Automation Framework brings linked software modules into synchronisation

Whether case packers, flow-wrapping machines, cup filling machines or handling units with different robot kinematics: the core elements of SEW-Eurodrive's machine automation solutions are prepared templates. For these Movikit software modules, there is now a space for synchronisation: the Automation Framework.

The business segment Maxolution machine automation from SEW-Eurodrive is an established partner for automation solutions. With its preconfigured Movikit software modules commissioning times can be significantly reduced. These functional and machine-specific software modules are integrated into the programme structure of the Automation Framework (AFW) and made dependent. The AFW fulfils the Packaging Machine Language (PackML) programming standards used in the food industry and packaging technology. With the appropriate interfaces, this ensures quick and easy line integration.

Open sources instead of encapsulation

Prepared application or motion templates are largely encapsulated in the automation industry. However, SEW-Eurodrive works with open source code for its Movikit software modules.

„Every Movikit is naturally pre-programmed by its very nature, otherwise it wouldn't be a building block. However, we leave Customised processes to. If you want to use the basic scope of a Movikit to save time, you can do so and still have all the freedom to adapt or change the things that are necessary for your machine.“ Ronny Olsson, Head of the development team for the Automation Framework

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The drive automation specialist provides standard motion sequences, and the machine manufacturer builds on this with its customised process knowledge. „We don't take away the core of his mechanical engineering - in other words, what makes him unique through his expertise,“ clarifies Ronny Olsson. The Automation Framework is Interaction with the commissioning service to consider.

Ready-made solution with degrees of freedom

The Automation Framework is designed for three main areas of application: small individual machines, intelligent system modules with fieldbus connection and fully automated and modular systems. The latter offer the option of recipe management for different products, communicate with an HMI, provide alarm and message handling and supply the visualisation with their own graphic templates. With the PackML conformitySEW particularly addresses vertical flow-wrapping machines, horizontal form, fill and seal machines, case packers or palletisers.

In combination with the powerful Movikit Robotics software module, the AFW also offers a wide range of applications for parallel arm kinematics and the development of customised Cartesian robots. „With the Automation Framework a kind of prefabricated house, in which the rooms can be freely organised. Of course, this doesn't just work in the packaging industry,“ emphasises Ronny Olsson.

Standardised, modular software architecture

All Movikit software modules contained in the AFW work with the same state, i.e. they precisely map the individual states of the machine. This consistent approach allows all technology modules in the framework, i.e. the Movikit software modules, to work synchronously via the central state machine. In practice, this means that all participants in a network within the sphere of influence of the state machine move together to waiting positions, start simultaneously in the network and no module is faster in the process.

These Synchronisation applies automatically, as soon as a software module is integrated. This makes system expansions and modifications comparatively simple. The AFW therefore supports a modular software architecture in which a lot of programming code can be reused. This also allows the service of SEW-Eurodrive build on existing and proven customer solutions for retrofit and expansion projects.

The software is structured according to the methods of the ISA88 industry standard, which is widely used in the food industry. For the food and packaging industries in particular, PackML-compliant modes can also be selected in the AFW, e.g. production, manual mode or maintenance mode. All 17 PackML states are available within individual modes. Depending on the machine type, you can use all of them or just select a few.

Continuous communication

Within the PackML standard there are the PackTag data interface. It is primarily used for communication with other machines in a production or packaging line and with the higher-level control system. PackTags ensure that incoming and outgoing machine information is standardised so that it is understood by all upstream and downstream participants in a network. Only when data is exchanged openly and in the same way can Machines from different manufacturers communicate with each other within a line.

Information is automatically prepared in such a way that the data can be conveniently transferred to external visualisations. This extends to the use of visualisation modules for different machines in a system. The Automation Framework includes a visualisation template that can be used to check and optimise the processes of an application before commissioning. A Codesys-based development environment is used in conjunction with a graphical object library. No additional programming effort is required.

Efficiency gains for customer projects

The Automation Framework significantly reduces the time required for engineering, especially thanks to the integrated functions and the Movikit software modules. Everything that is already standardised in its basic features reduces the risk of errors during programming. The developers can Focus on workflows and process chains, that make up the individual expertise of each machine manufacturer. Against this backdrop, SEW's service in application support and commissioning of customer systems has also increased efficiency, making projects more reliable and faster.