A specialist in the field of electronics, the megatron company, whose Wobit is a representative in Poland, expands its offer of components serving the CAN MADULE with the module space mouse. The 3D joystick enables intuitive control of complex movements in industrial environments.
The CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system is often used in industry because it offers a number of advantages. The serial interface not only ensures high security of data transmission, but is also resistant to magnetic interference. Because many electronic components can be connected directly through the CAN bus, designers need much less cables for their applications.
It was the engineers of car parts suppliers and IT experts intended to achieve in 1981, developing a CAN bus system: they were looking for a solution that would simplify connecting in the network of control units in cars and allowed to save space during installation. Over the past 40 years, this interface has spread throughout the industry: Mechatronic components with the CAN bus can now be found in many areas of automation technology, company engineering and mobile machines.
This also applies to Megatron products: more and more encoders and joysticks of this specialist in the field of electronics are equipped with the Canopen or Can J1939 interface. A special example is the Space Mouse: This 3D joystick has been developed especially for the interaction of man-machine in industrial environments. The Space Mouse module module is significantly different from conventional joysticks, because it has an ergonomically optimized control knob with six degrees of freedom. Thanks to this innovative design, the operator can intuitively control even complex movements with one hand. Earlier, two separate control devices were needed for this purpose, which not only required more space to install, but also limited the operator's flexibility.
Input device with special capabilities
Just like the CAN, mouse module> Mouse module also has an interesting story. In the 1970s, scientists from the German Aviation and Cosmonautics Center (DLR) were looking for a suitable solution to control the robot's arm in Cartesian space. The six -axis force and torque sensor integrated with a ball turned out to be perfect for this task. This is how the basic principle of today's 3D joysticks was born.
Soon it became clear that the potential range of applications of 3D joysticks can be much larger. The reason was simple: for a long time the selection of input devices was very limited. Although simple joysticks can control quite complex sequences of movements, they are not able to operate three translations and three revolutions in space at the same time. Touch screens can run defined sequences or introduce short commands, but they cannot control complex movements due to a lack of haptic feedback. Trackballs have only two degrees of freedom. The Space Mouse module combines the properties of all these input devices.
The industry is a large target group
The module's success story began in 1993 - in the same year 3D joystick was used for the first time to control the robot's arm in space. Within a few years, the Space Mouse module has become a standard control element in CAD programs and has spread around the world. To reach new target groups, a partner was sought to cooperate with extensive experience in the field of automation technology and medical technology.
The choice fell on Megatron Elektronik GmbH & Co. Kg, which has been providing industry with precise encoders and joysticks for over 60 years. A special feature is individual service: if necessary, mechatronics specialists adapt almost every product in terms of functions, construction, as well as mechanical and electrical interfaces, from small amounts.
Wide range of applications
The Space Mouse module perfectly complements the offer of Megatron products. The heart of the 3D joystick is an optoelectronic sensor that works non -contact, thanks to which it does not wear out. Unlike other types of sensors, this technology is relatively insensitive to electromagnetic interference fields, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The Space Mouse module is also characterized by optimized spring force, durable surface material (ABS), as well as improved sealing and a dead zone. Thanks to this, the joystick works reliably and precisely even in the most difficult environmental conditions. Another advantage of the module is its compact design, which allows easy integration with control panels, armrests or desk housings. In addition to Canopen, the USB interface and serial interface (UART) provide easy connection to the application.
The areas of the Space Mouse module use include, among others, devices for sewage canal inspection, gyroscopically stabilized drones, turning centers or instruments used in supported surgery.
The high sensitivity of the 3D joystick works perfectly here: it responds even to the smallest movements of the finger or wrist, enabling very precise operations.
Easy programming of robots
The Space Mouse module also provides valuable services in cooperation between man and robot. Because automated processes can be programmed intuitively and without programming knowledge, 3D joystick is an ideal alternative to companies that want to automate their production due to a shortage of qualified employees. Thanks to the Space Mouse module, you can not only easily teach, but also manually and precisely control. This function is particularly helpful in the production and installation of large or heavy elements, such as roofs and car doors.
Another area of the use of the Space Mouse module is controlling visualizations and simulations, which are used, for example, in medical and dental technology or in production machining centers.
In addition to the 3D joystick, Wobit offers a number of other industrial joysticks megatron serving the CAN. These include Joystick heavy-duty finger joistick 844 (canopen J1939) with a depth of assembly <0.79 inches, as well as a durable encoder FHB58 for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Palcowej joystick trine also supports Canopen and can j1939 protocols Used by medical technology producers, for example to control patient tables during ophthalmological operations.
