Robots are increasing in demand due to continuing labor shortages and the push for error-less efficiency in manufacturing. In the meantime, other companies are falling behind because they either do not have the capital or engineering know-how to implement robotics automation. While you can buy a robot and pay someone else to program it to do what you want, building and programming your own robot can be easier than you think.
There's an easier way to build and program robots.
To alleviate the typical barriers to entry to building robots in-house, Oriental Motor has released a new robot controller and programming software designed to make multi-axis robotics applications more cost-effective, simple to build, and easier to program using off-the-shelf, standard products.
The MRC01 robot controller and MRC Studio programming software are designed to run various types of robots and end-effectors:
| Vertically Articulated Robots | Horizontally Articulated (SCARA) Robots | Palletizer/Parallel Link Robots | Perpendicular / Cartesian / Gantry Robots |
| 3 links | 2 or 3 lnks | 1 or 2 links | 2 or 3 axes |
|
Currently, the MRC01 and MRC Studio are available for vertically articulated robots, horizontally articulated (SCARA) robots, and palletizer/parallel link/delta robots. For support on 2~3 axis perpendicular/cartesian/gantry systems, please contact our tech support team.
Initial settings are made using a wizard to select the robot type and input mechanism information.
By following the guidance instructions while looking at the illustrations, even absolute beginners can quickly set up a robot's initial settings.
Program creation uses a simple command selection format. Programs can be created intuitively, without requiring specialized knowledge such as ladder diagrams. The system supports P to P operation, linear interpolation operation, circular interpolation operation, arch motion and others.
The robot’s operation program can be checked using a 3D simulator. The program can be checked easily before the actual robot is activated.
| TIP | When setting the home position for all axes, remove holding torque from all motors by turning on the FREE input on their drivers, then manually adjust to the home position. All AlphaStep AZ Series motors and actuators use a built-in mechanical absolute encoder, so absolute position coordinates are tracked even with the power off. |
The MRC01 robot controller communicates to the PLC/IPC via EtherNet/IP and controls motors and linear/rotary actuators from the AlphaStep AZ Series family through dedicated drivers via Modbus RTU. The MRC01 is compatible with AZ Series built-in controller type drivers, such as the AZD-AD (AC input RS-485 driver with built-in controller), AZD-KD (DC input RS-485 driver with built-in controller), and AZD-KR2D (mini DC input RS-485 driver with built-in controller).
The MRC01 robot controller also comes with dedicated robotic functions, such as palletizing command, "passing point designation system" (for circular interpolation operation), and JOG/inching operation in a tool coordinate system.
Use the AlphaStep AZ Series family of products to support your in-house design for improved performance and ease of use.
The MRC01 robot controller is designed for users who would like an easier way to control their in-house-built robots and want to communicate to a PLC or IPC via EtherNet/IP. The MRC Studio programming software introduces a new and simple way to program multi-axis motion and can be downloaded for free. Typically, the software only works with a combination of a motor/actuator and a driver that will have to be purchased prior. If you would like to try it before you buy it, a trial version of the MRC Studio programming software is available for download.
Summary
The MRC01 robot controller and MRC Studio programming software present a new and simple way to program and control multi-axis robotics without ladder logic knowledge. For robotics applications that do not require highly aggressive motion profiles, the MRC01 robot controller and the AlphaStep AZ Series family of modular type motors, linear/rotary actuators, and dedicated smart drivers can make in-house robotics easier and faster to build without compromising quality and reliability.
Contact our team today for product demos!
Here's a simple system configuration for the MRC01 robot controller.
To help you set up quickly, we offer these pre-made cables as accessories.
|
Cable Type |
Model Name |
Length (m) |
|
RS-485 Communication Cable (For connecting FLEX drivers) |
CC□□□-RS4 |
0.1, 0.25 |
|
RS-485 Communication Cable (For connecting mini Driver) |
CC□□FLT6 |
2, 5 |
|
Cable for I/O Signals General-purpose type |
CC□□D0□□□B-1 |
0.5 ~ 2 |
|
Cable for DC Power Supply |
CC02D□□□-3 |
0.5～5 |
Here are the specifications of the MRC01 robot controller.
The AlphaStep AZ Series family supports modular and cost-effective robot builds.
The picture below shows an in-house made robot made by our own factory engineers for a parts transfer operation. With modular products from the AlphaStep AZ Series family (motors, actuators, and drivers), we were able to build and program a 5-axis vertically articulated robot faster and more cost-effectively while similar robots in the market cost much more. To complete the system, all you have to do is add the extra gear and a PLC/HMI that offers EtherNet/IP communication.
Unlock the full potential of the MRC01 robot controller with the AlphaStep AZ Series family of motors, linear/rotary actuators, and drivers! If you have any questions, please contact our knowledgeable tech support team.