Sep 14 2016
Controlling robot movements via a simple open PLC controller and in an environment known to the customer: the new KUKA.PLC mxAutomation version 2.1. software lets you do just that. What is more, the usability of the software has been further enhanced, and new functions for Motion Control have been added. It was these new software blocks that opened the door to certification to PLCopen.
Presentation of the certificate: Eelco van der Wal, Managing Director at PLCopen, and Philipp Kremer, Market Segment Manager Plastics at KUKA Roboter GmbH. Credit: KUKA Robotics
Simple operator control of KUKA robots
KUKA has developed its KUKA.PLC mxAutomation software as the interface between robots and machine controllers so that companies and their employees can easily work with robots. This allows robot programming and diagnosis to be performed easily via the machine controller and user interface – even by those with no special knowledge of robot programming.
KUKA.PLC mxAutomation 2.1 – new version with more functions
KUKA robots controlled using this new version of the software now have the capability to grasp moving workpieces. The connection to KUKA.ConveyorTech is what makes this possible. The application software adapts the motion of the robot to that of an assembly line or conveyor belt. The software function KUKA.VectorMove has also been connected to the new version of KUKA.PLC mxAutomation. The robot is thus in a position to adjust its direction of motion “softly” in response to external forces.
KUKA is the first robot manufacturer to achieve certification to PLCopen
In KUKA.PLC mxAutomation version 2.1 the function blocks within the software have been extended. This allows the software to satisfy the standard for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). PLCopen has now certified the software to "PLCopen Motion Control Part 4". Eelco van der Wal, Managing Director of PLCopen, remarked with regard to the certification of KUKA.PLC mxAutomation 2.1: “We are very pleased to welcome KUKA as the first robot manufacturer to achieve certification. This further increases the worldwide acceptance of the standard”.
There are many additional functions for extending the basic functions for controlling robot systems.