AiVibeumati (Universal Machine Technology Interface)
umati is an initiative, started by the German machine tool builders' association VDW and promoted with VDMA, that establishes OPC UA companion specifications as a common, vendor-independent interface for machine tools and other machinery.
umati builds on OPC UA, which provides secure client-server and publish-subscribe communication with information modelling. Companion specifications define standard information models, notably OPC UA for Machinery for basic building blocks such as identification and state, and OPC UA for Machine Tools for monitoring and job overview. A machine implementing these models exposes data in the same structure regardless of its builder or control.
The goal is plug-and-play connectivity: monitoring dashboards, MES and analytics applications can connect to machines from many builders without custom drivers for each. The community organises showcases at trade fairs and publishes open-source software, including a sample server, to help implementers test their own implementations.
Machines need an OPC UA server that implements the relevant companion specification, which is often an option on the control or machine and should be confirmed per machine. Information models cover defined use cases and evolve over time, so the supported version matters. OPC UA's built-in authentication and encryption should be configured properly, and network design should follow OT security practice such as IEC 62443.
Key points
- Initiative started by VDW and promoted with VDMA
- Uses OPC UA companion specifications for machinery and machine tools
- Aims for consistent data structures across builders and controls
- Needs an OPC UA server implementing the relevant specification
Where AiVibe comes in
AiVibe designs and manufactures the AiAmbA AI Factory: edge devices plus AI agents that let people talk to CNC, PLC and robot controllers in plain language. Agents only propose changes, and a trained operator confirms each one.
Related terms
- OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)Industrial IoT & Edge
- MTConnectCNC & Precision Machining
- CNC Machine MonitoringCNC & Precision Machining
- FANUC FOCASCNC & Precision Machining
- IEC 62443 (ISA/IEC 62443)OT & Industrial Cybersecurity
- Industry 4.0Industry 4.0 & Manufacturing Operations