AEROTECH releases updated AUTOMATION1 motion control platform

Aerotech is a global leader in precision motion control and automation, and every release has made the Automation1 motion control platform even stronger and more user-friendly. Version 2.5 brings TCP socket interface (test version), Automation1 MachineApps HMI development, new auxiliary module for motor settings, and improved machine settings for galvanometer laser scanning heads.

Automation1 continues to improve rapidly, enabling our users to do more, "said Daniel Hong, Product Manager, Aerotech Control. Its innovative design enables us to continuously provide users with new levels of control

The latest developments in the Automation1 motion control platform include:

● TCP Socket Interface - The TCP Socket Interface (beta version) allows users to communicate between Automation 1 controllers and other devices through TCP. The new AeroScript socket functions can easily interact with other nodes on the computer network and provide the ability to send and receive binary and UTF-8 string data.

● Customizable HMI - The access control function of Automation1 now allows users to customize access to specific MachineApps, allowing developers to easily create different MachineApps and restrict access to specific HMI screens based on users or groups. The new MachineApps camera module can use optional crosshairs to display real-time video sources, capture images, display saved images, and view the position of the axis. With the help of the new message log viewer, users can write custom messages with date and time stamps to the message log and view them in the custom HMI.

● New and improved graphics assistance modules - motor Hall and signal status modules can help users visually verify whether the Hall sensor is operating properly. The absolute encoder alignment module helps to set the motor commutation offset typically required for shafts with absolute encoders. Other Studio application modules have also made other improvements, including loop shaping control, homing module, and programming module for frequency response module.

● Laser scanning head improvement - Users can now change the galvanometer calibration and galvanometer power correction files without resetting the controller. Added support for high derivative feedforward control through fast feedforward. The laser scanning head driver now automatically inserts a feedforward current, making this feature easier to use.

● Improved gantry and encoder functionality - Expanded support for gantry includes new homing configuration wizards and the ability to output orthogonal or clock and directional signals from designated encoder ports.

● Increased documentation and smoother setup - Thanks to the list sidebar module, which provides specific steps for configuring the gantry, gantry setup is easier than ever. Now, the gantry configuration in the device catalog is also more simplified. The Automation1 help document now includes the complete documentation for the C API.

Source: Laser Network