Following several years of development, Hertfordshire-based
TM Robotics has launched the new TS5000 robot controller which forms a launch pad for the next generation of industrial robots from
Shibaura Machine — formerly known as Toshiba Machine.
With faster position control, the controller improves robot precision and shortens cycle times.
The new TS5000 has been engineered by Shibaura Machine’s engineers in Japan and compared to previous controllers, features improved synchronisation and control.
Its position cycle is in fact three-times faster than previous models, allowing more control during fast movements and combined with an automatic adjustment function for acceleration, reduces vibration and stress.
The communication functions have also been enhanced, offering real-time data transmission between the robot and controller, enabling manufacturers to integrate the system into a smart factory environment. This improved communication also enables vibration analysis for predictive and preventative maintenance.
The new TS5000 also has dedicated ports for status feedback and control, allowing additional ports for priority communications such as vision interfacing and control. For non-protocol communication, the TS5000 boasts eight ports — a four-fold increase on the previous TS3000 model.
As well as improved communication, the TS5000’s physical features have also been upgraded. It now has a 33% smaller footprint than previous controllers and weighs just 10kg, which allows for easy installation.
Alongside the new controller, TM Robotics has also released the new TP5000 teach pendant as an optional add-on. Sometimes referred to as a ‘teach box’, a robot’s teach pendant is used to control the robot manually.
This addition is important for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes, as well as fine tuning the robot after installation.
Nigel Smith, TM Robotics president and CEO, said: “The TS5000 controller is the latest robotic technology from the team at Shibaura Machine.
“As the company’s primary distribution partner, TM Robotics will be providing this new controller and its accompanying teach pendant to users in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australia, as well as North and South America.
“The controller features huge improvements in usability compared to previous models and will provide the baseline controller for the next generation of robots from Shibaura Machine in Japan. This includes the most recent THE600 SCARA model, which is available to order now.”