In recent years, engineers have come to realize that motion control can be smart. This type of control involves machines that can digitally interact with operators, track each step of the assembly process, ensure quick product changeover and provide the real-time status of available resources.

“The advent of edge computing within the last decade is when smart motion control really began,” says Vibhoosh Gupta, director of product management for machine automation solutions at Emerson. “A truly smart motion control system is one that gives the end-user the right level of information at the right time. All of its key components work together and consistently give the company what it needs and when it needs it.”