In the ever-evolving world of industrial automation, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to remain competitive. Today, the industrial landscape presents complex challenges, such as a demand for reduced time-to-market, greater flexibility, and increased cybersecurity, alongside the need for greater energy efficiency and sustainability. In response, Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are transforming the sector, and the latest industrial technologies, including motion control systems, are helping to quickly address these pressing requirements.
Advanced motion control systems: Smarter, faster, more flexible
Motion control systems have seen remarkable advancements and increasing demand recently, driven by the need for more flexible, agile operations. According to Global Market Insights, the global motion control market is projected to soar to $33.4 billion USD by 2032, up from $20.3 billion USD in 2023.
Motion controllers were once simple analog systems that used potentiometers to control mechanical speed and positioning but required significant user input for precise control. By the 1980s and 90s, microcontrollers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) began utilizing modern computing technology to provide more power and flexibility to support complex control algorithms and motion profiles more autonomously.
Today, motion control systems have further evolved to leverage cutting-edge technologies, combining unprecedented precision, sophisticated sensors, high-performance controls, and enhanced connectivity. This provides intelligent, easily programmable solutions that play a pivotal role in automating today’s complex processes and high-tech machinery, including the latest integrated industrial robotics systems.
Adopting the most advanced, future-ready motion control allows industrial companies to achieve greater accuracy, speed, and flexibility, while effectively harnessing the power of their data. By capturing and analyzing real-time operational data, businesses can make fast, well-informed decisions, enabling them to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, agility, and productivity.
Introducing the Modicon M660: At the core of Schneider Electric’s future-ready Integrated Motion System
At Schneider Electric, we are committed to being the trusted partner for machine builders, integrators, and industrial manufacturers. Our mission is to help them implement next-generation, future-ready machines that are efficient, open, sustainable, and data-driven, so they can better address the challenges of modern-day manufacturing.
To build on this legacy, our systems will be built around unified software, hardware, and next-generation fieldbuses, with the goal of ensuring optimal performance and connectivity in motion control systems. As one of the first steps on this journey, we are proud to introduce the Modicon M660.
The Modicon M660, an advanced Industrial PC (IPC) motion controller, combines precision motion control, safety features, and edge computing functionalities in one device. This integrated approach allows control, data processing, and communication to work together effectively in applications where high speed, real-time control, and immediate decision-making are critical.
Modicon M660 is engineered with the EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert – Motion Module, a single engineering software designed to simplify motion control applications and to develop, configure, and commission entire production machines.
Part of the EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform, a unified automation environment, it simplifies the connectivity of advanced data-driven functionalities (artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, digital twin), while being compatible with our current motion portfolio. It also streamlines workflows by enabling seamless data exchange across applications, without the need for new libraries or extensive reconfiguration. Offering modularity in build time, runtime, and hardware, the Modicon M660 takes motion control systems to the next level.
Industrial safety and cybersecurity are essential in modern, connected environments. The Modicon M660 includes embedded TPM for compliance with IEC 62443-4-1/2 and is ready for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Additionally, it is designed to meet the latest integrated functional safety standards ISO 13849 and IEC 62061, incorporating safety with Sercos for communication of safety-critical data.
Featuring exceptional processing power, advanced algorithms, and adaptable hardware and software based on the latest 13th generation Intel multicore-processor and 64-bit run-time system, Modicon M660 cost effectively delivers greater industrial speed and agility. It also contributes to sustainability, energy efficiency, and resilience via advanced algorithms that have been designed to reduce energy consumption while also leveraging predictive maintenance to optimize equipment reliability and resource use.
Using our unified industrial automation environment and the Modicon M660’s advanced motion control capabilities, everyday operational challenges in industrial settings can be addressed more effectively, providing benefits throughout the entire industrial lifecycle, from design to operation and maintenance.
Making the move to a smart manufacturing future
The future of motion control is an exciting one, where precision, efficiency, and sustainability drive the agile, flexible smart factories of tomorrow.
Integrated automation systems based on advanced Industrial PC (IPC) motion controllers like the Modicon M660 are at the forefront of this evolution, supporting the incorporation of edge computing capabilities to leverage cutting-edge functionality like AI and machine learning. These future-ready systems will help companies to optimize operations, increase efficiency, and boost profitability, ensuring they’re well-prepared for what’s to come, while also maintaining (or gaining) that all-important competitive edge.
It’s clear that embracing digital transformation and progressing towards smart manufacturing now is essential for industrial companies who want to confidently conquer industrial challenges, both today and well into the future, and we are excited to be able to strongly support that journey.
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