Aerotech Continues to Develop Innovative Automation1 Motion Control Platforms

Aerotech Inc., the global leader in precision motion control and automation, continues to develop new products and features for the Automation1 precision machinery and motion control platform. Recent upgrades impact all parts of Automation1 technology - from improvements to servo motor drives to enhancements to core motion control technology to new application functionality and programming API support.

“Automation1 is the most exciting product release in commercial precision motion control in decades,” said Patrick Wheeler, Controls Product Manager at Aerotech. “It's rare to find a product in any market segment that combines high performance with ease of use, and that's exactly what Automation1 achieves. With the flexibility to deploy PC-based and drive-based controller architectures as well as API and Industrial Ethernet support, this product is certainly a great choice for development teams.”

Recent advances in the Automation1 motion control platform include:

● Additional Hardware Product Support - As the number of compatible hardware products continues to grow, more systems can use Automation1 as their core motion controller. New servo motor drivers include the XC6e high-power PWM servo motor driver, the XL5e and XL2e linear amplifier servo drivers, the XI4 servo controller, and the GI4 galvanometer-type laser scanning head controller (supporting the XY2-100 and XY3-100). In addition, the Automation1-iSMC motion controllers are flexible enough to run on industrial PCs (such as the Automation1-iPC) or Automation1 drives, including the iXR3. iXC4e, iXC4. iXC2e, iXC2. iXL5e, and iXI4.

● Ability to build customized HMIs - The new MachineApps tool allows users to quickly build and deploy new graphical user interfaces for their machines and motion systems. With stereotypical layouts and ultra-fast drag-and-drop functionality, users can quickly add and configure machine interface modules such as programming interfaces, point-and-click panels, data visualizers and customizable touch buttons. Users can customize icons and color schemes to match their organization's branding style.

● Additional API Tools - The Automation1-iSMC controller connects to a wider range of factory and lab automation systems using the new Python API and LabVIEW VI, which is built on the existing .NET and C APIs and EPICS drivers.

● Industrial Ethernet Connectivity Options-Automation1 controllers extend automation solutions by connecting to PLCs and other automation devices using popular industrial Ethernet protocols. PC-based Automation1 controllers now support MODBUS/TCP, while drive-based Automation1 controllers support EtherCAT.

● Improved User Experience - Users can develop solutions faster and easier than ever before.Studio development software includes several new tools that simplify the development process, including configuration checklists, zero return and motor phase assist modules, and a parameter compare/copy tool. Upgraded servo tuning and data visualization tools are also standard.

● Additional Controller Functionality - Aerotech's Dynamic Controls Toolbox (DCT) is now available for Automation1 controllers.DCT features include harmonic cancellation, command molding, and positive cross-axis feedback. Recent Automation1 releases include improvements to the gantry control, current command coupling for high torque/dynamic systems, unique output waveforms, and data acquisition capabilities.