PLCopen keynote presentation at Motor, Drive & Automation

Motor control is moving from a strict hardware and hardwired environment to a networked environment with software control. Combining several motors and drives in a coordinated way is often called motion control, and this includes synchronized movements like camming and gearing. The coordination is done in software, creating flexibility in changing cam profiles and gear ratios. By using a worldwide harmonized functionality for motion control, one can create program with less hardware dependence, a higher level of reusable code, transparent programs, lower commissioning, installation and maintenance costs, wide industry acceptance, and last but not least: reduction in training costs. Also, it is easier to add embedded control functions to motors today using off the shelf software available from a number of suppliers.