NEWS n www.drivesncontrols.com November/December 2024 11 AT THE SPS SHOW IN Germany, Beckho unveiled a new generation of its TwinCat PLC technology that speeds up both engineering and runtime operations, and can execute control code up to 1.5 times faster. Beckho describes the new TwinCat PLC++ controllers as “a real leap in automation technology performance”, resulting in faster throughput times from development and commissioning, to machine lifecycles. Project loading times are shorter and translation processes have been improved. Shorter lead times will cut costs and allow machine-builders to launch new machines faster. The controllers are a new development based on the IEC 61131-3 languages. Familiar functions have been kept, while editors and compilers have been redeveloped. DevOps principles can be used to implement continuous integration and deployment. A new compiler makes it possible to enhance control codes in terms of execution times. This option – already familiar in the IT world – increases execution speeds further, and means that industrial PCs with less computing power may suce, cutting hardware costs. Alternatively, freed-up computer resources can be used to implement more control functions or to increase the machine productivity by cutting cycle times. The new PLCs were one of a slew of products that Beckho launched at SPS. The others included: n A variable-speed drive for applications such as conveyors, pumps and fans, that is integrated into the TwinCat system via EtherCat, o ering similar commissioning and diagnostics to Beckho ’s servodrives. The AF1000 VSD is available in a version that can drive two motors simultaneously. It covers a single-phase range of 0.37-1.5kW for 230V supplies, and a three-phase range of 0.372.2kW for 400V AC supplies. Both are available as one- or two-axis modules, and support synchronous servomotors, asynchronous and reluctance motors without feedback, in V/f or vector modes. n An “economy” servodrive in two versions: a low-power singlephase model, and a three-phase version for currents from 1.65-6.9A. The compact AX1000 servodrives integrate with the TwinCat system and all tools for the larger AX5000 and AX8000 drives can also be used with the AX1000. They incorporate a power supply, DC link capacitors, ballast circuit and – in most variants – a ballast resistor. Supported motors include AM8000 synchronous servomotors with One Cable Technology, as well as asynchronous and reluctance motors with or without feedback. n A range of low-cost linear motor modules for Beckho ’s XTS transport system, said to o er 95% of the technical abilities of earlier modules at 55% of the cost. The 500mm XTS EcoLine motor modules are twice as long as standard modules, yet ¢t in the same grid dimensions. They support speeds up to 4m/s and accelerations up to 10g. They o er initial forces up to 30N and peak forces up to 80N per mover, with 0.70mm absolute accuracy and 0.075mm repeatability. n IP67 I/Os with simple identi¢cation and addressing via ID switches. The EtherCat and EtherCat P Box modules have three hexadecimal rotary addressing switches, allowing them to be identi¢ed regardless of their installation position. n Embedded PCs for BACnet/IP and Pro¢net RT applications. The compact (71 x 100 x 73mm) CX7000 embedded PCs are said to open up the TwinCat 3 world to small controllers too, providing a high level of computing power for the small controller sector. The CX7293 has a Pro¢net RT interface, while the CX7291 is suitable for BACnet/IP. www.beckho .com Beckhoff unveils next-gen PLCs, VSDs, servodrives and I/Os at SPS SCHAEFFLER HAS ANNOUNCED plans to deploy Digit humanoid robots from the US ¢rm, Agility Robotics, in its manufacturing plants around the world. Schae§er is also making a minority investment in Agility. “In disruptive times, implementing innovative manufacturing solutions is crucial to be successful. Here, humanoids play an important role,” says Schae§er’s chief operating ocer, Andreas Schick. “We will integrate this technology into our operations, and see the potential to deploy a signi¢cant number of humanoids in our global network of 100 plants by 2030. We look forward to the collaboration with Agility Robotics which will accelerate our activities in this ¢eld. Earlier this year, Agility claimed to be the ¢rst company to deploy humanoid robots commercially after GXO, the world’s largest contract logistics provider, started to use Digit in its logistics operations. The agreement also marked the industry’s ¢rst Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) deployment of humanoid robots. Agility describes Digit as “a bipedal mobile manipulation robot”. The 1.75m-tall machine can carry loads of up to 15.9kg. “We are excited to welcome Schae§er as a customer and investor, and look forward to delivering value in their operations with Digit,” says the company’s CEO, Peggy Johnson. “Scaling the use of humanoid robots will require them to work cooperatively with humans and outside of the safety cages they are in today. I am con¢dent that in the next 24 months, Agility will be the ¢rst company to deliver a safe humanoid robot that will be able to work alongside people.” n Schae§er is cutting 4,700 jobs in Europe to bolster its ¢nancial position which has been hit by the downturn in the automotive sector, as well as a drop in demand for its industrial products. Schaeffler to use humanoids at sites around the world Beckhoff’s new VSDs are available in versions that power two motors. They use the same commissioning and diagnostics tools as its servodrives.
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