Oriental Motor Combines Robot Controller and Drivers Into Single Unit

Oriental Motor has announced the update of its MRCU series, capable of controlling robotic motion along eight axes at the same time. At the heart of this series is a robot controller and drivers, all combined into one device with one set of ports. Ultimately, this redesign saves space and wiring complexity, making it easier to install or troubleshoot. 
 

Oriental Motor has redesigned the MRCU series to combine the MRC01 robot controller and AZ series drivers into a single unit. Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

The MRCU Series

The enhanced MRCU series provides up to 8-axis control. Internally, this controller is both the MRC01 robot controller and AZ series drivers, all wrapped up into one space-saving package. In typical robotics control systems, the driver and the controller are separate, meaning multiple additional wires are necessary to connect them. With both the driver and the controller combined, wiring is simplified.

Physically, the MRCU series controller can be quickly installed in existing automation systems or placed in new robots with few design changes. It runs on a standard 24/48V DC connection and has been designed to work with Oriental Motor’s OVR series of small robots (articulated and SCARA), as the AZ series drivers were designed for moving these robots. Outside of the OVR series, the controller can also work with other AZ series motors and provides a DC output that can drive many others.

The MRCU series connects to Oriental Motor’s OVR series articulated and SCARA robots. Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

Integrated Robot Control

Otherwise, the MRCU has all of the standard features one would expect from a motor control and driver system. EtherNet/IP or I/O provides connectivity for actuator signals, and an I/O port can connect it to a host controller or other devices. Also built into this device is a network switch that controls the flow of data between axis controls. Numerous LEDs provide users with immediate feedback on connectivity and device status.

The USB port can be connected to a laptop to program the controller using the dedicated MRC Studio software. This software has an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) featuring drag-and-drop style commands that reduce the learning curve for programming robotic motion. It also features a simulation mode that allows users to test code without physically moving the robot. No ladder logic knowledge is necessary. For the beginning robotics engineer, these are all major advantages.

Oriental Motor’s MRC Studio features a live motion simulator (left) and a drag-and-drop GUI programming interface (right). Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

Multi-Axis Motion Control

Machine designers will appreciate how much control is offered in such a small footprint. The ability to control up to eight axes at the same time from the same device is a key advantage that can make systems less complicated and occupy less physical space. It integrates easily with several standard Oriental Motor robots. Furthermore, the fact that this controller can be programmed with MRC Studio means new technicians and engineers can start working with robotic control without extensive previous programming experience.