How many applications have you already been able to implement in the field?

Derrick Stacey: B&R has dozens of machine builders and integrators installing 'Acopos 6D'-based systems for end users around the world. The high level of interest and the wide range of applications have shown that our 'mapp 6D' software and B&R's holistic approach to integrated automation create added value for the customer and are therefore very attractive to users.

What technical requirements should a user fulfill before deciding on this system?

A simple and general requirement for the application is that it actually utilizes the various degrees of freedom offered by the shuttles. This includes product-specific movements and orientations as well as the advantages in terms of cleanliness due to the contactless floating movement.

The more specific requirements generally relate to higher performance requirements: The 'Acopos 6D' has a major advantage in terms of hardware capabilities as it has a high power density. This allows us to offer our customers the possibility of moving many shuttles with high dynamics in a very small space. This is a great advantage in cleanrooms and generally for smaller systems without compromising performance and fits very well with the functions of our 'mapp 6D' software. It simplifies the management of shuttles in confined areas using algorithms developed by us to automatically direct traffic. It also creates dynamic buffers that eliminate bottlenecks and maximize the utilization of process equipment.

What features and functions differentiate your planar system from the others?

Our planar system differs in several ways: Firstly in the hardware, where 'Acopos 6D' offers the highest performance on the market, which has an impact on the stability of the moving shuttles and their positioning accuracy.

At the software level, the distributed architecture offers immense flexibility in terms of hardware and scalability. Due to the low processing overhead, a DIN rail PLC is sufficient to manage hundreds of segments and shuttles. In contrast, a centralized approach can result in multiple high-performance industrial PCs being linked together to control much smaller systems.

The final differentiator is B&R's philosophy of integrated automation: we have developed the 'mapp 6D' software with ease of integration, clear diagnostics and speed of development in mind. This makes it easier for customers who already work with automation or mechatronic systems from B&R to enter the world of planar motion technology. This gives OEM developers the tools they need to satisfy their end customers. This also applies to the often forgotten operators in the field, who are expected to become experts in these new technologies while achieving their production goals.

You work closely with the Canadian manufacturer of the movers, Planar Motor Inc. What further developments can users expect in the coming years?

We are working with Planar Motor Inc. in a research and development partnership for the basic product of the 'Acopos 6D'. This gives us deep insights into a Planar motor system and PMI benefits from our global market experience. At this point, we are unable to provide more detailed information about the further development of the hardware with Planar Motor, as this is a joint project.

However, B&R has its own research and development team that focuses on software development and the user interfaces of the products. The team's goal is to make B&R 'mapp 6D' the easiest-to-implement platform for planar motion systems on the market over the next few years. With a range of visualization, configuration, monitoring, commissioning, diagnostics and optimization tools, the operation of the planar system will be as simple and intuitive as possible.

B&R at the SPS 2023: Hall 7, Booth 114 + 206