ASME B5.64 standard endorsed by ALIO Industries

ALIO Industries – an Allied Motion Company – acknowledges publication of the ASME B5.64 standard “Methods for the Performance Evaluation of Single Axis Linear Positioning Systems” is a significant step in redefining measurement of precision in motion systems.

The ASME standard suggests when defining the precision of ultra-precise single axis linear motion systems, such as those produced by ALIO, companies should move away from conventional planar methodologies and toward 6D point precision specifications.

“When analyzing motion control solutions that provide sub-micron and nanometer-level accuracy, ALIO has contended for several years that a new language is necessary, and new standards are required to indicate the real levels of precision different motion control solutions can achieve,” says Bill Hennessey, president of ALIO. “Nearly 12 years ago, ALIO trademarked the phrases Point Precision and 6D Point Precision to protect its position in the market. ALIO applauds the new ASME standard officially published and made available.

https://www.alioindustries.com

Clearpath Robotics to be acquired by Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ontario, Canada-based Clearpath Robotics Inc., a producer of autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) for industrial applications. Clearpath’s OTTO Motors Division offers AMRs and fleet management and navigation software, which increase throughput and reduce costs by ensuring components and subassemblies are in place when needed and by transporting finished goods to a truck or warehouse upon completion.

Combined with Rockwell’s continuing partnerships in fixed robotic arms, solutions such as Independent Cart Technology, and position in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the addition of OTTO Motors’ AMR capabilities will create a complete portfolio of advanced material handling solutions.

https://www.ottomotors.com
https://www.rockwellautomation.com

Automation1 motion control platform

Aerotech Inc.’s Version 2.5 of its Automation1 motion control platform offers more powerful features and user-friendly options.

Recent developments in the Automation1 motion control platform include:

TCP socket interface (beta) – Allows users to communicate between the Automation1 controller and other devices over TCP. AeroScript socket functions make it easy to interact with other nodes on a computer network and provide the ability to send and receive binary and UTF-8 string data.

Customizable HMI – Automation1’s Access Control feature now allows users to customize access to specific MachineApps, making it easy for developers to create different MachineApps and limit access to specific HMI screens based on users or groups.

Graphical helper modules – The Motor Hall and Signal Status module helps users visually verify proper Hall sensor operation. The Absolute Encoder Alignment module sets an offset in motor commutation.

Laser scan head improvements – Support for higher-derivative feedforward control was added with snap feedforward. Laser scan head drives now interpolate feedforward current automatically, making this feature simpler to use.

Improved gantry, encoder features – Expanded support for gantries includes a homing configuration wizard and the ability to output quadrature or clock and direction signals from a specified encoder port.

Increased documentation, smoother setup – A Checklist sidebar module that provides specific steps for configuring a gantry and gantry configuration is more streamlined within the Device Catalog.

https://www.aerotech.com