With the MIC 4.0 BUS, a standard for cross-manufacturer communication between attachments and construction machinery has been created. For this purpose, an interface was developed that covers all relevant use cases for communication between attachments and machines, with the goal of investigating which data needs to be exchanged. This includes

• Identification data such as serial number and tool type,
• Status data such as the measured angular position and
• Control data for controlling tool functions.

The data interface is supplemented by rules for the operation of

MiC 4.0 - connection modules, control and monitoring of quick couplers, and an overarching safety concept for safe operation.

There is now a new update with version 1.1.0. The documentation for the interface is publicly available here.

The deadline for submissions is July 11, 2025.

After successfully completing the commenting phase, all comments have now been incorporated into the MiC 4.0 BUS protocol, and the current version 1.0.1 was accepted and confirmed by all participants in the last Cluster 7 Attachment Group session.

Work on version 1.1 has already begun. This updated version 1.1 will include new additional features and new additional attachments.

Developed with great commitment, officially presented at the 2024 member meeting in Frankfurt, and now fully operational – the MiC 4.0 TestTool and the database.

To provide the software with the necessary momentum, fill the database, and meet user requirements, we ask you to use the MiC 4.0 TestTool and transfer your machine models to the database.

The MiC 4.0 project office has also been expanded. As of October 1, 2024, Sebastian Siegmund, Project Manager Software, is your point of contact for the MiC 4.0 TestTool and the database. For feedback, suggestions for improvement, or questions, please contact Sebastian Siegmund at:  sebastian.siegmund@vdma.org, Phone +49 69 6603-1486, available upon request.

The most recently published MiC 4.0-BUS establishes a standard for cross-manufacturer communication between an implement and a construction machine.

The MiC 4.0 BUS covers all relevant use cases for communication between the implement and the machine.

With the MiC 4.0 Test Tool Can machine manufacturers have their machine data, as specified by ISO 15143-3, tested according to the MiC 4.0 understanding and into the MiC 4.0 Database transfer.

The database is public and visible to everyone.

New cluster brings together experts from various fields to shape the future of machine communication. Learn more about the areas of work and how you can become part of this movement!

Within the MiC 4.0 working group on System Architecture, the „Cluster 5 Machine Assistance Interface“ was established. This cluster aims to improve the interoperability and efficiency of machine assistance systems.

The cluster is divided into four sub-clusters, each covering specific aspects of machine assistance:

1. Sub-Cluster 1 – Machine Users: This sub-cluster focuses on the requirements and challenges that machine users face in their daily operations.
2. Sub-Cluster 2 - OEM Machine Manufacturers: Here, the focus is on manufacturers who integrate and optimize advanced assistance systems into their machines.
3. Sub-Cluster 3 – CAN Bus Experts: This group of specialists deals with the technical aspects of machine communication over the CAN bus, a central nervous system of modern machines.
4. Sub-Cluster 4 - Third-Party Machine Assistance: Third-party providers of machine assistance systems bring additional perspectives and innovative solutions to the discussion.

To lead and coordinate the work of the cluster, two stewards were elected: Alexander Beetz, Professor at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences and former employee of MTS in the machine control group, as well as Georg Edlbauer, Technical Project Manager at Wacker Neuson. The combination of these diverse expertises enables the Cluster 5 Machine Assistance Interface to develop groundbreaking solutions that can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of machine applications.

Do you want to help shape the future of machine communication? Become part of the MiC 4.0 AC System Architecture and contribute your expertise!

The Working Group on System Architecture is founding a new cluster that will deal with machine interfaces for control systems.

Distance sensors, inclination sensors, cameras, and environmental detection are becoming increasingly prevalent in the world of construction machinery. Operators of such machinery appreciate the support provided by these assistance systems and their functions. Unfortunately, construction companies are faced with a variety of different interfaces and data formats that vary greatly due to the predominantly mixed fleets of machines from various manufacturers and suppliers. To simplify this in the future, the members decided to establish a new cluster.

In the working group, all participants bring together the fundamental aspects through their collaboration to achieve a common understanding. This will enable users to utilize this data in the future just as comprehensively and unambiguously as other MiC 4.0 data.