Advanced motion controllers get multi-facet focus The expanding nature of robotics and the industrial demands made upon them, requires the rapid development and integration of new technologies. In multi-axial robotic control systems, a new PC based technology offers an open-source solution for SME's in order to improve their competitiveness. Industrial Technologies © PhotoDisc The market demand for sophisticated motion controllers is high, thus warranting the design and implementation of complex robotic applications in a rapid and efficient manner. Additionally, the technology must be flexible in that it's integration with a diverse range of both hardware and software must be easily achieved without presenting further complications. With this in mind, the developed multi-axial motion controller presents several advantages in its construction. For example, Input/Output devices are reliant on a variety of fieldbus types such as, CAN bus, Profibus, Devicenet and Mod bus. To overcome this the Advanced Motion Control System (AMCS) is compatible to most bus type technologies. Another such advantage is the inbuilt Application Framework (AF) system that allows for runtime error application troubleshooting. Most standard robotic controllers do not incorporate this application as a bundled feature with the original package. Control system operators have had to develop and design their own which is both a time consuming and an expensive process. AMCS however comes with its own AF which involves all the necessary features to ensure any of the machine's applications. Furthermore, the AF is open code allowing for further optimisation or adaptation if needed. The project's intention was to create a motion control system fully equipped to take advantage of the fast growing PC based electronics. Part of its additional requirements was to remain compatible with industrial standards such as Sercos and VxWorks. As such, it has become a highly versatile and precise multi-axial control system. It goes a long way to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in a wide range of industrial applications, from electronics to packaging machines, from inspection machines to textiles.
