| Abstract: | Version 16 of the control systems software said to simplify programming of multi-discipline control environments and even adds robot control to the mix. |
| Keywords: | Rockwell Automation, RSLogix, Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC), robots, safety, control system software, control platfrom, Nosbusch, PAC, PLC |
Rockwell Automation late last week released the most feature-rich upgrade to its Logix software since the control platform was first introduced in 1998 as the more flexible successor of the programmable logic controller (PLC).
RSLogix 5000 version 16 includes more than 30 enhancements designed to simplify programming and configuration of multi-discipline control environments, the company said. Among some of the more notable additions to the software are integrated robot control, user-defined add-on instructions, built-in alarm instructions, and integrated drives configuration.
The RSLogix 5000 upgrade has been over a year in the making. The company's aim was to create a unified software solution that can support Rockwell's Integrated Architecture, which ties together control, network, and visualization functions. The v. 16 announcement, with all its bells and whistles, comes on the heels of Rockwell CEO Keith Nosbusch's disclosure that he's unhappy with Logix market penetration to date.
"I'm not satisfied with the growth rate of Logix and the integrated control platform," Nosbusch told financial analysts late last month during a conference call to discuss the company's fiscal 2007 first-quarter results. "We are taking aggressive measures to fuel more growth in every region, with every set of customers, and within every channel. A relentless focus on execution will produce incremental benefits during the balance of 2007," he said, referring to efforts centered around Rockwell's Logix strategy.
While industry analysts today applauded the release of v. 16, some see it less as a strategic move meant to engage new customers and more as a necessary build out of functionality to support Rockwell's expanded role in the factory.
As Rockwell's offerings have evolved into a multi-disciplined platform based on the programmable automation controller concept, the demand on its technology portfolio has also grown. "They need more in the toolbox," said Craig Resnick, an analyst with ARC Advisory Group, in an interview. "This [upgrade] makes sure the software is kept at a level [at which] it can support the multi-discipline platform."
Nevertheless, Resnick said, any time there is commonality across the control platform, it makes it much easier for developers in terms of programming time, training (since they no longer need to learn multiple programs), and maintenance of the system.
RSLogix 5000 v. 16 is focused around productivity and helping designers of control applications do their jobs as efficiently as possible, according to Ron Bliss, Rockwell's RSLogix marketing manager. For example, the new user-defined add-on instructions, which allow Logix PACs to be augmented by the creation of custom instructions, improve the management of standardized code. Also, the ability to configure different drives from the same environment rather than multiple software packages greatly reduces training and the learning curve associated with drive set-up, Bliss told Managing Automation.
In addition, a new feature called Kinematics robot control extends Logix into a whole new discipline, Bliss said. The integrated robot control is designed for use with SCARA (selective compliant articulated robot arm) robots commonly used for pick-and-place applications on a packaging line. Rockwell does not make robots, but many OEMs install Rockwell automation servos in their robots for mechanical control. Until now, however, that control had to be custom built. Now the OEM building a control system does not need dedicated software, Bliss said.
All of these upgrades are available now, along with the optional RSLogix 5000 FuzzyDesigner, which offers a fuzzy logic design environment that uses a rules-based decision-making process. "If you know your process and what the input and output should look like, it allows you to put together an algorithm quickly, [then] test and load it into the control system," Bliss said. Rockwell said the FuzzyDesigner will likely appeal to a much smaller market space, such as those designing expert systems, which is why it is offered separately.
Page : 12 ... NEXT
 |
|
|
|