Lenze is paving the way for easy configuration of pick-and-place robotics used in the areas of intralogistics, packaging technology, assembly and material handling systems. Robotic motion for gantry systems and automatic stackers is designed more easily with the robotics module in the Lenze FAST application software. “Most gantry robots operate on a single axis using […]
Software
Control Techniques’ Add-on Instructions simplify drive, PLC integration
Control Techniques’ Add-On Instruction (AOI) offering makes it easy to integrate Unidrive M with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs. An open and editable file, the Unidrive M AOI integrates easily into the Logix architecture allowing for further future flexibility. This free AOI download provides an easy path to integrate Control Techniques’ Advanced Motion Controller (AMC) […]
B&R simplifies packaging automation for ladder-logic fans
North American packaging machinery users and OEMs benefit from familiar ladder-logic programming, but new packaging-automation software is easier. As machine functionalities become more sophisticated, ladder programs can become too complicated, even when supplemented by function blocks. Modular application (mapp) technology from B&R maintains familiar, IEC compliant ladder and function block programming – except with mapp components, […]
Technology Tuesdays Podcast: Jeff Phillips on LabVIEW 2015
For this week’s Design World Technology Tuesdays Podcast, I spoke with Jeff Phillips, Section Manager for Software Platforms at National Instruments. Last week at NI Week 2015, National Instruments released the latest version of LabVIEW with an emphasis on “faster”; opening code faster, writing code faster, debugging code faster, and deploying code faster. I talk […]
Software with standard modules can now drive motion and robots
By Detlef Stork – Technology Manager, Motion – Lenze Machine builders must deliver designs with more flexibility than ever. Standardized motion software helps them go beyond segregated component and drive purchases with efficient programming of even complex robotic movement. Today’s increasingly custom products are leading to smaller production batches, so production machinery is becoming more […]
Online Elmo software gives engineers remote machine control
Building sophisticated motion-control systems is now simpler with Elmo Motion Control’s new free Remote Practice System (RPS). The online software lets users configure, tune and run a motion control solution … quickly and easily. New RPS users register and then setup advanced motion control and servo technology (with EtherCAT or CANopen networking) for any of […]
TI’s new DesignDRIVE; industrial drive, motor control evaluation platform
Texas Instruments (TI) recently launched DesignDRIVE, a single hardware and software platform that makes it easier for engineers to develop and evaluate solutions for many industrial drive and servo topologies. The DesignDRIVE kit and example software offer an easy path to begin exploring a wide variety of motor types, sensing technologies, encoder standards and communications […]
Yaskawa’s new motion trifecta packs automation punch
Yaskawa America’s Drives & Motion Div. now sells three new motion-control products to improve automation systems and maximize effectiveness when used in combination. The MP3300iec machine controller makes automated equipment more responsive by boosting both processing speed and memory capacity, lifting both parameters to the highest levels in the motion control industry. In addition, MP3300iec has the ability to utilize […]
New software helps designers pick suitable enclosure cooling
Rittal now offers designers an app to calculate the right amount of cooling and fans required for electronic enclosures. The RiTherm app for Android and iPhones handles time-consuming calculations. Then it lets designers quickly and easily email results to colleagues for action or documentation. A user-friendly interface also lets users access the app from their smartphones to get […]
Easy to implement gesture control in automation
With the swipe of a finger through the program: With a new generation of control units, Bosch Rexroth now brings the advantages of gesture control, which is familiar from smartphones and tablet PCs, to automation. The robust family of devices is designed for use in harsh production conditions and is available in different display sizes. […]