Software extends motion control application into robots
Beckhoff Automation’s TwinCAT Robotic Control platform allows motion control and PLC functions on one PC platform. Video: Dr. Josef Papenfort explains the concept of TwinCAT, its initial development, plus some recent improvements.
In order to integrate robot control more deeply into its dyanamic PC-based software platform, Beckhoff Automation uses TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation software. With its current release, TwinCAT extends its standard machine sequencing and motion control capability to Delta- and SCARA-type robot mechanisms with a Kinematic Transformation option.
This eliminates the need for a dedicated robot controller, with the associated software and handshaking routines, in applications that require a robot to handle part loading and unloading tasks. Since the robot control is in the same device that controls the larger manufacturing cell environment, the robot movements can be tightly coordinated with non-robotic motion such as conveyors and other moving mechanisms. The PC-based control platform from Beckhoff unites PLC, motion control, and robotics all on one multi-tasking hardware and software platform.
Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation software provides several key advantages:
• Eliminates need for a separate CPU for robot control
• Reduces engineering costs for configuration, parameterization, and diagnostics, and
• Provides higher performance and accuracy because of direct interfaces. Complex communication between separate CPUs is eliminated.
Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander(at)cfemedia.com
- Related News:
Ultra compact I/O terminal for servo motor control - 04.10.2011 18:13
Case Study Database
Get more exposure for your case study by uploading it to the Plant Engineering case study database, where end-users can identify relevant solutions and explore what the experts are doing to effectively implement a variety of technology and productivity related projects.
These case studies provide examples of how knowledgeable solution providers have used technology, processes and people to create effective and successful implementations in real-world situations. Case studies can be completed by filling out a simple online form where you can outline the project title, abstract, and full story in 1500 words or less; upload photos, videos and a logo.
Click here to visit the Case Study Database and upload your case study.
2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.