A new EtherCat-based robotic-cell control system called NexRobo promises to provide developers the freedom to build, expand and reconfigure their robotic installations based on the unique demands of each application.

The ability to create tailored robotic applications using a varied combination of hardware and software building blocks allows manufacturers to keep their expertise in-house.

Users of robotic-manufacturing cells can mix and match components thanks to new EtherCat-based control technology. Photo: NEXCOMThe technology can also coordinate with other EtherCat-based industrial automation and control systems. For example, as described on the NEXCOM website, it could be linked to integrated production lines, collaborative robots and machine-vision systems.

EtherCat high-speed real-time networks provide high speed update rates and precise synchronization of all network devices. Machine builders and system integrators can take advantage of dedicated motion and machine controller platforms utilizing EtherCat to construct full machine-control solutions while still maintaining a high level of performance and a relatively low cost structure.

With NexRobo, system flexibility is enhanced by the use of an EtherCat Master development stack that provides prevalidated compatibility and smooth communications between master controllers and slave modules from a variety of suppliers. Pre-written control algorithms and embedded application-program interfaces combine to accelerate planning and development of systems, including those employing six-axis articulated arms, four-axis delta robots and four-axis Scara robots.