Rockwell Automation has rebuilt Motion Analyzer software as a Web tool. The tool offers new user-friendly features and a vastly expanded product catalog to help engineers more easily specify, design and validate complete motion control systems.

The Motion Analyzer Web tool is cloud-based, allowing users to access, update and collaborate on projects stored in a single location, reducing version control issues and the need to share project files back and forth. A cloud-based platform also means users are no longer limited by the processing speed of their computers when designing systems for more complex applications. The tool’s new browser-style format allows users to filter, review and compare products and general pricing, similar to search capabilities on popular e-commerce sites.

“Incorrectly sizing a motion system not only generates unnecessary costs in wasted engineering time and re-stocking fees, but it can greatly slow a machine’s time-to-market,” said Gavin Black, product manager CompactLogix, SLC, Kinetix Motion, Rockwell Automation.

“The latest Motion Analyzer release is an evolution of the platform that is more collaborative, expansive and easy to use. When engineers can quickly create and examine complete motion control systems within a single platform, they can spend more time innovating and improving their machines.”

The Motion Analyzer Web tool provides machine builders access to a wider range of motion control products than ever before. It now incorporates products from nine Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Encompass product partners, including STOBER Drives, NIDEC-SHIMPO, item North America, Tolomatic, Nook Industries, WITTENSTEIN, Exlar Corporation, Bonitron and Elwood Corporation.

“Collaboration between various disciplines among machine builders and automation solution providers is critical to lower the Total Cost to Design, Develop and Deliver equipment,” said Clayton Webber, STOBER Drives. “Having mechatronic solutions up-to-date in the cloud establishes Motion Analyzer as a differentiator in machine design. STOBER and Rockwell Automation are striving to lead online solutions for machine design.”

Using the Motion Analyzer Web tool, engineers can determine a system’s specifications, evaluate multiple products, finalize the design and create a bill of materials. The tool can help shorten motion system design from a multiday process to a matter of hours. The Web tool supports English, German and Chinese languages, and it is compatible with a wide range of computer, smartphone and tablet operating systems.

To protect user data, Rockwell Automation developed the Motion Analyzer Web tool using industry-accepted best practices in security. This includes using the HTTPS/TLS 1.2 protocol for 128-bit encryption of all connections. The tool also leverages the defense-in-depth security features built into the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, which has achieved the highest levels of international certification and accreditation, including ISO 27001.