April 25, 2011 - Robots from Stäubli can now be directly operated with B&R controllers. This is possible thanks to a POWERLINK interface on Stäubli's uniVAL drives that allows Generic Motion Control programs from B&R controllers to be transferred to the robots. In this way, robotics engineers can use the uniform programming and operating environment provided by B&R controllers. Robots are connected to the network using POWERLINK, the real-time Ethernet standard. When using a higher-level controller, the controllers for the Stäubli robots are switched into passive mode, which still allows them to check whether incoming control commands are valid with regard to kinematics and safety.
The uniform operating interface means that system operators can save time, money and work during commissioning and servicing. For machine manufacturers, the reduction in interfaces doesn't just mean a lower selling price, but also shorter cycle times in production, cutting costs there as well. In addition, the shared POWERLINK network also offers fully uniform diagnostic support as well as the ability to implement comprehensive solutions - from the visualization application and motion/robot control all the way to integrated quality control via image processing in a true real-time network.
B&R company profile
B&R is the world’s largest and most successful private company in the area of automation equipment manufacturing. The motto “Perfection in Automation” has provided the foundation for the company since B&R was founded in 1979. Today, B&R employs 2,300 employees worldwide and has an exceptional global presence with more than 162 sales offices in over 68 countries. B&R Industrial Automation, Inc. North America, based in Atlanta, GA, has been working closely with their customers since 1987.
Since then, B&R North America has continuously grown as a sales and support organization through both direct sales offices and B&R’s unique Automation Partner distribution network. Today, B&R North America has a network of more than 20 offices throughout the USA and Canada and is there for its customers locally.
