OMRON EPLC CONNECT

In this video, Derek Limesand, Applications Engineer at Mechatronic Solutions, explains Omron’s ePLC feature that allows their industrial robots to be programmed and controlled by an Allen-Bradley or Rockwell Automation PLC.

This is a nice fit for organizations that are very strong in Allen-Bradley PLC programming, but don’t have as much experience on the robotics side of things. Or maybe they just don’t want to spend the time to learn yet another programming software. Well, Omron’s ePLC functionality allows you to program your entire machine in ladder logic using Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 software.

So, how does it work?

You utilize User-Defined Data Types or UDTs, which list all of the commands and status messages that are passed back and forth between the robot and the PLC each scan. An example of some UDTs might be robot speed, acceleration, positions, and even pallet configurations. Then you can get started creating a program in ladder logic to move the robot, teach different positions, control inputs and outputs, and handshake with the rest of your machine.

All of this can be had in any of Omron’s industrial robots, including the Cobras, Hornets, and Vipers.

Contact us here at Mechatronic Solutions with any questions or for more information!

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