PC-based robot controller opens new markets for standard robotics

Citation

(2002), "PC-based robot controller opens new markets for standard robotics", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929aaf.005

PC-based robot controller opens new markets for standard robotics

Keywords: Robotics, Handling

A prototype PC-based robot control system from Nyquist Industrial Control uses standard drives to connect to existing, dedicated motors and encoders. High-level software calculates the exact motion profile in 3D, synchronizing the movement of the axes to make the desired path. The system demonstrates how easy it is to upgrade the control systems of existing proprietary robots by using open PC-based software and standard drives, rather than having to develop expensive, customized schemes. The project, achieved through close collaboration with the Dutch robot system integrator Morotech Robottechniek of Hoorn, demonstrates that Nyquist's PC-based motion control systems, commonly used in sophisticated high-end robotics, are suitable for the most rugged industrial applications.

Using the manipulator, a DR-4000, provided by welding robot manufacturer DAIHEN Corporation of Osaka (Japan), Nyquist's prototype system retains the existing robot mechanics, motors, and cabling between robot and control cabinet. Electrical connections too, are compatible with the current proprietary controller. Connection is a matter of disconnecting the cable from the existing control cabinet and hooking it up to the new prototype, with no modifications. The prototype system is based on Nyquist's NYCe3000 PC-based platform, with its open and versatile four-layer software (Plate 7).

Plate 7 Prototype PC-based robot control system from Nyquist Industrial Control

Adapts easily to different application requirements

Unlike common proprietary controllers, the system can easily be adapted to different requirements. With the open Nyquist system, it is a relatively simple task to change a few software parameters to make configuration changes. Besides quickly adapting to different configuration changes, this even adapts to different applications. It is also easy to add a large number of interpolated or synchronized axes using the open PC-based software and, in principle, to link to systems like ERP, office automation, and even CAD. It will be possible to import product data into the robot controller and use it for programming. All this goes towards creating intelligent combinations of multiple robots, conveyer systems and positioning equipment. In fact, it means a transformation from simple to high-end applications, like laser welding, multiple handling or similar applications with advanced product assembly and manipulation.

Nyquist's open motion control approach is based on accepted industry standards like standard PCs, Ethernet, FireWire (lEEE-1394)and the Microsoft Windows NT and NT Embedded operating systems and drivers. FireWire is ideal for connecting the I/0 modules, motion and vision components that typically make up an industrial control system. It offers 400-Mbit/s transmission speeds, along with the guaranteed response times that are essential to motion control applications.

Change in culture

For robot manufacturers, the transition from closed to open systems means that key technologies no longer need to be re-invented in-house, but can be out-sourced. Companies can adopt a streamlined top-down design process using ready-made, open subsystems that are easy to hook together. This releases designers to focus on their specialist application knowledge: to design the highest performance equipment for laser welding, multiple material handling, and the many other high-speed automation tasks facing industry.

Contact: Twan Smetsers, Marketing Business Groups Manager, Nyquist Industrial Control, Postbus 7170, 5605 JD Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Tel. +31 (0)40 2578888; Fax +31 (0)40 2578800; E-mail: contact-us@nyquist.com