A Hybrid, Distributed Condition Monitoring System using MEMS Microphones, Artificial Neural Networks, and Cloud Computing

Condition monitoring supported with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and industrial internet of things (IIoT) technologies increases the feasibility of predictive maintenance (PdM). However, the cost of traditional sensors, data acquisition systems, and the information technology expert knowledge required to inform and implement PdM challenge the industry. This thesis proposes a hybrid condition monitoring system (CMS) architecture consisting of a distributed, low-cost IIoT-sensor solution. The CMS uses micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphones for data acquisition, edge computing for signal preprocessing, and cloud computing, including artificial neural networks (ANN) for higher-level information processing. The higher-level information processing includes condition detection and time-based prediction capabilities to inform PdM strategies. The system’s feasibility is validated using a testbed for reciprocating linear-motion axes.