Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and Automation, is committed to upgrading the Automation 1 motion control platform to provide customers with a more complete and friendly service. The 2.6 release involves the Sockets interface (official release), smarter machine setup and configuration workspaces, additional MachineApps customization options, API improvements, and more.
Daniel Hong, Product Manager for Controls at Aerotech, said: “We want users to be able to easily control motion system performance and team performance, which is our motivation for continuous improvement of Automation1. Users of Automation1 will enter a world of unprecedented sophistication.”
Recent advances in the Automation1 motion control platform include:
Easier connection. Connect to the Automation1 controller via Modbus TCP/IP or a simple Sockets interface. Neither PC-based nor drive-based (as a beta) hardware control platform supports Modbus TCP/IP. Sockets interface allows users to communicate between Automation1 controllers and other devices over TCP.

Advanced tuning technology. The new MultilinePlus frequency response type enables better tuning of high friction systems and systems with known signal-to-noise ratio problems. The EasyTune feature is now the default response type in the Automation1 Studio frequency response tool.
Faster system configuration. Work faster and smarter with improved configuration tools. The Machine Setup Configuration wizard adds intelligent actions for system upgrades and configuration changes. After the initial setup, the machine setup tool tracks changes and updates the appropriate options, empowering your team and reducing error rates.
Improve user experience. Version 2.6 adds features that developers care about, including better HMI branding, more information accessible to users, and improvements to file writing and reading tools, software wizards, and the AeroScript programming language.
Optimize the advanced user API. Using the new Command Queue feature of the.NET and C apis, long program files can be easily streamed to the controller. A controller help document has been added to the LabVIEW instrument driver.