OPC UA Information modelling for automation system interfaces
Turta, Santeri (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601271872
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601271872
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis was to design and implement an OPC UA information model for Cimcorp MBR gantry robot systems to describe and standardize automation system interfaces. The aim was to create a structured, human-readable representation of the PLC interface that would simplify development, improve interoperability, and reduce engineering overhead.
The thesis was conducted as a design and implementation project in collaboration with my employer, Cimcorp Oy. Theoretical background was gathered from the OPC UA standards and related literature to establish an understanding of information modelling principles. The model was designed following the OPC UA specifications and best practices using UaModeler software. A requirement analysis was performed, and an iterative approach was applied to design, validate, and refine the model. The custom information model was implemented in its own OPC UA namespace with a modular hierarchy reflecting the system architecture. The model was validated against the OPC UA standard using built-in validation tools and reviewed with the Cimcorp device development team.
The results showed that a custom OPC UA information model can effectively describe and standardize automation system interfaces. The created model provides a unified structure for the development of HMI and facilitates integration between product variants. Although real-world deployment was not completed within the thesis schedule, the model was prepared for implementation in upcoming projects.
It was conducted that OPC UA information modelling improves the maintainability and scalability of automation systems by enabling structured and standardized data representation. The approach adopted in this work can be generalised to other automation systems, demonstrating the potential of OPC UA information models as a future-proof solution for unified industrial communication.
The thesis was conducted as a design and implementation project in collaboration with my employer, Cimcorp Oy. Theoretical background was gathered from the OPC UA standards and related literature to establish an understanding of information modelling principles. The model was designed following the OPC UA specifications and best practices using UaModeler software. A requirement analysis was performed, and an iterative approach was applied to design, validate, and refine the model. The custom information model was implemented in its own OPC UA namespace with a modular hierarchy reflecting the system architecture. The model was validated against the OPC UA standard using built-in validation tools and reviewed with the Cimcorp device development team.
The results showed that a custom OPC UA information model can effectively describe and standardize automation system interfaces. The created model provides a unified structure for the development of HMI and facilitates integration between product variants. Although real-world deployment was not completed within the thesis schedule, the model was prepared for implementation in upcoming projects.
It was conducted that OPC UA information modelling improves the maintainability and scalability of automation systems by enabling structured and standardized data representation. The approach adopted in this work can be generalised to other automation systems, demonstrating the potential of OPC UA information models as a future-proof solution for unified industrial communication.