Aerotech's new Motion Designer software provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface for generating and analysing motion trajectories, as well as improving the performance of complex motion profiles. The software is claimed to simplify trajectory programming and reduce the time it takes to generate a motion profile that simulates dynamic, real-world conditions. In addition, detailed motion analysis tools and iterative learning control algorithms are available to reduce following error and cycle times over multiple runs.
For use with Aerotech's motion controls (such as the PC based A3200 machine control platform), the add-on software is aimed at test and development applications for motion and movement measuring components such as inertial sensors, gyros, accelerometers and tracking systems. However, it will also be of significant use to individuals wishing to increase the performance of existing systems.
Motion Designer software either generates or imports trajectories as position, velocity, acceleration and time profile points, downloads them as AeroBASIC PVT commands to the motion controller, and then runs and evaluates the results. If a real motion trajectory can be measured, the software is able to interpret and convert it to actual PVT commands for rotary or linear motion simulation.