Virtual Kubelet Orchestration for Industrial Automation Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation systems for industrial automation platforms rely heavily on manual processes for managing and controlling automation programs, leading to low automation levels, long revision times, and high revision efforts, as well as local dependence on engineering systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of virtual kubelets with a provider interface, integrated into a Kubernetes system, allows for the management and control of automation programs on industrial automation platforms, enabling automated deployment, execution, and monitoring of programs across various platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual engineering systems are used to manage automation programs, then local control and compatibility with specific automation platforms are ensured, but automation level is low and revision time is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidrevision time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Kubernetes-based intermediary system that acts as a mediator between the engineering system and the automation platform. The Kubernetes master receives automation programs, manages their deployment, and coordinates with virtual kubelets on the automation platform, thereby automating the program management process and reducing manual intervention and revision time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical engineering process with an automated software-based Kubernetes orchestration system. The virtual kubelet on the automation platform substitutes for manual engineering operations, automatically handling program deployment, updates, and management tasks that previously required manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If engineering systems are locally connected to automation platforms, then direct control and compatibility are achieved, but dependency on local systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform compatibilityVSAvoidsystem dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Kubernetes system provides a universal platform that can manage automation programs across different automation platform types. The virtual kubelet acts as a multi-functional intermediary that can communicate with various automation platforms through standardized interfaces, reducing dependency on specific local engineering systems while maintaining broad platform compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual kubelet serves as an intermediary layer between Kubernetes and the automation platform, abstracting away platform-specific details. This intermediary enables Kubernetes to manage diverse automation platforms without requiring direct local connections to each specific platform, thereby reducing system dependency while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If classical engineering systems are used, then direct program management is possible, but automation level remains low and manual effort is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram management efficiencyVSAvoidautomation degree

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual engineering operations with automated Kubernetes orchestration. The virtual kubelet on the automation platform automatically performs program deployment, updates, and management tasks that previously required manual engineering intervention, thereby increasing both automation degree and program management efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automation program management where the Kubernetes system automatically handles program deployment, monitoring, and updates without requiring manual engineering intervention. The virtual kubelet autonomously manages the automation programs on the platform, improving efficiency while increasing automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12287613B2Method and assembly for managing automation programs for industrial automation platforms

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A method and to assembly for managing an automation program for an industrial automation platform, wherein the automation program is transferred to the automation platform and execution of the automation program is controlled, where in a first step, the automation program or a reference to the automation program is transferred from a Kubernetes master a virtual kubelet, in a second step, the transferred or referenced automation program is transferred to the industrial automation platform via a provider interface of the virtual kubelet, and in a third step, the execution of the transferred automation program on the industrial automation platform is controlled, where via the provider interface, control commands are transferred to the industrial automation platform and acknowledgement messages of the industrial automation platform are received and processed or forwarded to a control entity, such that automation programs can be managed, distributed and run using container orchestration systems.