Moog's high-dynamic motion control system portion of the new Daimler AG driving simulator. (Photo Courtesy of Daimler)

The new simulator center in Sindelfingen contains multiple simulators all optimized for specific test situations including research, assessment and training. The center includes both fixed base driving simulators and a ride and comfort simulator previously delivered by Moog. “We worked closely with Daimler’s engineering team to develop this system, and this challenging project required a completely new and very different approach. We are delighted to hear positive feedback from engineers working with the system,” said Pim van den Dijssel, business manager Europe, for Moog.

The Moog electrical motion base is a hexapod consisting of six moveable legs supporting a dome. Inside the dome there is a full-size Mercedes-Benz car model where test drivers sit and view a 360° projection screen showing real-life traffic scenes with moving pedestrians, oncoming traffic and buildings. The entire motion system is mounted on a lateral rail, which allows for the simulation of sideways movements, such as lane changes. The complete motion system is controlled by Moog real-time software. From the driver’s inputs to pedals and steering wheel the Daimler vehicle models calculate position, velocity and acceleration data. Moog software ensures that this information is translated to movements in the hexapod and lateral rail so the driver’s expectations are matched. Consequently, driving the simulator feels the same as driving a car.

The system, integrated by Daimler engineers, also features leading-edge energy efficient technology. “For the last decade, simulators have been applied in many automobile test areas, including research, assessment and training. The development of Daimler’s latest dynamic driving simulator was very challenging in terms of the technologies required to meet their specifications. We were able to bring new ideas and approaches to satisfy the technical requirements and meet the project specifications and objectives,” said van den Dijssel.

Moog Inc.
www.moog.com/test

Motion Control Tips

Plastics molding machines are provided as production cells with handling systems. Beckhoff’s PC control technology allows all processes to be automated with the help of a universal software platform.

For example, different robot concepts such as complex kinematics like delta robots or  cartesian handling devices can be implemented with the TwinCAT software.

The device is extended by another block with robotics. The motion controls, PLC, HMI and robotic functions run on only one industrial PC.

TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation incorporates itself into the world of existing motion control wherein motion control and robotic functions can be optimally synchronized through the use of TwinCAT NC.

All motion characteristics can be blended desired by the user on a common software and hardware platform.

The movements of the handling axes and clamping units are virtually synchronized without any delay through the Ethernet fieldbus EtherCAT.

The advantages of TwinCAT software suite are demonstrated clearly in in-mould labeling applications, which demand high positioning accuracy and short cycle times.

The versatile synchronization functions of TwinCAT are suitable for the applications. Programming happens with the help of customer-specific motion editors or in accordance with the DIN 66025.

In the case of complex chained assembly machines and production cells, Beckhoff TwinSAFE (a flexible software-based safety technology) facilitates subsequent plant modifications and shortens commissioning times.

XFC is based on an optimized communication and control architecture comprising of TwinCAT automation software, the EtherCAT high-speed Ethernet system, I/O terminals with extended real-time characteristics and advanced industrial PC.

Motion Control Tips

The program, which will run on November 1 to 10, is the world’s first online test drive, according to Mitsubishi. Developed with the company’s Web designer Simon Cave and robotics expert James Brighton, the program is concurrent with print, TV, digital and direct-mail campaign beginning in mid-October to January.

The test drive operates with point-of-view cameras integrated in the car, servo motors and electronic receivers to control the car’s dynamics, as well as GPS mapping. Participants can sign up for the test-drive starting October 15 at OutlanderSport.com, where they can obtain a code that can be used to line up for the test drive on November 1.

“Since April this year we have gotten back on TV, but we are also working on social media programs because we have a very passionate consumer base,” said Gregory Adams, vice president for marketing at Mitsubishi’s North American operations.

“We want to drive everyone there,” he said, adding that the initial raft of print ads and TV commercials will attract more people to sign up for the event. Mitsubishi will let at least 700 people a day for the test during the 10-day period.

Adams said the initial ads supporting the test-drive event “will run for three weeks to drive awareness and maintain water cooler buzz. It’s very important to our objective of putting Mitsubishi back in the light we belong in. Once the online test is complete, everything switches to more product-focused advertising.”

Motion Control Tips

LabVIEW 2010 graphical software adds off-the-shelf compiler technologies to execute code faster, improves development productivity and delivers new features suggested by lead users.

LabVIEW 2010 delivers time savings with new features such as off-the-shelf compiler technologies that execute code an average of 20 percent faster and a comprehensive marketplace for evaluating and purchasing add-on toolkits for easily integrating custom functionality into the platform. For field-programmable gate array (FPGA) users, LabVIEW 2010 delivers a new IP Integration Node that makes it possible to integrate any third- party FPGA IP into LabVIEW applications and is compatible with the Xilinx CORE Generator. National Instruments also implemented more than a dozen new features suggested by lead users through the LabVIEW Idea Exchange, an online feedback forum that marks a significant new level of collaboration between NI R&D and the user community.

During the development of LabVIEW 2010, NI R&D used the new LabVIEW Idea Exchange on www.ni.com/ideas to solicit feature ideas from customers. In addition to submitting new ideas, customers can use the exchange to collaborate on suggestions submitted by others and vote on their favorite features. Fourteen popular submissions from the LabVIEW Idea Exchange were implemented in LabVIEW 2010 including many that improve code documentation and organization.

LabVIEW 2010 also uses customer feedback to deliver new features that make getting started easier. For example, LabVIEW now provides a new hardware configuration tool that makes it possible for users to access and configure their LabVIEW Real-Time targets remotely via a Web browser. Other features include a smart installer that automatically detects the software associated with a serial number for faster installation and an improved instrument driver finder that offers prebuilt project examples for specific instruments.

To learn more about LabVIEW 2010 and to download evaluation software, visit www.ni.com/labview/whatsnew.

www.ni.com

Motion Control Tips

The new dsPICDEM MCHV Development System is a development tool for the rapid evaluation and design of a wide variety of high-voltage, closed-loop motor control applications using AC induction motors, brushless DC motors or permanent magnet synchronous motors. The board includes in-circuit debugging circuitry, eliminating the need for a separate debugger for development with Microchip’s dsPIC33 Motor Control DSC families. Additionally, this tool combines a proven motor-control system and Power Factor Correction (PFC) for regulatory requirements.

Watch a video demonstration of the dsPICDEM MCHV at: http://www.microchip.com/get/PCJT

The new dsPICDEM MCSM Development Board is a cost-effective tool for creating unipolar and bipolar stepper motor applications. The board enables the rapid development of both open-loop and current-closed-loop microstepping routines using Microchip’s dsPIC33 Motor Control families. It also provides engineers with a control GUI, which allows them to focus on integrating other application features and fine-tuning the motor’s operation.

Five royalty- and license-free software application notes with source code are being released for development, five with the dsPICDEM MCHV and one with the dsPICDEM MCSM. Designers can use Microchip’s proven, optimized and efficient code to produce reliable results, while reducing software creation and debug time.

Microchip’s free Field Oriented Control (FOC) software libraries enable the development of green motor-based systems. By using these libraries, engineers can run motors at their peak efficiency and generate the maximum torque using the minimum amount of energy.

Microchip’s stepper motor control library enables the development of high-speed stepper motor control applications with variable micro-stepping down to 1/64 of a step. By using closed-loop current control, stepper motors can be run several times faster than their rated speeds with high torque and low-noise operation.

Included with Microchip’s free MPLAB^® IDE integrated development environment is an application called the Data Monitoring and Control Interface (DMCI). Using this GUI with a USB cable for communications to the target board via the included Real Time Data Monitoring (RTDM) protocol promotes rapid parameter tuning for different motors. Unlike Microchip, other competitor systems require that the motor be stopped, the source code modified, recompiled, downloaded and the DSC or MCU reprogrammed to see the effect of a control parameter change.

For a complete overview of Microchip’s dsPIC DSC motor control solutions, please visit http://www.microchip.com/get/SVSE.

www.microchip.com

Motion Control Tips

LabVIEW NI SoftMotion offers the convenience of programming motion profiles with a high-level, function block API based on the Motion Control Library defined by PLCopen. It includes function blocks for straight line, arc and contoured move types as well as function blocks for advanced operations such as electronic gearing and camming. The module also features advanced functions for designing custom motion applications including trajectory generation, spline interpolation, position and velocity control and encoder implementation. Because the module is an extension of LabVIEW, engineers and scientists easily can synchronize their motion applications with I/O and measurements in a single development environment.

LabVIEW NI SoftMotion seamlessly integrates with CompactRIO to deliver an ideal solution for advanced motion control applications. Using the new C Series drive interface modules, engineers and scientists can take advantage of a CompactRIO feature that automates FPGA programming to easily integrate FPGA benefits such as reliable, high-speed control and synchronization into their applications. Additionally, LabVIEW NI SoftMotion works with customized axes for engineers and scientists who want to use third-party hardware.

With direct connectivity to hundreds of servo and stepper drives, the new C Series drive interface modules make it easy to incorporate new or existing motors and drives into motion systems. The NI 9512 module connects to stepper drives and motors, while the NI 9514 and NI 9516 modules feature single- and dual-encoder feedback, respectively, and interface with servo drives and motors. Because motion applications tend to be processing-intensive, the drive interface modules perform onboard processing to free up processing power and increase performance. Additionally, the drive interface modules work with the NI 9144 deterministic Ethernet expansion chassis, which features two Ethernet ports that make it possible to daisy-chain multiple chassis from a CompactRIO, the NI 3100 industrial controller or a real-time PXI controller to create distributed motion applications.

Readers can visit www.ni.com/motion to learn about NI motion control products as well as read case studies and download white papers on how NI technology can be used for motion applications.

National Instruments
www.ni.com

Motion Control Tips

Established in 1986 by the joint investments of GE and FANUC, GE Fanuc Automation Corporation grew to become a leading high-performance technology company that serves a vast array of industries around the world including the energy, water, consumer packaged goods, government & defense, and telecommunications industries. The partnership delivers hardware and software solutions, services, automation and embedded computing systems; as well as industry-leading CNC products.

FANUC Honorary Chairman Dr. Seiuemon Inaba said, “Our joint venture has achieved great success toward its original mission, which was to cooperate on the global growth and technical development of the PLC and CNC business. Over this time period, markets and opportunities also have changed dramatically, and both companies further expanded into adjacent segments. Today’s market conditions are such that it’s imperative we pursue these expanded opportunities, and while we have achieved great things together, it’s in both our best interests that we focus our efforts on industry opportunities unique to our respective companies and that will deliver greater benefits to both our companies.”

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms CEO Maryrose Sylvester said, “GE could not have asked for better partners than Dr. Inaba and FANUC. GE is proud of what our companies have achieved together – both the industry expertise and success across our product portfolios. For GE, this change will mean a continued, intense focus on serving our customers around the world while continuing to invest in significant growth platforms like process control systems, enterprise and automation software and embedded computing as we continue to build further expertise around the GE vertical infrastructure segments.”

Under the terms of the agreement:

–GE retains the software, services, embedded systems and control systems businesses globally. The company will be known as GE Intelligent Platforms, and will be led by Sylvester.

–FANUC retains the global CNC business.

General Electric
www.ge.com

Motion Control Tips

Included is an expanded, dynamic fold out selection chart comparing all the different SmartMotor frame sizes and lengths. Torque curves are now presented at three different input voltages with superimposed, easy-to-read power curves to help optimize use of the increased SmartMotor power for your application.

A new section includes Application Examples illustrating the numerous SmartMotor product features and capabilities. Design guides and conversion charts make the catalog an essential application development tool.

Also featured is information on the Animatics Institute which offers in-depth training programs covering SmartTechnologies™ and Sales and Marketing strategies for Smart products and systems.

Animatics Corporation
www.animatics.com

Motion Control Tips

Using the “Sizing and Selection” option, users simply enter key technical requirements in a few simple steps, and Micron MOTIONEERING delivers the optimized gearhead solution. Alternately, machine builders who already know the gearhead they need can simply use the “Select by Model Number” option to enter a product line, frame size, ratio and RediMount Motor Mounting System. Micron MOTIONEERING then delivers a specific single part number, pricing and delivery information, as well as a downloadable 2D and 3D model.

The flexible Micron RediMount™ mounting system enables the specified gearhead to be mounted to any of hundreds of the most popular motors available in the industry today in three easy steps – simply align, mount and tighten.
www.thomsonlinear.com

Motion Control Tips

FactoryTalk leverages a service-oriented architecture (SOA) for cost-effective, flexible, plant-wide integration to legacy systems. Its object-oriented design makes it easier to build and modify applications, as well as roll them out across multiple sites in a consistent form – ultimately helping to establish best practices for manufacturing operations and regulatory requirements in discrete, hybrid and process industries.

The industry-specific applications include a new workflow engine that allows a business process management (BPM) approach to implementing operational improvements.  For example, a contract manufacturer can manage workflow changes associated with cross-organizational customer order procedures.

In addition, the FactoryTalk industry applications incorporate a new user interface into the presentation layer to provide task-based, operator-workflow views. This makes it easier to direct and shape what the operator is performing on the shop floor for maximum efficiency and repeatability.

Rockwell Automation Inc.
www.rockwellautomation.com

Motion Control Tips