6/27/2023 0 Comments Anytalk plc controlsIn addition, the controls hardware design for a PLC-based robotic controller can now utilize a common controls architecture with the system controls. When the PLC that controls the robot is the same PLC that controls the other system components, it eliminates this interface point and greatly reduces overall system complexity. We still offer our standard robot controller, the DX100, for applications requiring process control, like welding, dispensing, and painting.” Users now gain the flexibility that robots offer in a PLC-based platform they already understand. We view the development of our MLX100 Robot Gateway as an easy way for these users to adopt robotics into their packaging lines without the burden of having to learn a new robot programming language. “These markets have engineers and technicians with extensive experience and expertise with PLC controls and programming. “As we studied the packaging and palletizing markets, we recognized the need for a unified control strategy,” says Steve Barhorst, president and chief operating officer, Yaskawa America Inc., Motoman Robotics Division. Several robotics companies are developing control options to simplify matters, including Yaskawa's Motoman Division and KUKA Robotics. Depending on the complexity of the application, this interface can be quite challenging. System components are typically controlled via a PLC, so that the robotic controller and system controller must interface, coordinating data and interlocks to achieve the desired functions. In addition, these setups incorporate complex systems that include infeed and discharge conveyors, pallet dispensers, transfer cars, and other equipment. Robotic material handling solutions naturally include robots. Moving to PLC-based robotic controls brings additional advantages as well, including common programming controls, software interfaces, program backup and restore methods, and program documentation. What the robot should be doing and how to do it is still required knowledge, but the hurdle of learning a proprietary OEM control language disappears, and with it much of the training time previously required. If you're familiar with PLCs, as many engineers are, then you already know how to read, understand, and troubleshoot a PLC-based robot. For facilities where PLC-based controls are already used in other machine control applications, the benefits of using one for the robot as well may be a better choice than using an OEM controller, depending on the application. ![]() ![]() While robot original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) each offer their own tightly integrated controllers, recent developments now enable control by a programmable logic controller, or PLC.
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