New-Tech Europe Magazine | Dec 2017

Motion Control Special Edition

for the engineer, development for the manufacturer, commissioning for the mechanic and day-to-day business for the operator. Eaton therefore incorporates these factors for all our products in this area. Which products? Ischen: Some of Eaton’s specific solutions involving the varied mix of considerations include the all- in-one RMQ compact solution, which can be installed directly in the machine thanks to the high degree of protection it offers and its extra flat contact elements keep space requirements to an absolute minimum. The AFX fast assembly solution allows assembly of torsion- proof selector switches. Complex work phases can be easily visualized with the operator-friendly Galileo software. Eaton’s Application Engineering Services Team also helps develop operating concepts. Another version is the pre-assembled operating units and set formations. Mechanical engineering companies can then concentrate on their core business. What challenges does a design engineer generally have to deal with in a modern operating concept? Ischen: They have to create added value in the machine project with the operating unit by adding new functions, for example. Being able to do so is a key advantage in global competition. At the same time, they need to make sure that the human machine interaction always meets statutory regulations and workplace safety rules. They also must need to make sure their system is a secure investment by being able to integrate the operating levels into an overall approach to the machine for use in smart factories.

Can you name a few possible solutions? Ischen: Compact HMI/PLC devices with low-cost resistive touch technology - i.e. HMI or combined devices - are suitable for manageablemechanical engineering applications. Operating and control units are also available for more demanding applications, where the design is visually appealing and includes high-performance multi- touch and embedded technology. The attributes include intuitive operator guidance, precise gesture control and multimedia options. And where is all this going? Ischen: Anything is possible. Quite a few of the big developments will come from consumer electronics. Smart watches as a compact operating unit equipped with context-specific menus. Augmented reality applications will soon find their way into the industrial environment. At the 2017 Hannover Trade Fair, Eaton presented the first applications using the Microsoft Hololens. New touch technologies such as 3D touch or swipe movement operation with off-screen display - as found in high-end cars

- are also interesting. Hologram touch operates by interacting with holographic projections. The area is truly exciting. But it all comes down to how practical the relevant procedure is.

Image 2+3: The “all-in-one” RMQ compact solution also has a high degree of protection at the back and can be installed in the machine itself.

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