With Safety+, B&R is adopting an open data architecture for agile, transparent programming and greater flexibility in the choice of programming languages and data types

B&R – ABB’s machine automation division – introduces Safety+, an innovative open approach to programming safety functions. ‘ Developers can now also use the latest software engineering tools and methods for safety applications. An innovative data structure with a digital footprint makes the source code freely accessible while meeting the special requirements of functional safety. B&R has thus overcome an obstacle that was previously a barrier to innovation in safety programming,’ comments B&R in a press release.

‘ With Safety+, we are offering our customers an open programming system for the first time, enabling them to use advanced tools and methods familiar from standard programming. Safety applications can be developed much more efficiently and flexibly ’, explains Franz Kaufleitner, Product Manager for Safety at B&R.

One of the most striking new features of Safety+ is its innovative data architecture. ‘ Data is stored in a freely accessible format and every change is documented. Source files are stored in an open text-based code repository in formats such as XML or JSON. To ensure the integrity of the program code despite being opened, each file is given a digital fingerprint to indicate when something changes. Supplemented by detailed metadata, what has been changed, when and by whom is completely transparent,’ comments B&R. Engineers can now track every change down to function block and parameter set level, enabling them to optimise code in a more targeted way. This translates into more agile engineering of security functions, which can then be more easily adapted to changing user needs.

In addition to the new data architecture, the new openness of Safety+ allows engineers to create and manage safety applications using third-party tools and platforms. ‘ By integrating safety programming into common tools such as GitHub and Jenkins, developers can work with a high degree of flexibility. This simplifies the development process and also promotes collaboration and exchange within the developer community ’, explains Franz Kaufleitner.

Safety+ also offers new freedom in the choice of programming language and application-specific fine-tuning when programming with data types. ‘ Developers were previously restricted in their choice of programming languages and data types for functional safety applications, which had a negative impact on development time and flexibility,’ explains B&R.

For more news, click here