Following the Bauma trade fair, the MiC 4.0 BUS is to be released and made available to other companies with the goal of becoming the standard for communication between attachments and construction machinery. This revolution in the operation of attachments will provide further impetus to the digitalization of construction sites and, consequently, enable further innovations.

MiC 4.0 FILM for the bauma Innovation Award 2022.

Contact

Machines in Construction MiC 4.0
Verena Schmidt
18 Lyoner Straße
60528 Frankfurt am Main

verena.schmidt@mic40.org

Tel.: +49 69 6603 1272
Fax: +49 69 6603 2272