March 13, 2018 — Festo introduces the Festo Motion Control Package (FMCP), a control system for coordinated motion of up to six axes for pick and place and other precision Cartesian robotic applications. This prewired and ready-to-install control solution provides the kinematics for H-portal, T-portal, 2D, and 3D Festo standard gantry systems. OEMs configure Cartesian motion applications using function blocks – with no specialized programming knowledge required.
In 2016, Festo developed the Handling Guide Online configuration tool for designing Cartesian robots. This productivity tool was designed to reduce engineering overhead for OEMs. Equipped with basic application information such as load, cycle time, load voltage, and workspace size, a design engineer utilizes the Handling Guide Online tool to specify a single axis, 2D, or 3D Cartesian robot and receives a CAD drawing of the robot in about 20 minutes. Quotes arrive on average within 48 hours. OEMs have the option of ordering a gantry fully assembled or as disassembled modules.
Festo now takes Handling Guide Online several steps further by offering the robotic controller, including the cabinet, components, and wiring, as a solution. The control cabinet arrives fully wired and ready to be installed. The OEM adds power, Ethernet connection, IO, and wiring to the gantry motors. OEMs utilize a function block to fill in key motion parameters. No specialized or manufacturer specific programming knowledge is required.
Basic motion can be taught through a webserver or IOS/Android app.
The FMCP is also offers a solution for end-of-arm-tooling. By including an IO-Link connection, the FMCP can control eight external digital inputs and eight digital outputs within the standard function block.
