UniversalAutomation.org (UAO), an independent, not-for-profit association managing a reference implementation of an industrial automation shared source IEC 61499 standard runtime, welcomes ExxonMobil as a member. ExxonMobil has been using the IEC 61499 runtime as part of an Open Process Automation test bed, having previously deployed the runtime for a successful prototype at an ExxonMobil pilot plant.

The technological collaboration between ExxonMobil and UniversalAutomation.org members will drive further development of an ecosystem of portable, interoperable, “plug and produce” solutions, creating an entirely new category of industrial automation for real-world applications.

“We are pleased to join UniversialAutomation.org and collaborate with other member companies on a software-driven approach to building an automation system,” said Ryan Smeltzer, OPA program manager for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company in a press release. “IEC 61499 standard runtime allows ExxonMobil to continue to innovate and drive open process automation. We can now use best-in-class components sourced from different suppliers without the constraints of custom integration, increasing manufacturing operations efficiency through portability of applications.”

“We are delighted to welcome ExxonMobil as a member, as more and more market-leading organizations seek to empower their talent with access to the latest industrial automation technologies and solutions,” said John Conway, president of UniversalAutomation.org. “UniversalAutomation.org provides the basis for portable automation software components that can run on any universal automation-compliant hardware, creating an entirely vendor-agnostic ecosystem for automation software development. By facilitating the integration of real-time operational technology (OT) with ‘right-time’ information technology (IT), we help our member organizations unleash the full potential of Industry 4.0.”