Delta’s Advanced IIoT Controller AX-5 Series was recently honored with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, emerging as a rising star in advanced machine control. With its compact size, flexible configuration, and versatile communication integration, the AX-5 Series stands out by optimizing panel space and reducing material usage. The new series fully embodies a design philosophy that combines efficiency, environmental consciousness, and intelligence. The AX-5 Series supports various applications, including communication interfacing for machinery, system integration for electronic assembly production lines, and IIoT applications in warehousing and logistics.
Peter Lin, general manager of the Industrial Control Solutions Business Division, Industrial Automation Business Group, stated, "The birth of the AX-5 Series is the culmination of our many years of manufacturing and R&D experience, successfully addressing the market’s demand for high-performance computing, flexible panel configuration, and safe, reliable equipment control. We have successfully extended the know-how accumulated in our own factories to the broader market, allowing more customers to benefit from highly reliable and secure automation control solutions. Winning this award not only recognizes the strength of our products but also reinforces our commitment to continuous innovation."
Application-Oriented, Rooted in Solving Problems
The AX-5 Series R&D team explored the core challenges users face when using controllers, including insufficient IIoT integration capabilities, incomplete functional safety, and rising cybersecurity risks. During the early stages of development, the team encountered major hurdles such as bulky controller structures, complicated wiring, and high certification thresholds. Nevertheless, they remained committed to a user-centric approach, redesigning the hardware structure, optimizing wiring paths, and building in flexibility for future software and hardware developments to align with emerging application trends.
In terms of functional safety, the AX-5 Series is expected to obtain international certifications IEC 61508 SIL 3 and IEC 13849-1 Cat 4, PLe, as established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), meeting the safety application requirements for equipment control systems.
High-Efficiency Expansion, Flexible Application
In response to the accelerating trend of production line automation, there is a growing demand for high-performance computing, rapid line changeovers, and flexible configurations. The AX-5 Series features a high-performance Arm Cortex 4-core processor capable of multitasking and supporting up to 64 axes, enabling synchronized control of servo drives, AC motor drives, and remote I/O modules. Its ultra-slim 12mm slice-type expandable I/O design helps save control cabinet space, significantly reducing cabinet costs and aiding machinery manufacturers in cutting hardware, service costs, and development time.
Additionally, to meet production line IIoT requirements, the AX-5 Series offers broad support for industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT, as well as third-party Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating seamless integration of production line data with manufacturing management systems.
Embracing Industry 4.0 for a Comprehensive Smart Platform
Looking ahead, the Advanced IIoT Controller AX-5 Series will continue to evolve toward greater IIoT integration, enhancing capabilities such as network connectivity, cloud data uploading, and remote monitoring, and supporting customers in big data analytics and predictive maintenance. In response to the global emphasis on functional safety and cybersecurity, the AX-5 Series will also continue to strengthen its cybersecurity protection, striving to become the core control hub for next-generation smart manufacturing.