Smart talk [M2M - machine-to-machine communications]

Machine-to-machine communications (M2M) is expected to have a big impact on the manufacturing industry as companies and their customers begin to realise the benefits. The new pre-emptive dimension introduced by M2M means that manufacturing problems could now be tackled before they occur. This is demonstrated in ABB's M2M pilot project within its robotics business unit. ABB started offering its industrial customers who have one or more robots already operational in their plants, the chance to fit the machines with a wireless communications link for remote monitoring for improved recovery time when there is fault. In cases where the manufactured devices include some form of processing power, embedding M2M functionality directly into the products being manufactured becomes more likely. The main benefit for the companies selling these M2M-embedded products is the chance to introduce a whole new range of services - including financial services related to the products - allowing the manufacturer to become plus-service providers.