The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Humanoids
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Business
    • Financial
      • Investments
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Earnings
    • Markets
      • Agriculture
      • Healthcare
      • Logistics
      • Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Security
    • RBR50
      • RBR50 Winners 2025
      • RBR50 Winners 2024
      • RBR50 Winners 2023
      • RBR50 Winners 2022
      • RBR50 Winners 2021
  • Resources
    • Automated Warehouse Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • eBooks
    • Publications
      • Automated Warehouse
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Mechatronic Solution for Machine Builders

By robottf | July 29, 2009

MILWAUKEE, WI — Rockwell Automation and Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. (DS SolidWorks) plan to broaden their work together by developing a joint mechatronic solution for machine builders that helps allow mechanical, electrical and controls design engineers to work together to analyze, optimize, simulate and select machine designs in a virtual design and production environment before committing to a final machine design.

rockwell-dassault-mechatronics.jpg

Machine builders will benefit from the joint solution through increased machine value, improved machine sustainability, and greater innovation agility. The solution allows designers to test various component selections and designs virtually, rather than building and testing multiple physical prototypes. As a result, they can select the design that provides the highest machine throughput, thus improving the machine’s effectiveness.

Designers also can focus on developing sustainable machines because they will be able to run efficiency analyses and select designs that decrease energy consumption and reduce waste. Similarly, they will have the ability to try new and creative options without incurring costs for building physical prototypes. This allows the engineers to select the optimal mix of cost savings and energy efficiency.

“Many issues can arise during the initial design phase of a machine because there is a lack of collaboration and communication between mechanical and controls designers,” said John Pritchard, product marketing manager for Kinetix, Rockwell Automation. “We’re expanding our alliance with DS SolidWorks to develop a mechatronic design environment that will allow engineers to communicate throughout the design process and work together in an integrated design platform. The primary objective is to foster innovation while reducing costs and compressing the time it takes to design, develop and deliver reliable machines.”

Craig Therrien, product manager of DS SolidWorks, said “Our two companies have a shared vision of the benefits manufacturers could achieve when leveraging solutions that combine 3-D technology with automation control software. This mechatronic solution is a natural next step in our journey together. We are looking forward to the opportunity to help designers use our complementary technologies to improve the work they’re doing.”

Scheduled for release this fall, the joint solution moves Rockwell Automation one step closer toward creating a virtual design and production environment that helps manufacturers collaborate seamlessly through the full design life cycle. The new solution will link mechanical design with controls design by integrating SolidWorks design software from DS SolidWorks with Rockwell Automation Motion Analyzer software. As a result, machine builders can expect shorter lead times and reduced risk by predicting the likely outcome of design changes before committing to a physical prototype.

“This latest development in the relationship between Rockwell Automation and DS SolidWorks has the potential to revolutionize machine design,” said Sal Spada, research director, ARC Advisory Group.

“Machine builders that are quick to adopt mechatronic system design will have a distinct competitive advantage. They will be able to offer end users sustainable and optimized machines in a fraction of the time.” The partnership between Rockwell Automation and DS SolidWorks began in late 2007. Last fall, the companies announced availability of their first joint solution – a virtual design and production utility that merges virtual simulation and automation for production.

Rockwell Automation and DS SolidWorks Mechatronic Solution
www.rockwellautomation.com/partners/dassault.html

About The Author

robottf

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles Read More >

SUNY Adirondack to launch new program in mechatronics
Eplan Data Portal migrates to Azure
Transcript: How mechatronics is taking additive manufacturing to the next level
Is there a need for closed loop feedback greater than 20,000 CPR?

RBR50 Innovation Awards

“rr
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Robotics Professionals.
The Robot Report Listing Database

Latest Episode of The Robot Report Podcast

Automated Warehouse Research Reports

Sponsored Content

  • Sager Electronics and its partners, logos shown here, will exhibit at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo. Sager Electronics to exhibit at the Robotics Summit & Expo
  • The Shift in Robotics: How Visual Perception is Separating Winners from the Pack
  • An AutoStore automated storage and retrieval grid. Webinar to provide automated storage and retrieval adoption advice
  • Smaller, tougher devices for evolving demands
  • Modular motors and gearboxes make product development simple
The Robot Report
  • Mobile Robot Guide
  • Collaborative Robotics Trends
  • Field Robotics Forum
  • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
  • RoboBusiness Event
  • Robotics Summit & Expo
  • About The Robot Report
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Humanoids
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Business
    • Financial
      • Investments
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Earnings
    • Markets
      • Agriculture
      • Healthcare
      • Logistics
      • Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Security
    • RBR50
      • RBR50 Winners 2025
      • RBR50 Winners 2024
      • RBR50 Winners 2023
      • RBR50 Winners 2022
      • RBR50 Winners 2021
  • Resources
    • Automated Warehouse Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • eBooks
    • Publications
      • Automated Warehouse
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe