The Internet of Things (IoT) is everywhere. Yes, we know that, and it’s getting a little tiresome saying it. Where we’re now seeing some significant advances are on the industrial side. This is where, no disrespect to the IoT developers, some real differences can be made. The ability to keep the factory up and running 24/7, or being able to pull it down when you want to can make a huge difference in terms of revenue. More importantly, understanding how industrial healthcare devices operate can literally save lives.

One vendor that shares this vision is National Instruments (NI), as it has just opened a lab to help its customers develop Industrial IoT (IIoT) products. Called the NI Industrial IoT Lab, it resides at the company’s Austin, Texas headquarters.

Initially, the focus is on microgrid control and communication, advanced control for manufacturing, and asset monitoring for heavy equipment. With NI’s help, you’ll be able to develop intelligent IIoT systems that combine operational technology with information technology.

According to the company, “The NI Industrial IoT Lab fosters collaboration between different companies to improve interoperability. In this space, companies with expertise in communications protocols, controller hardware, I/O components, processing elements and software platforms come together to validate end-to-end solutions that can dramatically change the way businesses operate.”

The lab also serves as a working showcase for IIoT technologies, as participating companies can promote innovative solutions and foster discussions around the technologies. Note that NI has some help, too in the form of sponsors, i.e., companies that will lend their technology and expertise to the lab. This includes Analog Devices, Avnu Alliance, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, the Industrial Internet Consortium, Intel, Kalypso, the OPC Foundation, OSIsoft, PTC, Real-Time Innovations, SparkCognition, Semikron, Viewpoint Systems, and Xilinx.