Industrial Automation - Motion Control Tips

CC-Link IE TSN and motion-control applications: Technical update for engineers

February 27, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Time-sensitive networking (TSN) is not a protocol but an update to improve the IEEE Ethernet standard … and let engineers use general-purpose Ethernet for increasingly fast and sophisticated control and automation. It includes IEEE802.1AS defining its time-synchronization scheme and IEEE802.1Qbv defining its timesharing scheme. These make for punctual and reliable data and signal transmission to get synchronized and deterministic communications over Ethernet.

In a recent conversation about TSN, Design World asked CC-Link Partner Association for the Americas director Timothy Lomax as well as CLPA-Americas manager John F. Wozniak, P.E. several questions about CC-Link IE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) — a new network offering based on CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN supports integration of Operational Technology (OT) and IT while boosting the performance and functionality automated system communications.

Here’s what Lomax and Wozniak had to say when specifically asked about how CC-Link IE TSN supports motion designs.

How does time-sensitive networking (TSN) help motion applications?

Lomax: Over the last few decades, motion control has shown incredible advancement. Today’s designs include internal processing of motion-control commands and related functions … and other hardware driving ever-increasing performance. Consider high-resolution encoders: Now these are to 24 and 25-bit resolution … and we’re constantly seeing higher resolutions from encoders for motion applications. Here and elsewhere, the trend towards higher performance continues unabated for servo motion … and these benefit from components and networking (TSN in particular) to synchronize disparate motion axes.

Smart factories need to gather production information in real time; process it via edge computing; and transmit it onward to IT systems. Leveraging production-site data in this way necessitates a stable high-speed network such as CC-Link IE TSN.

What are networking challenges specific to motion control?

Wozniak: For motion applications, the biggest concern isn’t necessarily network speed. Rather, it’s jitter. So an engineer can have a slow motion control … but if it exhibits absolutely zero jitter (which means that latency is always the same amount of time) it’s an acceptable motion network. Unfortunately, traffic over standard general-purpose internet protocol (IP) Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol (TCP and UDP) networks always exhibit jitter … and signals on that network can come nanoseconds (or more) sooner or later than expected.

TSN prioritizes signals and dedicates a lane and portion of the cycle time for prioritized messages. During a blockout time preceding the reserved cycle time, messages that threaten the prioritized messages’ timing are prevented from entering the TSN switch. CC-Link IE TSN also divides messages to ensure reliability. Set timeframes for set motion signals dramatically reduce latency (jitter time) and make the system predictable and deterministic.

In this CC-Link IE TSN application example, a servo motor is momentarily stopped during an alignment operation, and a vision system validates the quality of the workpiece. Here, a CC-Link IE TSN-compatible servo amplifier and vision sensor could enable time synchronization to let the vision sensor accurately scan and process the attributes of the workpiece while being moved by the servomotor. Such setups could boost cycle time and reduce wiring. The large volume of image data from the vision sensor can transmit via IP communication using the same single-network system — having less wiring and the same servo-control performance as traditional setups.

What other functions can CC-Link IE TSN support?

Lomax: TSN supports motion, sequence control, and safety functions and their related hardware offerings — including those for traditional I/O and safety, servo motion, CNC, and process functions. TSN even supports the challenging application of machine vision. As mentioned, the use of common Ethernet connectivity also means this TSN network supports IoT functionality.

How does CC-Link IE accommodate devices communicating at disparate speeds?

Wozniak: CC-Link IE Field runs off an ASIC and is fixed at 1 Gbps. CC-Link IE Field Basic (the general-purpose CC-Link IE) accommodates 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps networking such as TSN. But we recognize that not everybody needs 1 Gbps … and these engineers can execute slower software implementations while maintaining a path to motion and TSN. They can put lower-level software devices on TSN that may transmit messages once every five seconds, but that’s not going to affect devices sending messages once every millisecond. Other networks wait for the former to transmit; in contrast, TSN (and CC-Link IE-implemented TSN) proceeds with handling the every-millisecond signals and “works in” the every-five-second messages.

It’s a network that satisfies an array of applications, including those that have cost constraints … because it’s a software-based network that accepts slower devices … and it’s not expensive. In fact, CC-Link IE TSN lets engineers use hardware or software for masters or slaves (and not just ASICs) for one or the other or both. This is one of the few networks that lets engineers employ software-software, hardware-hardware, or any mixture of hardware and software to get a complete network.

How does CC-Link IE TSN enable IIoT functionality?

Lomax: CC-Link IE TSN supports IT systems and where edge processing and computing executes — acting as one network to bridge all systems together. Key here of course is having hardware architecture to enable that — with intelligence for diagnostics, safety, and security.

Consider the automotive industry, which requires capacity and bandwidth. Many of this industry’s operations already have diagnostics to make troubleshooting machinery across vast facilities easier — because remember, these are operations so big that employees literally ride bicycles from one end of the plant to the other. So it’s helpful to know whether a problem is next door or all the way on the other side of the plant. The semiconductor industry — including teams developing the smartphone hardware of tomorrow — also needs built-in connection and connectivity from the machines in its facilities … as does the packaging industry.

Look for manufacturers developing TSN-compatible products in this realm — for sequence control, safety, robotic applications, and HMIs, and the rest of it — with not just talk about TSN but actual hardware for engineers to connect and try.

CC-Link IE TSN combines Gb bandwidth with time sensitive networking to deliver open networking for smart factories.

Kevin Barker selected as new president of Beckhoff Automation LLC

February 14, 2019 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Barker to manage operations of US Beckhoff subsidiary

Kevin Barker (pictured) becomes the new president of Beckhoff USA, succeeding Aurelio Banda.

Beckhoff Automation is pleased to announce that Kevin Barker has been appointed the new president of Beckhoff Automation LLC to manage Beckhoff business operations across the US. Barker takes over the leadership role that Aurelio Banda has held for four years. Banda led Beckhoff Automation LLC revenue growth and business developments to new heights, finishing fiscal year 2018 with nearly $80 million in US sales, new field offices and more employees than ever.

As the new president, Barker will oversee all sales, engineering, marketing and administrative operations from the headquarters of Beckhoff Automation LLC in Savage, Minn. (Minneapolis area). This location also houses the main technical support hub and warehouse for Beckhoff customers in the US. Prior to joining Beckhoff, Barker worked at Yaskawa America, Inc. as the director of sales in the company’s motion division.

“As a proven manager of large, cross-functional teams, and an esteemed expert on motion control, EtherCAT and general automation technologies, Kevin Barker is well prepared to guide Beckhoff Automation LLC to the next phase of business development,” said Hans Beckhoff, managing director and founder of Beckhoff Automation. “Kevin’s expertise and abilities align very well with our philosophy to implement leading automation technology based on Beckhoff’s PC Control principles, in close collaboration with customers. As the leadership hand-off from Aurelio Banda is completed, Beckhoff Automation LLC operates on its strongest foundation ever with significant revenue growth, major investments in new regional offices and the hiring of numerous skilled employees across the US.”

Over an eight-year tenure at Yaskawa, Barker led multi-national sales teams with the responsibility to develop complex industrial markets, large sales channels and advanced motion control offerings, including the company’s lineup of EtherCAT servo drives. Barker, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Illinois Wesleyan University, also held director-level positions at Mitsubishi Electric Automation and Omron Electronics earlier in his career.

According to Barker, the prospects for developing the market in general automation technology and a rapidly evolving portfolio of motion control solutions were major factors in his decision to join Beckhoff Automation and lead the subsidiary into a new era.

“I have dedicated my entire career to helping machine builders, manufacturers and other high-tech companies succeed on a global scale with leading-edge automation technologies. Beckhoff Automation is the logical progression of my journey and an exciting new chapter,” Barker said. “I am honored to lead the US subsidiary of such a profoundly innovative automation company. Further, I am ready to take charge with a strategic vision that empowers all US-based employees, lifting the high bar set at Beckhoff Automation, the inventor of EtherCAT and pioneer in PC-based control technology.”

Barker succeeds Aurelio Banda who has served as CEO and president of Beckhoff in North America for four years and guided the company to consecutive double-digit profit growth. Banda was a driving force behind the Beckhoff growth across the US, Canada and Mexico. During his tenure, Beckhoff became the preferred automation partner for many highly recognizable Fortune 500 companies across numerous industries, such as packaging, entertainment, semiconductors, metal cutting and material handling/logistics. This has proven to be the catalyst for business success and a key point in Banda’s legacy at Beckhoff as he leaves on the best of terms.

“I have had the privilege to lead Beckhoff in North America, starting with a vision to expand our market, which has been shaped into the reality today of deeply entrenched market penetration with even more well-established US manufacturers and machine builders. My time with Beckhoff Automation has been an immensely rewarding experience that I will never forget,” Banda said. “I am excited now to pursue new endeavors, and envision Kevin Barker continuing to drive the momentum Beckhoff has built to date in numerous high-tech industries throughout the United States.”

Beckhoff Automation

B&R X20-series stepper motor module to boost efficiency

January 28, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The new X20SM1436-1 module from B&R is a new X20 module for direct control of stepper motors. The module runs stepper motors with operating voltages from 18 to 60 Vdc at currents to 2.5 A. Plus integrated current reduction function increases performance and reduces energy consumption.

With the current reduction function, B&R has integrated sensorless load-dependent current control, which significantly increases the performance of the module. By regulating the current downwards de-pending on the operating situation and load, the module allows energy savings of up to 75%.

Smoother operation: The current reduction function also significantly reduces power dissipation and heat accumulation in the module. At the same time, current control also results in the stepper motor running more smoothly. For self-protection, the stepper motor module has an inrush current limiter and a motor outlet with short circuit and overload protection.

Digital inputs with open circuit monitoring: The module has four digital 24 Vdc inputs. Three of them can be configured as ABR encoder inputs with a counter frequency of 50 kHz for 4x evaluation. In addition, all digital inputs have open circuit monitoring, which increases operational security. To detect slippage, the module has been equipped with stall detection.

The new stepper motor module from the X20 series offers sensorless and load-dependent current control.

B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automa-tion Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations. For more information, visit this deep link detailing the new stepper drive on www.br-automation.com.

See it at ATX West: Applied Motion Technology’s latest motors and integrated drives

January 22, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Applied Motion Products will give personal demonstrations of its latest motor, stepper drive, and servo drive technology at ATX West … at the Anaheim Convention Center Feb. 5 to 7, 2019. Visit Booth 4264 to check out the following technology:

MDX Integrated Servo Motors that combine high torque density, low inertia servo motors with on-board drives and controllers to create all-in-one integrated motor solutions that save on space, wiring, and cost over conventional servo systems with separate motor and drive components.

StepSERVO Integrated Motors that provide cost-effective and high-torque motion control for high throughput applications such as packaging and labeling, automated test and measurement, and automated assembly.

STF Stepper Drives that support a range of industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus network protocols including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, Modbus, Ethernet and RS-485, as well as a proprietary Serial Command Language (SCL) for efficient network communications over Ethernet (UDP or TCP) and RS-485. Using STF stepper drives, system designers and machine builders have the flexibility to control step motors using the network protocol of their choice.

SV200 Digital Servo Drives that operate on 24, 48, or higher dc supply voltages for space-constrained and multi-axis motion control applications.

PI exhibiting motion and automation subsystems at SPIE Photonics West 2019

January 22, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Descend the escalator and enter the exhibit hall to the world’s largest multidisciplinary photonics event. Taking just a few steps past the entrance, PI’s booth displays the latest state-of-the-art precision motion technologies. PI engineers are on-hand to answer questions and propose solutions for precision motion projects in industry, research, and science.

PI will highlight its new gantries, automation sub-systems for laser material processing, and silicon photonics (SiP) alignment engines in addition to novel piezoceramic drive solutions and motion and control technologies at Photonics West in San Francisco, starting February 5, 2019.

High-speed automation: Hybrid gantries, linear motors, air bearings, and piezo flexures: PI’s new hybrid gantry has a unique, space saving guide design. The bridge axis is equipped with an air bearing guide that allows exact control of velocity as well as outstanding repeatability and straightness, while reducing particle emission over the work area considerably.

New linear-motor stages, specifically developed for industrial automation help photonics and laser processing engineers design better performing motion systems. New Piezo flexure-guided linear positioners offer excellent precision and responsiveness with step and settle typically in the millisecond range with billions of cycles of service life. Cost-effective and small footprint options are available for easy integration into applications such as image scanning, overlay, fast autofocus, interferometry, and super-resolution microscopy. Air bearings with linear motor drives provide another option when long travel vibration-free motion is required, highly constant velocity control is crucial, together with angular repeatability and geometric performance.

Miniaturization – fingertip-sized positioners: The ongoing miniaturization of instruments requires opto-mechanical alignment, positioning, and assembly on a smaller scale. Direct drive piezo motors that are only a few millimeters in size enable ultra-compact positioning stages. Finger-tip sized linear and rotary stages are standard, but much smaller custom designs are feasible. Single to 6-axis designs are available. Resolutions from µm to nanometers are standard.

High-speed photonics alignment engines: PI’s SiP alignment product line addresses the requirement of aligning multiple parallel optical paths with multiple interacting inputs and outputs, each needing optimization. The automated alignment engines include 3 to 12-axis mechanisms, controllers with firmware based alignment algorithms, and the software tools to meet the high accuracy demands of different markets such as packing, planar testing, and inspection. Hexapod 6-axis parallel positioning systems are instrumental to fast SiP alignment due to their lower inertia, improved dynamics, smaller package size and higher stiffness, and programmable pivot point.

Microscopy imaging and bio-nanotechnology solution packages: Researchers make use of the sub-atomic resolution and extreme responsiveness of piezo stages and nanopositioners to create higher-quality images faster. PI provides a large variety of fast XYZ stages and microscope lens positioners for 3D imaging (Z-stack acquisition), deconvolution, and fast auto-focusing applications. A line of ultra-stable long-travel microscope stages with self-locking piezo motors is also available. For more information, visit pi-usa.us/en/tech-blog.

ISL customizable stepper motors for industrial automation applications

January 18, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

ISL Products Intl. Ltd., leader in value-added manufacturing and engineering services for electronic/electromechanical components, now sells value-added hybrid, permanent magnet (PM) and variable-reluctance stepper motors which meet the exact positioning, holding torque, and repeatability specifications of the broadest array of automation designs. As stepper motors employ the theory of operation for magnets to make the motor shaft turn a precise distance when a pulse of electricity is supplied, they are appropriate in a broad range of high-precision motion control designs. ISL’s brushless stepper motors provide either rotary or linear motion and are controlled by an open-loop system (non-feedback system) to facilitate robust, economical, repeatable, and low-maintenance operation.

ISL’s stepper motors are delivered in frame sizes ranging from NEMA 8 to NEMA 52 (20 mm – 130 mm) and feature a 1.8° (two-phase) step angle. Additionally, 0.9° (two-phase) and 1.2° (three-phase) step angle configurations are available. To ensure OEM’s unique requirements are met, ISL engineers help identify the optimal stepper motor solutions for each application. Included among ISL’s stepper motor customization capabilities are those pertaining to brake, gearhead, torque density, voltage, output speed, encoder/driver, power, current, lead screw/ball screw (linear stepper), all-in-one driver/controller, step angle, phase and pole count, lead wire/connector, shaft configuration and material.

These customizable, value-added stepper motors are commonly used in industrial automation, retail and vending machines, robotics, dispensing machines, 3D printers, machine tools, manufacturing equipment, conveyor and fluid control systems, automated guided vehicles (AGV), packaging, and food processing equipment. They are also specified for ticketing, gambling, labelling, textile, and carving machinery, as well as CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines and medical devices.

Pricing for ISL’s value-added hybrid, permanent magnetic (PM) and variable reluctance stepper motors is determined based on customer specifications. Samples are available upon request. For more information, visit islproducts.com.

ISL Products Limited offers a comprehensive portfolio of supply chain and logistics management services. For more than 40 years, design engineers and OEMs have relied on ISL’s world-wide engineering sales and support network to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions to help accelerate time-to-market. Products include audio components, motor and mechanical components, ballasts and power supplies, potentiometers-transformers, cable assemblies, and connectors. The company maintains a network of US sales representatives and is headquartered in Syosset, N.Y.

RHINO PSV dc power supplies from AutomationDirect

January 18, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

AutomationDirect now sells economical PSV series power supplies and universal battery control modules as part of the RHINO DC power supplies lineup. RHINO PSV Value series DIN rail power supplies come in a wide selection of voltage and wattage ranges. 5-V RHINO DC supplies come in 15 and 25-watt ratings with 12-V supplies at 48 W. 24-V DC supplies come in 30, 50, 100, 120, 240 and 480W; and 48-V supplies are rated up to 120 W.

15 to 100-W models (in ultra-compact plastic housings) have efficiency ratings to 89.0% … full power operating temperature ranges from −10°C to +55°C … and are NEC Class 2 / Limited Power Source (LPS) certified.

120 to 480-W RHINO power supplies have a metal housing; provide full power from −10°C to +50°C; and maintain efficiencies to 88.0%. Plus these models have a built-in constant current circuit for reactive loads.

Starting at $32.00, RHINO PSV series DC power supplies are UL/cUL saw, CE approved and have a three-year warranty.

Also added are universal battery control modules (starting at $30.00) that provide uninterruptible 24VDC bus voltage and offer battery protection for over voltage, deep discharge, short circuit and reverse connection. Alarm outputs indicate input, output and battery conditions. For more information, visit automationdirect.com/dc-power-supplies.

In business since 1994, AutomationDirect is a distributor offering thousands of industrial automation products for electrical control systems, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more. Their prices are typically well below the list price of more traditional automation companies because of their business model and focus on efficiency and the majority of their products are stocked for same-day shipping. Plus, get free two-day delivery on orders over $49; some limitations apply.

Can mechatronics engineering help alleviate the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers?

December 18, 2018 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

If you went to college in the 1990’s or earlier and were interested in engineering, you generally had eight or ten fields of study to choose from:

— Mechanical Engineering

— Aerospace Engineering

— Electrical Engineering

— Computer Science (often included in the Engineering department)

— Civil Engineering

— Industrial Engineering

— Chemical Engineering

— Materials Science Engineering

— Nuclear Engineering

Those of us who landed in the automation industry in the past two decades typically came from either a mechanical engineering or an electrical engineering background. And while both mechanical and electrical engineering programs cover a broad range of topics within their respective fields, there has historically been little overlap between the two.

Case in point: Those of us from the mechanical side were great at calculating forces and inertias but had limited expertise in motor and control theory — much less the practical application of motors and controls to linear or rotational systems. And those of us from the electrical side were great at the hands-on integration of motors and controls, but typically lacked experience in the fundamentals of mechanical design, such as calculating beam deflection or tensile strength. If you found someone who had mastered both fields — mechanical and electrical engineering — they either had many years of experience under their belt, or they had, at some point in their career, been thrown into a “sink or swim” situation and learned out of necessity and self-preservation.

But the silos that were mechanical and electrical engineering programs are changing. There are now engineers coming out of both 2-year technical programs and 4-year degree programs who are educated and ready to hit the ground running with practical experience in mechanics, electrical hardware, electronics, controls, and software. This new, diverse type of graduate is the product of mechatronics engineering: a field of study that first became available in the late 1990s and has seen significant growth over the last decade.

The term “mechatronics” was first coined by an engineer at Yaskawa Electric Corporation, stemming from the combination of mechanics and electronics.

This diagram, developed by Kevin Craig, a leader in the field of mechatronics, shows the diversity of related disciplines that contribute to mechatronics.
Image credit: K. Craig

Mechatronics engineering programs can now be found at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. These programs range from two-year associate degrees or technical certificates with a focus on practical, hands-on training, to four-year degrees that cover everything from engineering theory to hands-on applications, to humanities and social-science courses that will give modern engineers the “soft” skills they’ll need alongside their technical expertise.

Regardless of the length of the program and the type of certificate or degree awarded, one thing the mechatronics engineering curricula all have in common is that they combine mechanical, electrical, and computer science disciplines with hands-on training in software, controls, sensors, and networking to produce students who can effectively work in advanced manufacturing facilities.

Mechatronics engineering is inherently tied to the manufacturing industry, although it also has application in other fields such as surgical robots, aerospace, and even agriculture. In fact, industry leader Siemens sees the need for mechatronics education as such a critical part of manufacturing’s future that it has developed the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program (SMSCP). This program, which can be integrated into existing programs at schools and universities, provides training and teaching resources to schools and instructors, along with certification for students to ensure they have the necessary competencies for specific job profiles in mechatronics disciplines.

The rise in popularity and availability of mechatronics engineering programs could be a godsend for the manufacturing industry. A recent study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that the US manufacturing labor shortage could equal 2.4 million by 2028. Much of this shortage is attributed to three factors: the retirement of baby boomers, with fewer millennials to take their place; shifting skills requirements, which are increasingly dependent on technical training and technology degrees (although not necessarily four-year degrees); and a misrepresentation of manufacturing jobs, which will require a concerted effort from manufacturers to overcome.

The report from Deloitte debunks the theory that advanced technologies such as automation, AI, and IoT are eliminating jobs. Instead the report finds that more jobs have been created thanks to these technologies. From the report:

For more than two centuries, the manufacturing industry has adopted new technologies and provided new jobs for workers. Today, the industry is experiencing exciting and exponential change, as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) are rapidly changing the workplace. While some predicted that these new technologies would eliminate jobs, we have found the reverse—more jobs are actually being created.

The availability and attractiveness of mechatronics training and engineering degrees can provide a two-fold benefit to the manufacturing industry. First, it can entice students and younger workers to consider working in fields and industries they would not have otherwise considered. And more importantly, it can prepare them for the types of jobs that manufacturers are having the most difficulty filling — those that require a multidisciplinary approach to engineering, marrying traditional mechanical and electrical concepts with practical knowledge of software, motion control, sensors, and networking.

Omnify Software’s Empower PLM software wins LEAP Award in Industrial Automation category

December 13, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Earlier this week at the LEAP Awards dinner gala in Costa Mesa, Calif., 11 winners were announced for the first annual awards competition recognizing excellence in engineering design. In the Industrial Automation category, Omnify Software’s Empower PLM Software won the top prize for its use in developing 6 River’s Robot Chuck.

The judges for the award commented that the product was: “Highly innovative and will improve productivity … a great product that will be so helpful to individuals doing picking and packing of the product being shipped.”

The judges for the Industrial Automation category were Bonnie Baker, Consultant, ATW, LLC; Bradford L. Goldense, President, Goldense Group Inc.; Thomas E. Manley, Engineering Manager, Feedall Automation; and Karl H. Schultz, President, Schultz Associates.

Chuck is a warehouse robot built from the same technology and sensors as autonomous vehicles. Omnify Empower, a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software, was instrumental in developing 6 River’s Robot Chuck. The Chuck Robot, using machine learning and artificial intelligence, leads associates through their work zones to help them minimize walking, stay on task and work more efficiently.

Chuck integrates with Warehouse Management Systems so it can be used in all put-away, picking, counting, replenishment and sorting tasks. Chuck keeps warehouse employees on task by guiding them through the facility through each step of the packaging process. It can glide around the room and also has a touchscreen to help workers locate items. Chuck uses sensors to help detect worker productivity. It’s also been designed to help with employee training.

6 River isn’t worried about eliminating humans and instead believes there is an opportunity to help industries that have a “massive labor shortage” for warehouse suppliers. There aren’t enough people to fill the jobs.

The 6 River System robots offer an intuitive design and guide workers to the correct locations and step them through the picking process at a granular level. The robots can clearly increase worker productivity and picking accuracy. 6 River Systems offering can increase units per hour per employee by 200 to 300 percent. Pricing runs at about $250,000 for 8 robots in the first year and maintenance costs of about $50,000 a year thereafter. 6 River Systems currently has 20 customer sites with a total of more than 200 robots in use. It is the company’s end of year goal to have 600 Chuck robots in use across 40 sites.

The finalists for the Industrial Automation category were:

Cognex; DataMan 470
Littelfuse; MP8000 Bluetooth Enabled Motor Protection Relay
Omron Automation Americas; CIP Safety Controller
Parker Hannifin; Universal Pneumatic Valve Manifold
Protolabs; Farmbot – humanity’s first open-source CNC farming machine
Schneider Electric; EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor
Serapid; Telescopic Jib

The new CC-Link IE TSN — for time-sensitive networking for open industrial Ethernet

December 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The CC-Link Partner Association (based in Nagoya Japan), the organization promoting the Ethernet-based integrated network CC-Link IE, has announced the completion of the specification for CC-Link IE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) – a next generation network based on the current CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN was developed to meet future market demands and has added Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology, which are additional standards related to IEEE Ethernet, to integrate Operational Technology (OT) and IT while strengthening performance and functionality.

CC-Link IE TSN combines industry leading gigabit bandwidth with TSN to deliver open networking solutions for smart factory construction.

Plus with the diversification of development methods, it has enabled flexible implementation for various types of equipment and also achieved mixed usage of information communications by using Internet Protocol (IP) and control communication technology. It is expected that these will improve efficiency and reduce time for the construction of smart factories using the IIoT. More details of the CC-Link IE TSN specification will be published on the CLPA Members Site.

Click to enlarge.

The CC-Link IE specification was released in 2007 as the first 1-Gbps Ethernet-based open industrial network and has expanded its function and scope of application to motion and safety control after starting from general input-output control. Its features reach a mixture of high-speed and large-capacity control communication (cyclic data) that combines with non-control communication (transient data). The two can coexist thanks to the 1Gbps bandwidth. Furthermore, it is easy to diagnose the cause of network errors. Since it is simple to build not only the system that controls and monitors a production site but also the system that collects and analyzes information on the production site, it is expected to bring benefits to a range of different industries.

But as IIoT systems have progressed to the practical stage in recent years, market demands for utilizing a wide range of devices implementing general purpose Ethernet communication have increased. Moreover, requests for high function motion control equipment and protocol implementation for various types of equipment have increased.

So to meet these demands, CC-Link IE TSN was developed — a network that significantly improves the performance and functions of the current CC-Link IE. Plus it’s increased openness through use of TSN technology.

CC-Link IE TSN includes:

• Flexible IIoT system construction for faster time to market and reduced downtime

• TSN Ethernet communication technology as a time-sharing method; collection of information from end devices by IP communication while securing real-time control communication

• Easier network diagnosis by using general-purpose Ethernet diagnostic tools compliant with SNMP

• Time synchronization of compatible devices, for simpler investigation into problem root causes; supports both 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps

• Top communication performance for best-in-class motion control operation cycle times … of better than 31.25 µsec

• Segregation of high and low performance device communication, for optimized performance on all network stations … and the system as a whole

• Diverse development methods; hardware (ASIC and other device based) and software (protocol stack) development methods

What’s in development for CC-Link IE TSN-compatible products

The detailed specification of CC-Link IE TSN will be released to CLPA partner companies through the website. Those partners who were involved in formulating specifications are considering product development and compatible products are expected to be released from 2019.

Endorsements for CC-Link IE TSN

The CLPA partner companies that have considered development for CC-Link IE TSN compatible product as of November 2018 are listed below. Following are endorsement comments from the Board of Directors and partner companies.

“Recently, industrial networks that control various manufacturing equipment, robots and sensors are expanding rapidly with the demands for visualization of manufacturing processes and production improvement efficiency. We welcome the release of CC-Link IE TSN to achieve more evolution with the integration of IT and control. We will promote provision and development of network connectors and cable assembly products that realize high transmission reliability and robustness, and will support “CC-Link IE TSN” promotion activities globally.” — Akiyoshi Funayama | Senior Manager, Interconnect Sales and Marketing Dept. Electrical Interconnect Solution Division • 3M Japan Limited

“We, Advantech Japan Co., Ltd, believe that CC-Link IE TSN will be the key product to ensure the construction of a flexible IIoT system, which is the basis of the new Ethernet technology and we would like to actively contribute to it.” — Takaaki Furusawa | Director, Industrial-IoT Group iFactory Sector • ADVANTECH Japan Co. Ltd.

“Analog Devices has a rich history of providing industrial communication solutions – from the early days of 4 to 20mA and serial fieldbuses to today’s Ethernet-enabled protocols for the factory of the future. Through this evolution, CC-Link has played a vital role solving customers’ most complex automation challenges. ADI strongly supports CC-Link with a robust portfolio of products that includes a roadmap of Ethernet solutions for CC-Link.” — Brendan O’Dowd | Automation Energy Group, Industrial Automation, General Manager • Analog Devices, Inc.

“Balluff, as a CLPA board member, has supported CC-Link and CC-Link IE for many years. the slogan “Innovating Automation” expresses that we are a specialist in sensor and automation application, offering also solutions beyond the sensor core business. As a leading company in conveying IO-Link Data from intelligent sensors to the control, Balluff is a partner for digitalization and the IIoT strategy of the customers. The CC-Link IE IO-block family gives high-speed data access in nearly any application. Balluff is looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship with the CLPA and will expand the portfolio with new solutions and products.” — Jürgen Gutekunst | Senior V.P. of Mobility • Balluff GmbH

“Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH is a pioneer in TSN. We’ve helped develop the technology since the early start in the IEEE 802 standardization years ago, and we are excited to see its adoption into the CC-Link IE TSN networks. By using TSN technology, CC-Link IE takes the next step to supporting the applications of the IIoT and the smart factory of today and tomorrow. Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Switches provide extremely high synchronization quality and high-precision transmission functions and we are looking forward to enable CC-Link IE TSN networks with the TSN portfolio.” — Oliver Kleineberg | Global CTO Core Networking • Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (a Belden brand)

“Cisco supports digital transformation that brings creative disruption to business. CC LINK IE TSN serves as a robust platform that helps manufacturing customers digitalizing their systems … by integrating OT and IT at factories and promoting data trading, which will lead to creating business value.” — Kazuhiro Suzuki | Chairman • Cisco Systems G.K.

“CC-Link IE TSN, which enables high-speed I / O communication and information data transmission at the same time, will provide a lot of value to customers. We welcome this release and will contribute to the promotion of CC-Link IE TSN through product development and sales.” — Hiroyuki Mizuno | General Manager, Network Engineering Department, Components Business Division • CKD Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN is a breakthrough in interoperability and performance in network technology. Cognex vision sensors help automate the manufacturing process and communicate critical Industry 4.0 data. The flexibility of this network architecture will make it easier to collect this data by a variety of existing data management, diagnostic, and monitoring systems. In addition, the high speed, high precision synchronization feature enables advanced vision – motion solutions leading to improved productivity. Cognex sees CC-Link IE TSN as a significant advancement in network technology that will help create smarter factories.” — Justin Testa | V.P. of In-Sight Business Unit • Cognex Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN is a major innovation that evolves machine tools and robots. We expect that with the integration of motion control and the combination of TSN technology support with Contec’s IPC and IIoT solutions, it would bring new value creation to customers.” — Katsutoshi Fujiki | President and CEO • CONTEC Co. Ltd.

“We have had a close partnership with the CLPA since we started to develop the first CPV valve terminal with the CC-Link fieldbus in 2001. During the development of these and following products like CC-Link for CPX and CTEU, we’ve received excellent support from the CLPA Testing Center and also from CLPA who helped us to establish the network in Asia between the subsidiary there and the colleagues in Japan, Korea, China. We’re pleased that based on increased demand for the next generation gigabit-capable fieldbuses we’ve started a CC-Link IE Field project. We know we can also count on good cooperation and support in this project.” — Lale Hübner | Product Management IO Terminals • Festo AG & Co. KG

“I am very pleased about the completion of the CC-Link IE TSN specification. As IIoT is becoming common in manufacturing industry, this network based on TSN technology will play a key role in accelerating use of IIoT. Fortinet continues to support efforts conducted by CC-Link Association and contribute to industrial security.” — Kubota Norio | Country Manager & VP Sales for Japan • Fortinet Japan K.K.

“Hilscher is one of the key technology suppliers for industrial communication solutions. We have been supporting the CC-Link technology portfolio over the years, following up with the innovative standards CC-Link IE and CC-Link IE Field Basic. Therefore, it is a must for us to stay on track with this success story for CC-Link IE TSN within the Product portfolio. With this new technology we see the enablement of devices for IIoT, with Sensor to Cloud Communication.” — Sebastian Hilscher | Division Manager, Development • Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH

“HMS Industrial Networks, world leading provider of connectivity solutions to the automation industry, is taking the next step to provide industrial grade communication from factory floors all the way to Enterprise and IT levels worldwide. With the announcement of CLPA’s latest network at SPS/IPC/Drives 2018, we are excited to continue the journey together … which began with the collaboration on reliable Anybus products enabling communication for CC-Link and CC-Link IE Field. This collaboration between HMS Industrial Networks and CLPA has been a great success and will continue to be so.” — Christian Bergdahl | Product Marketing Manager • HMS Industrial Networks AB

“We are pleased to see that the market-leading software development toolchain IAR Embedded WorkbenchⓇ for Arm has been selected as a reference tool for enabling CC-Link IE TSN because of verified sample protocol stacks from various companies. We believe that this joint activity will help to expand the industrial network market as well as boost the use of the powerful toolchain.” — Kiyofumi Uemura | APAC Director & Japan Representative Director • IAR Systems

“As the trend of IIoT expands globally, we welcome the release of CC-Link IE TSN, which will be expected to spread globally with the collaboration with other industrial networks. We will contribute to the expansion of CC-Link IE TSN through compatible product development and sales of network equipment, code reader and switching devices.” — Hiroki Matsumoto | General Manager, Automation Solutions, Products & Markets Strategy Division, Sales & Marketing Headquarters • IDEC Corp.

“MESCO is a partner for innovative software and hardware development in the field of process and factory automation with unique knowledge in industrial communication, functional safety and explosion protection. CC-Link IE TSN fulfills high performance requirements for industrial communication. CC-Link IE Safety enables the technology for safety critical implementations. A MESCO CC-Link Software Development Kit makes the technology available and facilitates development. The kit includes CC-Link IE TSN Stack, CC-Link Safety IE Stack, evaluation board for safe and non-safe applications. Additionally, MESCO provides coaching and service for customized hardware and software development with use of CC-Link IE TSN SDK.” — Peter Bernhardt | Head of Sales & Marketing • MESCO Engineering GmbH

“We have been supporting CC-Link and CC-Link IE for many years, as well as developing and selling a variety of FA products and proposing FA Integrated Solutions e-F@ctory. We will adopt TSN technology … which will become the mainstream of future industrial networks as soon as possible … and will lead to the expansion of CC-Link IE TSN. We will contribute to the development of the FA industry by providing solutions using CC-Link IE TSN.” — Takayuki Tsuzuki | General Manager, FA Systems Div. • Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN realizes high-speed computing, motion control and visualization that integrates IT and OT to accelerate the construction of the IIoT. We will also contribute to the popularization of CC-Link IE TSN through product development and collaborations such as network I/O, safety system and edge computing related products.” — Riky Comini | Director, Industrial Automation, Transportation and Industrial Solutions • Molex Inc.

“We believe that expansion of CC-Link IE TSN will more strengthen cooperation of existing IT and FA, and bring new business opportunities to both industries. We will not only enhance interoperability and security of IT and FA systems, but also promote technological development enabling wireless CC-Link IE TSN.” — Yoshimitsu Okayama, Digital Platform Division, Senior Manager • NEC Corp.

“We are focusing the attention on CC-Link IE TSN as one of the core networks of the future. We will consider development of stepping motors/actuators that will lead to CC-Link IE TSN as the control for networks that contribute to the construction of IIoT systems.” — Ryuta Sugimoto | Chief Product Planning Department Sales Headquarter • ORIENTAL MOTOR CO. LTD.

“As the trend towards implementing the IIoT is accelerating, network compatibility is strongly needed for control devices. We will develop CC-Link IE TSN compatible products for sensing and safety products and contribute to IIoT for FA industries.” — Jun Kasugai | General Manager Product Planning Department Sensing Division • Panasonic Industrial Devices — SUNX Co. Ltd.

“Industrial networks are one of the most important technologies in the digitalized Factory Automation industry. CC-Link IE TSN is a leading-edge technology that integrates control and system networks, and Renesas sees this technology as a key driver for the evolution of the industry. Renesas has been providing products supporting the CC-Link Family and we plan to continue to expand the line up to support the next- generation standards.” — Yuji Mori | Director, Industrial System Solution Department, Industrial Automation Business Div. of the Industrial Solution Business Unit • Renesas Electronics Corp.

“As a CLPA board member, we plan to manufacture CC-Link IE TSN compatible products that will offer real-time extensions supported by world standard technology. Pro-Face HMIs are planned to be part of an extensive line up of compatible products.” — Minoru Yoshida | Strategy & BD Director • Schneider Electric Japan Holdings Ltd.

“SecurityMatters has over 15 years of experience ensuring mission-critical industrial cyber-resilience. We have a proven track record of protecting industrial environments from undetected threats, process flaws and maintenance issues. In this context, CC-Link IE and CC-Link have always been vital components. The secure, open, and complete specifications have allowed the most advanced network analysis. This enables better cyber protection and preventative maintenance of complex industrial automation networks. CC-Link IE TSN will provide a strong foundation for Smart Factory applications and Industry 4.0. On this solid foundation, we will work together to develop even better protection capabilities.” — Damiano Bolzoni | Chief Executive Officer • SecurityMatters B.V.

“SMC welcomes CC-Link IE TSN. We will contribute to disseminate CC-Link IE TSN by product development and sale of it in the market. We cultivate advanced technology trusted by customers, and strive to develop products that meet customer needs.” — Fumio Morikawa | General Manager, Product development division • SMC Corp.

“As global trend of smart manufacturing using IIoT is accelerating, we expect CC-Link IE TSN from Japan will bring customer productivity and profitability to a new level. ZUKEN ELMIC has been actively developing products ranging from protocol stacks to software packages, based on networking, video streaming technology, and CC-Link as well. We will continue active marketing and development efforts on CC-Link IE TSN.” — Takashi Fujii | General Manager, Development Division • ZUKEN ELMIC INC.

“With the CC-Link IE TSN support for the STM32 family, developers of CC-Link IE devices have access to the industry’s most popular variety of Arm Cortex -M core microcontroller to accelerate Industrial IoT development with optimized cost and higher flexibility.” — Paolo Oteri | Director, Microcontroller & Digital ICs • STMicroelectronics K.K.

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is an Intl. organization with over 3,400 member companies worldwide. The partners’ common objective is promotion and technical development of the family of CC-Link open network technologies, helping their joint customers reach their integrated manufacturing aspirations. The CLPA organization is the driving force behind developing new standards in industrial communication while also supporting the device development activities of its members as well as certification of those devices. For more information, visit am.cc-link.org.