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Yaskawa Motoman launches new software for robots and programmable logic controllers

 

Yaskawa Motoman has launched new software for robots and programmable logic controllers – the computing appliances connected to industrial robots.

The MLX300 software option is the newest generation of integration for Yaskawa robots and PLCs.

The MLX300 enables operators to control and program Yaskawa robots in a standard PLC programming environment, eliminating the need to learn a specific robot programming language, says the company. 

All program execution is performed by the PLC, and the motion control is handled by the superior kinematic algorithms of the Yaskawa robot controller.

Supported PLCs include CompactLogix, ControlLogix and GuardLogix, which are supplied by Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation company.

 

This “unified controls” approach simplifies safety design by eliminating redundant electrical interfaces and consolidating hardware to optimize floorspace, says Yaskawa.

Its single controller, single programming environment typically requires a single programmer to implement an application.

In addition, familiarity of the controls among maintenance technicians allows faster troubleshooting and quicker plant acceptance.

A set of add-on-instructions and human-machine interface screens specific to robot configuration and motion control are included.

Add-on-instructions are programming tools that control the robot’s configuration, motion and state of operation – such as jogging, setting tools, user frames, interference zones, shifts, changing system states and commanding joint/linear motion.

The HMI screens create a user-friendly interface with full functionality, says Yaskawa.

Operator station HMI software is available for the Allen-Bradley PanelViewTM display and pendant HMI software is available for the Allen-Bradley MobileViewTM or Pro-face GP4000.

The MLX300 software option is compatible with any Yaskawa DX200 material handling robot or YRC1000 GP-series robot.

A combination of up to four robots and positioners can be connected to a single MLX300 system. A functional safety unit is also available.