To further integrate robot control into its dyanamic PC-based software platform, Minneapolis-based Beckhoff Automation has released its new TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation software. With this release, TwinCAT software now extends its standard machine sequencing and motion control capability to Delta- and SCARA-type robot mechanisms with a Kinematic Transformation option.   

This eliminates the need for a dedicated robot controller, the associated software, and handshaking routines in applications that require a robot to handle part loading/unloading tasks.  Since the robot control is in the same controller, the robot movements can be tightly coordinated with non-robotic motion such as conveyors and other moving mechanisms. The PC-based control platform from Beckhoff unites PLC, motion control, and robotics all on one multi-tasking hardware and software platform—an important milestone to achieving “scientific automation. ”

Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation software provides the user with a series of advantages:

• Eliminates the separate CPU required for robot control
• Reduces engineering costs: configuration, parameterization, and diagnostics
• Provides better performance and a higher degree of accuracy because of direct interfaces; complex communication between separate CPUs is eliminated

For more information, go to www.beckhoff.com/TwinCAT.