Aerotech Enhances Automation1 Motion Control Platform With Version 2.7

Aerotech has enhanced its Automation1 motion control platform with its latest software update, version 2.7. Since 1970, Aerotech has led the precision motion control and automation industry, providing standard and custom-designed systems that support research and industrial organizations globally.

Regarding the update, Aerotech's senior product manager Patrick Wheeler stated, "Every Automation1 release is designed to help users take control of their precision motion as easily as possible. Version 2.7 is particularly robust, making setup and configuration easier while also providing more hardware support."
 

Version 2.7 of the Automation1 motion control platform features increased support for laser scan heads and drives. Image used courtesy of Aerotech

 

Automation1 Version 2.7

The latest Automation1 software update, version 2.7, brings significant upgrades to the motion control platform. The Automation1 Studio Data Visualizer tool now supports 3D motion plotting with panning, scaling, and cursor controls, enabling users to view 3D data alongside time-trace plots for better context. 

Version 2.7 also boosts HMI customization with a new Custom Module tool that enables .NET module development. The .NET framework, created by Microsoft, is a proprietary software framework. It is mainly designed to operate on Microsoft Windows and delivers a runtime environment, libraries, and tools for creating and running applications.

 

The Automation1 2.7 update brings enhanced control to Aerotech devices, including the AGV-XPO two-axis laser scan head. Image (modified) used courtesy of Aerotech

 

Precise Motion Control

Development efficiency is also improved with a new program variables tab and global string variable support, aiding in code building and debugging. This new debugging and code-building aid can expedite projects and make automated applications more efficient. 

Enhanced Scanner Control (ESC) offers faster settling and acceleration for laser scan heads, reducing the need for jump delays and tracking errors. Eliminating tracking errors can help in applications such as automated grouping processes using vision systems where precision is necessary to provide customers with the correct product. 

Further updates include support for cutter offset compensation, new task variables, INI file support, Modbus TCP/IP for drive-based controllers, a configure signals dialog with improved efficiency, CNC capabilities for MachineApps HMIs, enhanced sidebar modules, and upgrades to Aeroscript and help documentation.

 

The Automation1 iSMC intelligent, software-based controller provides users flexibility and ease of use for motion control applications. Image used courtesy of Aerotech

 

Automation1 iSMC Motion Controller 

For those seeking a controller with the latest 2.7 features, the Automation1 iSMC employs Aerotech’s most recent update. This intelligent software-based motion controller efficiently combines precision motion with process control, making it suitable for simple or complex machine-building applications. 

The Automation1 controller offers numerous advantages that elevate motion control performance. Its user-friendly design, featuring quick setup tools like machine setup, checklists, and EasyTune, ensures even novices can easily configure precision motion control. The controller not only has quality precision but also excellent quantitative traits, with the ability to coordinate up to 32 axes of motion. 

The system supports integration with sensors, cameras, lasers, and other tools for connectivity and control via drive-based I/O or industrial Ethernet buses like MODBUS and EtherCat. The AeroScript programming language and controller APIs have sophisticated control algorithms around these devices. Moreover, the controller offers flexible deployment options for industrial PCs or Automation1 drive-based controllers, allowing users to choose the best fit for their needs.