A decision in favour of flexibility and speed

Baumüller is developing its own runtime environment for its controllers

With the new runtime environment for its control platforms, the Nuremberg-based drive and automation specialist Baumüller is enabling faster engineering, shorter cycle times and greater flexibility. The in-house developed runtime environment supports modern standards such as high-level language programming and IoT connectivity and makes machines AI-capable. The system is specially designed to meet the requirements of dynamic drive systems and enables short cycle times of up to 125 ms, thus increasing machine productivity.

Fast customisation and flexibility

This in-house development allows users of Baumüller controllers to respond even more quickly and flexibly to requirements. Adjustments, such as customer-specific variant handling for EtherCAT slaves, can be implemented particularly quickly in the new runtime system. As an expert in drive intelligence, Baumüller enables the rapid implementation of control and monitoring functionalities in the drive close to the process and has prepared the new runtime environment particularly for this application.

Advantages through standards

The runtime system is based on Linux, is processor-independent and, by complying with current industry standards, is optimally tailored to the requirements of mechanical engineering. Baumüller integrates its many years of experience in the field of motion control and combines all Baumüller software tools in the runtime environment. This saves time and costs, as data transfers are no longer necessary. Baumüller also brings many modern programming standards into automation technology with its runtime environment. This enables specialists to quickly and efficiently familiarise themselves with processes and facilitates the integration of junior staff.

Baumüller is offering a new proprietary runtime environment for its PLCs. This puts customers in an even better position to respond faster and more flexibly to current and future requirements.

More efficient development

In the new system, PLC programs can be created using object-oriented programming, resulting in modular, reusable and clearly structured programs. This makes life easier for developers and ensures greater flexibility. Existing templates, machine modules and standardised libraries according to PLCopen can still be used.

High-level languages such as C++ are also integrated into the platform and it is even possible to use different languages within a single program. The advantage of this is that existing program codes can continue to be used without any problems and the system can be easily expanded at a later date and used independently of the platform.

Linux, as an open operating system, forms the basis for the new runtime environment. Thanks to this open standard, apps can be installed and used on the controller in the future, for example, which can significantly simplify and accelerate the creation of automation software using low-code programming.

Other trending topics in software development can also be mapped here. Another possibility is to expand control platforms with AI functionalities, thereby creating added value for machine operators, for example. Applications in the area of process optimisation or real-time data analysis are conceivable here. The new runtime environment makes Baumüller's control portfolio AI-ready.

The new servo drives of the b maXX 6000 family can thus also be expanded to include AI functions. The drivePLC integrated into the drive makes it possible to combine the advantages of the high processing speed in the servo drive with the intelligence of AI applications.

Automated test routines reduce programming effort

Another standard that Baumüller has adopted from classical programming is the use of unit tests, which can be used to detect program errors at an early stage and reduce programming effort.

The new runtime system is initially available for the drive-integrated b maXX drivePLC, which is integrated in the new b maXX 6000 controller generation, and for the new b maXX controllerPLC as well as for other Baumüller control platforms in the future. Baumüller offers a wide range of software tools as well as pre-programmed modules and templates for this. Baumüller also offers engineering and corresponding programming services. These services can be used to carry out not only normal programming in consultation with the customer, but also more extensive adaptations. Baumüller thus offers its customers a modern and future-proof software portfolio.

Baumüller Group
SPS 2024, 12–14 November 2024
Hall 1, Stand 560 – NürnbergMesse, Nuremberg