ORIGINAL ARTICLE An Internet of Things (IoT)-based collaborative framework for advanced manufacturing Yajun Lu 1 & J. Cecil 1 Received: 16 August 2015 /Accepted: 27 August 2015 # Springer-Verlag London 2015 Abstract This paper outlines an Internet of Things (IoT)- based collaborative framework which provides a foundation for cyber physical interactions and collaborations for ad- vanced manufacturing domains. A general framework for col- laborative manufacturing is proposed followed by a discus- sion of such an IoT-based framework for the domain of micro devices assembly. The design of this collaborative framework is discussed in the context of cloud computing as well as the emerging Next Internet which is the focus of recent initiatives in the USA, EU, and other countries. The data/information exchange between the various software and physical compo- nents is modeled using the engineering Enterprise Modeling Language (eEML), which provides a structured foundation for designing and developing this IoT-based collaborative frame- work. The key cyber physical components and modules are described followed by a discussion of the implementation of this framework. Keywords Internet of Things . Collaborative manufacturing . Micro devices assembly . Next Internet 1 Introduction The term Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming popular in the context of the ongoing IT revolution which has created a greater awareness of emerging and smart technologies as well as phenomenal interest in IT-based products in the world community. IoT can be described as the network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sen- sors, and connectivity to enable it to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator, and/or other connected devices http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Internet_of_Things. The term Internet of Things was first coined by K. Ashton in the context of supply chain management. In a nutshell, IoT refers to the complex network of software and physical entities which are embedded or implemented within sensors, smart phones, tables, computers, electronic products as well as other devices which have software elements to perform computing or non-computing activities. These entities are the “things” referred to in the term “Internet of Things” which are expected to be capable of collaborating with other similar entities as part of the Internet and other cyber infrastructure at various levels of abstraction and network connectivity. The underlying as- sumption is that by interacting with each other, a large range of services can be provided using this network of collaborations. This subsequently enables these entities to provide greater value to customers and collaborating organizations. Since then, the term IoT has come to signify a broader context encompassing a range of applications including trans- port, healthcare, and energy [1–3]. While this evolution is to be expected, the primary objective has remained the same: to enable a computing device or set of devices sense data and information without manual intervention. In the context of the current Internet, the next technological advancement focuses on a broader complex network of interconnected “things” or objects which can perform a range of functions including sensing, controlling, actuating, assembling, monitoring, and responding. A major catalyst for this evolving realization has been the explosion of wireless technology (including radio frequency identification RFID, Wi-Fi, etc.) which is radically changing the way data and information is exchanged. The * J. Cecil j.cecil@okstate.edu 1 Center for Information Centric Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA Int J Adv Manuf Technol DOI 10.1007/s00170-015-7772-0