Xpert Hub Industrial Gateway for Torque Tool Integration – M.Shimizu

Xpert Hub is an industrial gateway developed to centralize, process and integrate data from wireless tightening tools in the Xpert line, ensuring robust, reliable and highly scalable communication for industrial environments.

Designed for controlled-torque and process-traceability applications, Xpert Hub eliminates the need for direct connection between each tool and the factory system by consolidating all communication at a single integration point. This architecture significantly reduces network complexity, improves communication stability and increases operational efficiency.

Communication between the tools and Xpert Hub is performed through Direct Comm technology, a short-range radio system that does not depend on Wi-Fi infrastructure, routers or IP addressing. This ensures low latency, greater reliability and immunity to interference common in industrial environments.

After receiving the data, Xpert Hub internally processes the information and makes the results available according to the configured protocol, allowing integration with different industrial systems:

• Open Protocol: direct integration with MES systems and tightening controllers;

• ToolsNet Protocol: standardized communication with compatible systems;

• Digital I/O: integration with PLCs through discrete signals;

The equipment allows multiple Xpert tools to be connected simultaneously, centralizing up to five devices in a single Ethernet interface and reducing network infrastructure, cabling and maintenance costs.

In addition, Xpert Hub offers full integration flexibility, with support for Ethernet TCP/IP communication, USB configuration and interaction with industrial systems through configurable digital inputs and outputs (PNP or NPN), ensuring compatibility with different automation architectures.

Main technical differentiators include:

• Direct Comm radio communication independent of Wi-Fi;

• Reduced latency and faster reconnection speed;

• Integration with MES, PLC and industrial systems;

• Centralization of up to 5 tools at a single point;

• Advanced configuration through dedicated software;

• Support for Open Protocol and ToolsNet;

• Isolated digital inputs and outputs for PLC control;

• Robust architecture for Industry 4.0;

Xpert Hub is ideal for automotive assembly lines, automated production systems, robotic cells and industrial processes that require strict torque control and data traceability.

M. Shimizu supplies Xpert Hub with specialized technical support, complete integration with tightening systems and consulting for implementation in industrial processes, ensuring maximum performance, reliability and standardization on your production line.