An Edge-Computing based Industrial Gateway for Industry 4.0 using ARM TrustZone Technology

TL;DR

An Edge-computing-based Industrial Gateway for interfacing information technology and operational technology that can enable Industry 4.0 vertical and horizontal integration is proposed and a working prototype to demonstrate a remote production-line maintenance use case is designed.

Abstract

Secure and efficient communication to establish a seamless nexus between the five levels of a typical automation pyramid is paramount to Industry 4.0. Specifically, vertical and horizontal integration of these levels is an overarching requirement to accelerate productivity and improve operational activities. Vertical integration can improve visibility, flexibility, and productivity by connecting systems and applications. Horizontal integration can provide better collaboration and adaptability by connecting internal production facilities, multi-site operations, and third-party partners in a supply chain. In this paper, we propose an Edge-computing-based Industrial Gateway for interfacing information technology and operational technology that can enable Industry 4.0 vertical and horizontal integration. Subsequently, we design and develop a working prototype to demonstrate a remote production-line maintenance use case with a strong focus on security aspects and the edge paradigm to bring computational resources and data storage closer to data sources.

Figures (12)

• Figure 1: Adversaries motivation and capabilities
• Figure 2: Industry 4.0 automation pyramid
• Figure 3: Modes in an ARM core implementing the security extensions (NW entry to monitor mode is tightly controlled. The entry to monitor can be triggered by SMC, IRQ, and FIQ to transfer execution to the SW)
• Figure 4: Remote production-line maintenance activities' data flow diagram (R = Read, W = Write, RW = Read and Write)
• Figure 5: Edge computing based industrial gateway prototype architecture