Rockwell Automation has launched a range of distributed servo drives, the ArmorKinetix. The new drives, an extension of the Kinetix 5700 platform, are intended to provide leaner, higher performing systems for manufacturing automation.

The new drives are intended to provide manufacturers with more scalable solutions to simplify machine control architectures, reduce potential points of failure, and boost the potential for manufacturing automation.

ArmorKinetix provide a simplified architecture that mounts the servo solution outside of an electrical cabinet. As a result, machines can now be designed to be more modular while reducing cabinet size, cabling, and cooling requirements.

The smart servo drives also include vibration and thermal sensors that can detect potential machine issues, providing the ability to proactively identify and address problems and increase system uptime. This proactive approach is a catalyst for increased productivity.

“Rockwell Automation has worked closely with customers to align the ArmorKinetix Distributed Servo Drives with customer application needs,” said Jon Vanderpas, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “This product is special because it not only provides industry-leading performance and precision to individual processes, but it also enables a more optimised way for people to design and operate automation equipment. This device is available in a wide power range that addresses the diverse needs of manufacturers across the industrial landscape.”