A breakthrough in adaptive mechatronics technology, the XPlanar flying motion solution delivers unrivaled flexibility and throughput in part, product and package handling. The highly adaptive system uses planar motor tiles as a base to levitate passive movers that can fly at speeds of 2 m/s and up to 1 g acceleration. Path planning and collision avoidance software produce extremely efficient and maintenance-free motion control for complex assembly, packaging, inspection and material handling applications. Anti-sloshing functionality in TwinCAT 3 software optimizes XPlanar’s transport capabilities in applications involving liquids, such as filling of beverages, cosmetics and other goods. XPlanar offers wear-free movement and the ability to cover planar motor tiles with stainless steel, glass or other hygienic surfaces.

Beckhoff has also expanded the highly adaptive eXtended Transport System (XTS) portfolio recently with new hardware and software enhancements. With No Cable Technology (NCT), the XTS can provide contactless power supply and synchronous real-time data communication directly to its movers. This solution enables individual movers to serve as mobile handling and processing stations, essentially turning the intelligent transport system into a powerful, highly flexible multi-robot system.

Adaptive Automation Offers Unrivaled Flexibility

Beckhoff Automation is a global provider of open automation systems based on advanced PC Control technology. The “New Automation Technology” philosophy at Beckhoff represents universal and open automation solutions used in a wide spectrum of high tech applications around the world. These applications range from control of machines and robots, to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, to category-defining mechatronics solutions and much more. The world headquarters of Beckhoff Automation is in Verl, Germany while the U.S. headquarters office is in Savage, Minn. (Minneapolis area).