With its new runtime environment for its control platforms, Baumüller enables faster engineering, shorter cycle times and greater flexibility. The self-developed runtime environment supports the latest standards, such as high-level language programming and IoT connectivity, making machines AI-ready. The system is specially designed to meet the requirements of dynamic drive systems and enables short cycle times of up to 125 milliseconds, thus increasing machine productivity.
Fast customization and flexibility
Thanks to in-house development, users of Baumüller controls can react even faster and more flexibly to their requirements. Adjustments, such as customer-specific variant handling for EtherCAT slaves, can be implemented particularly quickly with the new runtime system. As an expert in drive intelligence, Baumüller enables the rapid implementation of control and monitoring functions for process-related drives and has prepared a new runtime environment especially for this purpose.
Benefit from standards
The runtime system is based on Linux, is processor-independent and optimally tailored to the requirements of mechanical engineering by complying with current industry standards. Baumüller consolidates many years of experience in the field of motion control and combines all Baumüller software tools in its runtime environment. This saves time and money as data transfer is no longer necessary. With its runtime environment, Baumüller brings many of the latest programming standards to automation technology. This allows experts to do this quickly and efficiently
Develop more efficiently
In the new system, PLC programs can be created in an object-oriented way, resulting in modular, reusable and clearly structured programs. This makes the developer’s work easier and more flexible. Existing templates, machine modules and standardized libraries that comply with PLCopen can still be used.
High-level languages such as C++ are also integrated into the platform, making it possible to use different languages within one program. The advantage of this is that existing program code can continue to be used without problems and the system can be easily extended later to be platform-independent. As an open operating system, Linux forms the basis for new runtime environments. Thanks to this open standard, in future it may be possible to install and use apps on the controller, significantly simplifying and speeding up the creation of automation software using low-code programming.
Other trending topics in software development can also be discussed here. Another possibility is to extend the control platform with AI capabilities and thereby create added value for machine operators, for example. Applications in the fields of process optimization or real-time data analysis are conceivable here. The new runtime environment makes Baumüller’s control portfolio AI-ready.
The new servo controllers of the b maXX 6000 family can also be expanded to include AI functions. The drivePLC integrated in the drive makes it possible to combine the advantages of the fast processing of servo controllers with the intelligence of AI applications.
Automated test routines reduce programming effort
Another standard that Baumüller has adopted from classical programming is the use of unit tests, which can be used to identify program errors at an early stage and reduce programming effort.
The new runtime system is initially available for the drive-integrated b maXX drivePLCs that are integrated in the new generation of b maXX 6000 controllers, but will also be available in the new b maXX controller PLCs and other Baumüller control platforms in future. Baumüller offers a wide range of software tools as well as pre-programmed modules and templates for this purpose. Baumüller also offers engineering and corresponding programming services, which include not only regular programming but also more extensive adaptations in consultation with the customer. Baumüller therefore offers its customers a modern, future-proof software portfolio.