Motion controllers come in many shapes and sizes to fit unique and specific application needs. From small embedded controllers that can be integrated into a servo motor along with a drive and feedback, to large stand-alone controllers attached to machines, there’s a controller to match every application need. The type of controller can usually dictate […]
Controls
Beckhoff updates CX82xx Embedded PCs, adds CX9240 quad-core
The new CX82xx Embedded PC series from Beckhoff uses a modern ARM Cortex A53 processor architecture with two cores, offering more computing power for ultra-compact controls. Released at the same time, the CX9240 features the 4-core version of this processor and is even more powerful. The increased power in these microcontrollers does not come at […]
Advanced feedforward and trajectory control
Using a trajectory-following controller provides several significant benefits, especially in systems requiring smooth, precise, and reliable movements. Neyram Hemati, Ph.D. Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Jose State University Don Macleod, Ph.D. CEO, Applied Motion Products Model-based feedforward control is a predictive control strategy using a mathematical model of the system to predict the control input […]
Festo launches AX Motion Insights Electric for AI monitoring
Festo has introduced Festo AX Motion Insights Electric, an AI-based monitoring and predictive maintenance tool for electric axes and servo drives. The system is designed to reduce unplanned machine downtime by identifying wear and anomalies early. It supports improved reliability and operational efficiency in industrial environments. Motion Insights Electric enables maintenance teams to schedule tasks […]
Announcing the 2025 LEAP Awards in industrial automation
Now in its eighth year, Design World’s annual Awards in Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program highlights innovation and engineering achievements from around the globe. This year, the expert independent judging panel reviewed dozens of submissions to award gold, silver, and bronze winners across multiple categories. The following products were recognized in the 2025 LEAP Awards […]
A simple PID loop tuning technique: Part 2 of 2
Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) position servo-loop tuning can be daunting. However, one simple technique works well for most systems. Chuck Lewin • Founder and CEO | Performance Motion Devices Inc. The first installment of this two-part series detailed a simple technique called step-response tuning that helps identify good PID-gain settings in motor-positioning applications. This manual […]
A simple PID loop tuning technique: Part 1 of 2
Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) position servo-loop tuning can be daunting. However, one simple technique works well for most systems. Chuck Lewin • Founder and CEO | Performance Motion Devices Inc. There are two types of servomotors commonly used for positioning motion control applications — the dc brush motor (which uses mechanical brushes to commutate the […]
Motion control boosts fence-post drilling throughput
On the manufacturing floor of British Columbia-based BKB Cedar Manufacturing, the whine of the drill motor and churning of its bit into tough cedar posts made a reassuringly steady cadence — until, too often, it didn’t. Workers would manually position posts by moving a heavy carriage back and forth between drilling operations. They would then […]
Accurate high-cycle clutch-brake positioning control
Force Control Industries presents the CLPC Control Model LC, which provides precise positioning on indexing applications when coupled with a Posidyne clutch brake. Designed to control high cycle count applications where the scan times of PLCs are too slow for accurate positioning, the CLPC-LC includes the CLPC control unit, and a position encoder mounted on […]
New Dart 65E PWM controller for 12–48V battery equipment
Dart Controls introduces the 65E, a high-performance Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller for 12 through 48-volt battery powered equipment. Rated for 10 to 20 amps continuous current, it features adjustable maximum speed, minimum speed, current limit, I.R. compensation, and acceleration, plus a quiet operating frequency of 18kHz. The updated Dart 65E includes a reversing option […]
