In this Student in Research and Innovation project, the focus was on improving the overall usability of the UiA Motion Lab by upgrading and modernizing the control systems used across several of the laboratory’s mechatronic setups. The goal was to make the systems easier to maintain, more accessible to students and researchers, and better aligned with current development tools.
A major task in the project involved updating most of the IPCs in the Motion Lab from TwinCAT 3.1 build 4024 to the newer TwinCAT 3.1 build 4026. This upgrade enables users to program and configure the IPCs directly from Windows 11, significantly simplifying workflows and lowering the threshold for new users to get started. However, some IPCs running on Embedded Windows 7 do not support build 4026 and will remain on build 4024, requiring them to be configured from other PCs running Windows 10 or earlier.
In addition, TwinCAT Package Manager was installed on all IPCs, providing improved handling of libraries and software modules. This update allows users to keep projects synchronized and up to date, which is especially beneficial in an environment with many users and continuous project development.
Another important improvement was the integration of a new HMI for remote operation, developed in a separate project earlier this year. This interface allows several Motion Lab machines to be operated from a central location, reducing the need for manual interaction with each individual system. The HMI enhances accessibility, simplifies testing procedures, and provides a more intuitive way to monitor and operate laboratory equipment.
The project contributed to establishing a more modern and robust technical foundation for future research and teaching activities in the UiA Motion Lab, supporting a smoother and more user-friendly experience for all users in the years ahead.