Kawasaki Robotics Introduces E-Controller Range

The E-Controller from Kawasaki Robots is said to offer faster processing, increased memory, higher-resolution encoding, increased communication options and additional teach pendant functionality. Available initially with new Kawasaki robot introductions, the E-Controller is more compact than its predecessor and uses a faster CPU. Processing of application commands, both PC programs and Kawasaki's K-Logic PLC programs, are able to run at up to 18 times faster, allowing cycle times to be reduced.

User memory has been increased by eight times as the system offers 8Mb, taking the programmable steps available up to 80,000. Flexibility of program download to memory and upload from memory has been increased with the addition of USB ports. The addition of USB ports also makes it possible to use a standard USB memory or keyboard with the pendent-based monitor. Increased functionality now exists on the E-Controller's teach pendant, removing the need to go to the control cabinet during teaching.

Controls for 'motor on', 'cycle start' and 'hold/run' are all available on the teach pendant. Additional teach-pendant enhancements include access to two pages simultaneously, larger graphics and a larger display to allow more information to be seen. Screen information can be saved onto a USB memory at any time for analysis away from the robot cell.

Flexibility of the software extends to allowing users to customise their own help pages in the online 'help' function. Improved self-diagnostics include the monitoring of fans and CPU temperature for preventative maintenance and, in the case of a failure, for component identification. To support ease of maintenance, control cabinet components such as servo amplifier, fans and CPU are all designed as push-in components with minimal tools required to remove or replace.

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