Cengiz Özemli
Academic
- Thread Author
- #1
As industrial automation systems become more complex, machine builders are adopting new approaches in motion design and implementation. Next-generation servo technologies are emerging to simplify design, increase flexibility, and ensure resilience in supply chains.
### The Cost of Unnecessary Complexity
Most OEMs, in an effort to design flexible motion systems, choose servo drives and motors with more features than necessary. While these "high-end" options may seem advantageous in theory, in practice, more than 80% of their features go unused. This situation creates additional costs and complexity in engineering, configuration, and inventory management.
### The Right Sizing Approach
Modular and standard servo platforms that meet the basic functions required by machines, stripped of excessive features, both simplify the engineering process and accelerate time-to-market. This strategy increases efficiency in system design without compromising performance.
### Open Systems, an Alternative to Closed Ecosystems
Many control platforms create closed ecosystems that only work with their own components. While this limits suppliers, multi-protocol supported servo drives enable easy integration across different networks such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP. This allows machines to be offered to different markets without redesign.
### More Flexible and Resilient Systems
Open systems allow the use of motors, drives, PLCs, and HMI products from different suppliers together. This enables OEMs to build flexible, resilient systems and respond quickly to component shortages or delays.
### Adapting to Modern Automation Requirements
Openness and simplicity are not just about convenience; they offer significant advantages in business planning, inventory management, and commissioning processes. Manufacturers like Kollmorgen offer high performance and global compatibility in automation with servo platforms that focus on customers' core needs.
In conclusion, an open and resilient design approach, equipped with fewer but the right features, stands out as the key to increasing development speed while reducing costs in today's complex automation world.
