西门子推出一款集成了人工智能（AI）芯片的全新模块，用于Simatic S7-1500控制器和ET 200MP I/O系统。Simatic S7-1500 TM神经处理器（NPU）使用英特尔Movidius Myriad X 视觉处理器

（VPU），能够实现神经网络的高效处理。新模块配有USB 3.1接口和千兆以太网端口，通过SD卡获得训练过的神经系统中的功能。传感器的数据和来自CPU程序的数据，在神经网络的基础上进行处理。借助机器学习算法，诸如生产工厂的视觉质量检验或图像引导的机器人系统等应用将得以有效实现。这些行为从而变得更高效、更像人类专家。随着该模块的推出，西门子将更多的未来技术整合到工业应用场景。

      Simatic S7-1500 TM NPU上安装的VPU采用英特尔新款 Myriad X VPU 芯片，配有深度神经网络结构的专用硬件加速器。集成了图像处理单元与神经网络计算单元的Myriad X是计算机视觉应用的先驱。嵌入式英特尔芯片可基于训练过的模型来加速图像处理过程和快速本地数据评估，从而促进工业自动化领域新的应用。

      用户可以在S7-1500 TM NPU模块的集成接口上连接可兼容的传感器，例如摄像头或麦克风，传感器数据和来自CPU程序的信息，利用神经网络进行处理，处理的结果再在CPU程序中进行评估。利用传统图像处理技术识别工件时，必须极其精准地设置每个工件的数据；而应用学习算法对所识别的图像数据进行分析，工件数据的设置在一定程度上可以更加灵活。Tensorflow等开放式人工智能框架就是应用于此。

      Simatic S7-1500 TM NPU的优势在分拣/放置应用场景里，体现在移动机器人必须能够识别、分拣并放置随意摆放在箱子中的部件。此外，在质检方面也将带来附加价值，例如利用联网摄像头所采集的图像或数据对神经网络进行不断训练，模块将像专家一样具备判断产品或工艺一致性、颜色和质量参数的知识。

Siemens is launching onto the market a new module for the Simatic S7-1500 controller and the ET 200MP I/O system, which has a chip with artificial intelligence (AI) capability: The S7-1500 TM NPU (neural processing unit) is equipped with the Intel Movidius Myriad X Vision processing unit, thus enabling the efficient processing of neural networks. The module gets its function from the provision of a trained neural system on an SD card and is equipped with the USB 3.1 interfaces and a Gigabit Ethernet port. On the basis of the neural network, data from a connected sensor system or from the CPU program can be processed. By using machine-learning algorithms, for example, visual quality checks in production plants or image-guided robot systems can be efficiently realized. This makes a considerably more efficient and more "human-like" behavior possible. With this module, Siemens is taking another step toward the integration of future technologies into industrial applications.

The installed VPU, Intel's new Myriad X VPU chip, is the first in its class to have a dedicated hardware accelerator for deep neural network structures. The integrated image processing unit together with the computing unit for neural networks makes the Myriad X the trailblazer for computer vision applications. The integral Intel chip facilitates new applications in industrial automation by speeding up the image-processing processes and fast local data evaluation by means of the trained models.

Users can connect compatible sensors such as cameras or microphones to the integrated interfaces of the newly developed S7-1500 TM NPU module. The data of the connected sensor systems, as well as information from the CPU program itself, can be processed using neural networks. The result of processing is then evaluated in the CPU program. Where the data of each workpiece must be configured most precisely for the recognition of workpieces using conventional image processing, this process can be structured with considerably more flexibility by applying learning procedures to identified image data. Open AI frameworks such as Tensorflow are used for this purpose.

The resulting advantage comes to bear, for example, during pick-and-place applications, in which a mobile robot must recognize, pick out and place components that are lying randomly in a crate. Added value can thus also be achieved during quality checks: Human expert knowledge regarding parameters such as consistency, color or quality of a product or a process can be transferred direct to the module through the continuous training of a neural network with assigned (image) data, e.g. by means of a connected camera.

Background information:

Artificial intelligence, with all its different facets, makes a considerable contribution, especially in industry, toward reducing the usual expense of programming and engineering, making the control logic more agile and flexible with regard to changes in the ambient conditions and structuring production processes with greater flexibility and precision.

With Future of Automation, Siemens is offering far-reaching insights into the future of automation and the role of artificial intelligence within the portfolio of Totally Integrated Automation. This means scalable solutions from the field level to the controller and edge level and all the way to the Cloud. This means that an AI solution can be scaled in terms of the environment and the target application: At the machine on the field level where fast, deterministic decisions are required, or across all machines or plants with a significantly higher quantity of data to be processed and a corresponding demand for computing power.

For further information, go to www.siemens.com/et200mp

Further information about Siemens at SPS IPC Drives 2018 can be found at www.siemens.com/sps-ipc-drives and www.siemens.com/press/sps2018