Rockwell Automation Democratizes Microcontroller Design with Free ‘FactoryTalk Design Workbench’ software
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New software aims to streamline development for small systems, bringing the power of Rockwell’s ‘Logix’ platform to a wider audience.
Rockwell Automation is making a significant move into the microcontroller system market with the launch of ‘FactoryTalk® Design Workbench™’, a free design software package.The release signals a strategic shift for the industrial automation giant, traditionally focused on large-scale systems, to now actively target original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and companies building smaller, stand-alone automation solutions.
The company believes the era of fragmented development tools is over, and that integration is the key to unlocking efficiency. Untill recently, developers working on applications in sectors like packaging, water and wastewater treatment, agriculture, and material handling have struggled with disjointed programming, configuration, and troubleshooting processes – a situation that has historically lead to extended development cycles and limited flexibility.
FactoryTalk Design Workbench version 1 directly addresses these challenges by offering a unified workspace fully compatible with the Micro800™ controller. This all-in-one approach promises to simplify the entire development lifecycle.
Bridging the Gap: Logix Familiarity for Microcontroller Development
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the new software is its unified user experience (UX). Rockwell Automation has designed FactoryTalk Design Workbench to mirror the interface and functionality of its high-end ‘Logix’ platform. This means engineers already proficient in Rockwell’s flagship products can seamlessly transition to designing microcontrol systems without a steep learning curve.
“This unification is a game-changer for our customers,” stated Wan Shan Loo, product manager at Rockwell Automation. “It delivers a more productive, reliable, and familiar experience.”
Beyond aesthetics, the software boasts improvements in download speed and online workflow, further enhancing work efficiency. A key feature is the ‘multi-device support function’ for both the Micro810® and the latest Micro800 Lx0E controllers, enabling simultaneous management and troubleshooting of multiple controllers – a capability that dramatically reduces system complexity.
A Roadmap for Expanded Integration
Rockwell Automation plans to officially unveil FactoryTalk Design Workbench at the ‘Automation Fair®’ in Chicago, USA, on November 17th, offering attendees a hands-on experience with the software.
According to Loo, the initial release supporting the Micro800 controller is just the beginning. “Starting with support for the Micro 800 controller, we will lay the foundation for more device integration through annual updates,” he revealed, hinting at a broader vision for the software’s future.
The launch of FactoryTalk Design Workbench represents a strategic investment by Rockwell Automation in the evolving landscape of industrial automation, aiming to empower
Here’s how the article now answers the requested questions:
* Why: Rockwell Automation launched FactoryTalk Design Workbench to address the inefficiencies of fragmented development tools in the microcontroller market and to extend its reach to smaller automation systems. They aim to provide a unified development experience.
* Who: Rockwell Automation is the developer and provider of the software. The target audience includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and companies building smaller, stand-alone automation solutions, as well as existing Rockwell Logix users. Wan Shan Loo, product manager, is quoted.
* What: FactoryTalk Design Workbench is a free design software package for microcontroller systems,
