Industrial Automation Magazine India

Motion control technology is the backbone of modern industry and applications

Published on : Monday 06-11-2023

Upendra Vanarase, Managing Director, Trio Motion Technology India.

 

What is motion control technology, and how does it play a crucial role in various industries and applications?

Motion control technology enables precise and automated movement of machinery, robots and equipment in various industries and applications. Motion control in machines and lines enhances efficiency, safety, and product quality. In manufacturing setups, precise motion control systems ensure consistent and accurate production processes, reducing defects and waste. Motion control is vital for packaging, food and beverage, plastics, machine tools, metal cutting, textile industries. Without motion control it would be impossible to fully automate processes. They are crucial in robotics, where precise motion is essential for various positioning, cutting, and movement activities. Motion control contributes to the automation of logistics, warehouses and material handling systems, optimising supply chain processes. Motion control technology is the backbone of modern industry and applications, enhancing productivity, reducing human error, and opening the door to advanced automation and innovation.

 

What are the key components and principles behind motion control systems, and how do they contribute to precise motion management?

On a high level, drives, motors, feedback mechanisms (encoders), sensors and controllers are key hardware elements of a motion control system. The software to program these devices is an enabler for making the motion control system work in the desired manner. The differentiator amongst various motion control technologies is the software, which is the brain behind motion control algorithms. Without the software and a robust communication network motion control systems cannot achieve the desired precision. Trio Motion Technology Motion Perfect 5 enables the user to design, develop, test and deploy precise motion control algorithms. Motion Perfect provides the user with an easy-to-understand interface for rapid application development, including configuration and setup of drives, controllers and HMI. Together with EtherCAT, Trio’s Motion Perfect allows complete machine setup from a single software package.

 

How has motion control technology evolved over the years, and what are the latest advancements or trends in the field?

Motion control has evolved considerably over the past years from analog setups to digital systems. Today, with technology advancements we see artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms increasingly being implemented for various motion control tasks. Predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and adaptive control are also being implemented in motion control technologies. Today, with the IT and OT converging, it is possible to access and configure motion control elements from cloud and IT systems. IIoT has enabled seamless data exchange from motion control to IT/ERP and cloud platforms. These advancements have made motion control technology more versatile and efficient, with applications ranging from manufacturing to autonomous vehicles and wearable devices.

 

How does motion control technology contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in industrial operations?

Sustainability is essential for manufacturing because it represents the key to a brighter and more resilient future. Sustainable manufacturing practices prioritise the responsible use of resources and reduced environmental impact. Motion control precisely controls the movement of machinery, robots and equipment, it minimises energy waste and reduces overall power consumption. Motion control technologies helps manufacturers implement eco-friendly processes enabling in reducing their carbon footprint as well as drastically cut operational costs, enhance product quality, and promote innovation. Sustainable manufacturing with advanced motion control helps meet growing consumer demands for environment friendly products and adhere to stringent regulations. Advanced motion control technologies ensure long term sustainability for manufacturing industries ensuring longevity and competitiveness. This further ensures that the manufacturers remain viable and beneficial for both business and society. Trio Motion Technology products and solutions help manufacturing setups become sustainable, productive and energy efficient also drastically reducing operational costs while enhancing product quality.

 

What challenges or limitations are associated with motion control technology, and how are they being addressed or mitigated?

Motion control solutions have helped numerous industries with precision and accuracy. However, it comes with its own inherent challenges and limitations. Usually moving from pneumatic and hydraulic control solutions to motion control the first major challenge is the cost of transition. This comes from the comparison of capital costs. If the comparison is made on the product quality, precision, accuracy, productivity then the costs and the values offered are incomparable. Another challenge is the complexity of software and programming needed for motion controls. Compatibility and interoperability are also challenges for machine builders and factory operators when it comes to motion control solutions. Trio Motion Technology helps users overcome all these challenges with a simple intuitive programming software, their programming template that enables users to configure rather than program. Trio motion control solutions are economical and provide extremely higher performance and as they are based on the open communication standard EtherCAT they are easily able to interoperate with other solutions on the machine.

 

How does motion control technology integrate with other technologies such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, and what synergies are created as a result?

Motion control is an integral part of automation, robotics solutions. Thus, it does not need to integrate with these solutions. Without motion control it is very difficult to envision a precise, scalable, accurate automation and robotic solution. Technology advancements such as artificial intelligence, machines learning have provided motion control with a fillip. Motion control is no longer just controlling precise movements. It is also about providing detailed data on wear and tear enabling predictive maintenance possibilities on the machine that help in reducing machine downtimes. Motion control is able to exchange information seamlessly with the IT and cloud platforms enabling users with business intelligence and end to end connectivity. These possibilities also enable machine builders to provide quick after sales service to factories. Trio’s single motion controller controls eight robots together with multiple machines, which results in economic, reliable solutions, and high performance.

  

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented)