Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and automation, makes the Automation1 motion control platform more powerful and user friendly with every release. Version 2.5 brings a TCP socket interface (beta), Automation1 MachineApps HMI developments, new motor setup helper modules, Machine Setup improvements for galvo laser scan heads and more.

“Automation1 continues to improve at a rapid pace, enabling our users to do more,” said Daniel Hong, a Controls Product Manager at Aerotech. “Its innovative design allows us to continually deliver new levels of control for our users.”

Recent developments in the Automation1 motion control platform include:

• TCP Socket Interface – The TCP socket interface (beta) allows users to communicate between the Automation1 controller and other devices over TCP. New 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. The new MachineApps Camera Module makes it possible to display a live video feed with optional crosshairs, capture images, display saved images and view axes’ positions. With the new Message Log Viewer, users can write custom date- and time-stamped messages to the Message Log and view them in their custom HMI.
• New and Improved Graphical Helper Modules – The Motor Hall and Signal Status module helps users visually verify proper hall sensor operation. The Absolute Encoder Alignment module helps to set an offset in motor commutation often required for axes that have absolute encoders. Additional improvements have been made to other Studio application modules, including the Frequency Response module’s loop shaping controls, the Homing module and the Programming module.
• Laser Scan Head Improvements – Users can now change galvo calibration and galvo power correction files without resetting the controller. 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 and Encoder Features – Expanded support for gantries includes a new homing configuration wizard and the ability to output quadrature or clock and direction signals from a specified encoder port.
• Increased Documentation and Smoother Setup – Gantry setup is easier than ever thanks to a Checklist sidebar module that provides specific steps for configuring a gantry. Gantry configuration is now more streamlined within the Device Catalog, too. Automation1 help documentation now features full documentation for the C API.