According to Dr. Josef Papenfort, Product Manager at Beckhoff, image processing is increasingly becoming a key topic in mechanical engineering - especially for Industry 4.0 applications, quality optimization and track-and-trace tasks. This ultimately prompted the Verler company to seamlessly integrate comprehensive vision functionalities into its own engineering and control platform with 'Twincat Vision'. The specially developed function blocks can be called up directly from the Twincat PLC. The functions then run in real time in the controller runtime. As the image processing runs at the same real-time level as the PLC, this results in shorter reaction times and ultimately faster and more efficient machines. "With separate vision solutions, on the other hand, communication between image processing and the controller has to be regulated in a complex manner. In addition, external processes, such as the operating system, can affect the processing and transmission time," says Papenfort.

Almost any GigE Vision camera can be integrated via a standardized camera interface - even several in parallel - and configured in Twincat Engineering. The calibration of the respective camera also takes place directly in the engineering environment, but is also possible during the running process in runtime. "Twincat Vision makes image processing just as easy for machine builders to use in terms of operation, languages and tools as Motion Control, for example," emphasizes Papenfort. However, basic knowledge of image processing should be available. For example, it is important to know which resolution, triggering and algorithms are best suited to solving a particular vision task.

When asked whether Beckhoff will also offer its own hardware components for image processing in addition to the pure software solution in the future, the product manager replies: "We are observing the market and will decide in due course. In principle, however, we remain open to third-party components and thus support lighting and cameras available on the market."

The company is not alone in its strategy of integrating image processing into the control platform. In the run-up to SPS IPC Drives, for example, B&R also announced a corresponding solution. Does this mean that the specialized machine vision providers are facing difficult times? Dr. Josef Papenfort: "Even if customers can solve a large proportion of vision applications themselves with our integrated solution, there are still enough applications that can only be implemented by specialists - but then perhaps with Twincat Vision."

Servo technology decentralized

Beckhoff also has something new in terms of drive technology: the AMP8000 integrates the servo drive directly into the servo motor. By relocating the power electronics directly to the machine, the space requirement in the control cabinet is reduced to a single coupling module, which can control and supply up to five decentralized servo drives with just one cable via an IP65 distribution module.

The decentralized servo drive with single-cable solution Ethercat P saves space, costs and installation effort.

© Beckhoff

Due to the power module attached to the rear shaft end of the servomotor, the installation dimensions of the AMP8000 are identical to those of the corresponding standard servomotors in the AM8000 series. Only the overall length is about 7 cm longer. The decentralized solution is available in flange sizes F4 and F5. Various versions are available with 0.61 to 1.23 kW rated power and 2.00 to 4.8 Nm standstill torque (F4) or 1.02 to 1.78 kW rated power and 4.10 to 9.7 Nm standstill torque (F5). The STO and SS1 safety functions are integrated as standard; the extended Safe Motion functions are in preparation.