IPC motion controller leads Schneider releases at SPS show
13 November 2024 
At the SPS automation exhibition in Germany, Schneider Electric has unveiled a slew of new technologies including an industrial PC motion controller that integrates precision motion control, safety and edge computing in one device. This integrated design allows control, data processing, and communications to be combined in any application where real-time control, low latency, and immediate decision-making are needed. It offers modularity in build time, runtime and hardware.
The Modicon M660 IPC is programmed via a single, scalable environment, simplifying the connection of advanced data-driven functions – such as AI, machine learning and digital twins – while remaining compatible with Schneider’s existing motion portfolio. The environment also extends Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert software, allowing users to capitalise on existing know-how and tools for high-performance motion applications, while also using the software for other applications. The unified environment streamlines workflows, enabling seamless data exchange across applications, without needing new libraries or extensive reconfiguration.
Other products that Schneider announced at SPS included:
- The Modicon Edge I/O NTS unified I/O system for data aggregation. With a distributed IP20 design, the system accommodates various applications in a single I/O family. It integrates open IP Ethernet protocols and advanced cybersecurity measures, delivering time and cost savings through streamlined design and wiring, accelerated machine start-ups, and easier diagnostics and monitoring.
- The Altivar Process ATV6100 medium-voltage drives which enable process optimisation, energy efficiency and asset management. Schneider says they will cut TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) by up to 20%, increase operational effectiveness by up to 10%, and reduce the amount of space needed by up to 40%, while meeting IEEE-519 standards for low harmonics.
- Altivar Predict sensorless monitoring technology for Schneider’s Altivar Process VSDs, motors and pumps This analyses the health of motor-driven devices, identifies stress factors, and detects damage or faults that might require maintenance. It aims to improve operational and energy efficiency by providing predictive monitoring, cloud connectivity and early fault detection.
- The Lexium 38i integrated motor-drive for decentralised motion control systems, which combines a drive with servo and stepper motor technologies. It offers high power densities, small footprints, integrated safety, and flexibility, with output powers up to 1.2kW. It is said to optimise integration, commissioning, and operational processes using standardised interfaces that reduce time-to-deployment and installation costs.
- The EcoStruxure Edge compute ecosystem which includes an edge manager for centralised deployment and monitoring across multiple hardware devices. It uses Linux-based Edge Runtime, delivering fast, efficient deployment with zero-touch automatic on-boarding. Individual services and connectivity edge apps provide advanced data collection, computation, and analytics at machine or plant levels, using AI for fast ROI. It can be used for asset performance, product quality and operation optimisation applications.
- Aveva Connect has added new use cases such as data sharing, digital twin visualisation and AI and analytics. Design teams can now move from sequential workflows to real-time collaboration and community data sharing. Data management capabilities now enable new ecosystem and use cases including AI-powered analytics for quality and production optimisation. Pre-defined, editable dashboards can be used to visualise complex interactions.
- SEE Electrical 3D Panel software is said to revolutionise the design and production of electrical cabinets, switchboards and panels. It offers an intuitive interface using data from electrical projects in SEE Electrical software or from other electrical CAD systems. It streamlines the flow of electrical diagrams using the same database for cabinet layout design. Automatic functions include wire routing and the generation of wire manufacturing lists that can be imported into cable preparation machines.
