Robot control made simple
Kinematics takes control integration one step further.
Using robotics in packaging, pick-and-place, assembly and other complex motion control applications can greatly improve a machine’s efficiency and performance. However, integrating robotics into a machine can be complicated and time consuming, often requiring a mix of disparate hardware and software components from different vendors.
But now, Rockwell Automation has made robot control much easier, with Kinematics seamlessly integrated into the Kinetix Integrated Motion Solution. Kinematics provides a single, integrated solution for multiple disciplines, eliminating additional robot and safety controllers, software and special custom function blocks typically needed when incorporating a robot into an application. This significantly reduces the time and costs for both design and programming. Machine builders and end users can easily program the robot in simple Cartesian coordinates, while the controller handles Kinematics transformations.
The RSLogix 5000 software allows control of 2- and 3- axis articulated, SCARA, H-bot and Delta geometry robots natively in standard and safety ControlLogix controllers. Because of the way the Kinematics transformation is implemented in RSLogix 5000 and the ControlLogix controllers, users can enable the Kinematics transformation with a newly added instruction and then just reuse the extensive and familiar set of motion instructions to program the robot and the motion components of the application. In addition, a library of add-on instructions is available to simplify robot program development and integration.
Delta robots in particular bring a range of benefits to packaging and other manufacturing applications. The speed and flexibility of Delta robots make them ideal for applications where the loads are light and the move distances are short. The robots are capable of very high cycle times – up to 180 parts per minute – so providing high throughput. In addition, the robot’s geometry allows it to move rapidly within a three dimensional space and orient a load around its vertical axis.
Target applications for Kinematics include packaging, material handling and assembly applications. For machine builders, system integrators and end users looking for simpler alternatives to building their own robot or buying off-the-shelf mechanicals, Kinematics is the perfect answer |
Long life, low maintenance
The ability to easily switch to different products is a key advantage of Delta robot technology. In addition, since the motors are mounted on a base and don’t move, the motor cables don’t need to flex, reducing cable wear and the frequency of replacement. The simple mechanical design results in low noise, long life and low maintenance, with easy access to all moving parts.
Rockwell Automation provides an extensive Logix application instruction library for Delta robot applications. The library includes support for common application functions like pick and place path control, ancillary axis control, conveyor tracking algorithms, vision system interface, operator interface teach and learn, position and time based output control.
The open architecture solution allows you to use the best device available. It also reduces system cost by eliminating the standalone robot controller or control cabinet, as well as redundant components like the operator interface.
RSLogix 5000 is the only software package required for complete line, cell, and robot control. Users can program the robot application in familiar, easy to understand ladder logic, structured text, or sequential function chart. This means there is no need to call the robot vendor for programming changes, saving time and money. Additional benefits include easy integration and high machine performance, thanks to the elimination of the performance robbing network interface and the complex cell/line control to robot control handshaking logic.
For more information, please e-mail us at: info_at@ra.rockwell.com with ref: Kinematics
| Kinematics versus alternative control solutions Comparing the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architechture including Kinematix with alternative solutions quickly shows how Kinematics provides a vastly simplified solution. | |
| Solution using third party robot controller • Multiple programming environments and/or languages result in additional training and cost • Synchronisation logic for handshaking is required on both sides, adding complexity, cost and time • Data for the controller and robot controller is disjointed, requiring separate a HMI and/or links to the information system • Inconsistent hardware platforms require additional spare parts and training • Inconsistent environmental ratings: the robot controller may require a cabinet that’s more expensive and more difficult to maintain • Multiple hardware platforms and networks require additional panel space and result in additional cost as well as complexity. | Kinematics within the Logix platform • One programming environment and language reduces training and cost • No synchronisation and handshaking logic are required. The entire application runs in one controller, speeding up processes • All data is available via the controller, which means only a single link to an HMI and information system • Consistent hardware platform reduces spare parts and training • Consistent environmental ratings allow you to use a cabinet that’s less expensive and simpler to maintain • One hardware platform and fewer networks reduce panel space along with cost and complexity. |
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