REST connector: The bridge to local and external APIs in the machine network

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) play a crucial role in the integration and interaction of systems. Autonoma now offers a new edge connector for this. The REST connector enables this in the local machine network and with external services. 

Local APIs in the machine network

In industrial environments, machines and controllers are often connected via a network. The REST connector can be used to communicate with these local APIs. This enables interaction with a human-machine interface (HMI), a controller or other network participants. By using a REST connector, data can be retrieved from these devices and commands can be sent to them.

Examples of local API interactions:

• HMI: Retrieving status information or sending control commands.
• Controls: Starting or stopping machines, setting parameters.
• Sensors: Reading out sensor data.

Using external APIs

In addition to communication with local devices, the REST connector also offers the option of using external APIs. This is particularly useful for integrating additional data into your digital customer platform that does not come directly from the machine network.

Examples of external API interactions

• External systems: Status information from external systems, such as ticketing solutions.
• Weather information: Retrieving current weather data in combination with mobile machines. 
• Electricity prices: Obtaining current electricity prices for calculating machine operating costs.

Flexible query options

The REST connector offers freely configurable query options to meet various requirements. Queries can be executed periodically or as a single action in the platform. You can find more information on the so-called actions in the following blog article.

Periodic queries

Periodic queries make it possible to update data at regular intervals. This is ideal for continuously receiving up-to-date information, for example:

• Updating weather data every 10 minutes.
• Retrieving sensor data every 5 minutes to monitor machine status.

One-off queries

One-off queries can be triggered directly from your digital customer platform. This is particularly useful when specific data is needed at a particular time or an immediate action is required, such as

• Retrieving a data point once.
• Switching a program on a controller.

Conclusion

The REST connector is a versatile tool that enables integration and interaction with both local and external APIs. Thanks to the flexible query options, data can be updated at regular intervals, synchronized, or retrieved as required. This opens up numerous possibilities for optimizing and automating processes in industrial environments.