29 www.drivesncontrols.com June 2026 MOTION CONTROL n include controllers, drives, motors, I/Os and HMIs, all of which must communicate reliably. When these components are sourced from different vendors, integration can become a significant task. Differences in communications protocols, configuration methods and software environments often require additional engineering to resolve. Even with increasing standardisation – such as the adoption of protocols like OPC UA – achieving seamless interoperability is not always straightforward. This is why system-level thinking is becoming more important. Rather than selecting components purely on individual specifications, engineers must consider how easily they can be combined into a functioning whole. Cost savings Reducing the effort required to make devices communicate and behave as expected can have a direct impact on development time and long-term reliability – again generating significant savings in production and reduced maintenance costs. As motion systems become more capable, software plays an increasingly central role in their performance. The engineering environment used to configure and program a system can be as important as the hardware itself. Three areas are particularly relevant. The first is configuration. Ideally, devices should be quick to connect and simple to set up, with minimal manual intervention. The second is programming flexibility. Support for widely used standards, such as IEC 61131 languages, allows engineers to work in a way that suits their application and experience. The third is diagnostics. Effective troubleshooting tools make it easier to identify and resolve issues during commissioning and operation. On a practical level, these tools can also help to limit the impact of shortages of skilled personnel. The reality of modern business conditions means many facilities no longer have large teams of experienced engineers to support complex systems. As a result, there is growing value in specifying systems that are easier to understand and maintain, and that are wellsupported by their supplier. Taken together, these considerations point to a broader way of thinking about motion control. Rather than focusing solely on component specifications, engineers are increasingly evaluating how systems perform across their entire lifecycle, from initial set-up through to operation. Less complexity Integrated platforms, where controls, drives and software tools are designed to work together, can help to reduce complexity and shorten development cycles. Some suppliers, such as Kollmorgen, have responded to this shift by developing motion technologies that emphasise ease of integration and usability, alongside performance. For machine-builders, the challenge is to look beyond the spec sheet and consider how their design choices will affect the time, effort and expertise needed to deliver a working system. The most effective systems are not always the most powerful on paper, but those that enable machines to be built, commissioned and maintained with confidence. n steel. nt or cations: for made of stainless corrosion-resistan demanding applic Torque limiters gs ers ou! uldbe cal medical protecSince1981 Shaft Coupling Torque Limite happy to advise yo Wewo and pharmaceutic tion for the food, m overload Effective industries. W .enemac.eu sales@enemac.de 10 0 Tel. +49 6022 7 7 www Controls & Drives don@dfamedia.co.uk sara.gor 01732 370341 don Sara Gor damien.oxlee@dfamedia.co.uk 01732 370342 Damien Oxlee ols Contact us at Drives & Contr AVE COULD HA ADVERTISEMENT IMPACT YOUR IMAGINE THE 60,000+ ENGINEERS THIS, THEN SO ARE IF YOU’RE READING
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