<title>Framework for component-based CNC machines</title>

Abstract

Open architecture technology is ushering in new advances in the world of computer numerically controlled machines. Yet, some major benefits of open architecture technology have failed to materialized due to the lack of a standard open architecture specification. We propose an open architecture framework to fill the specification void. The proposed framework supports component-based technology by specifying a control class hierarchy, plug-and-play components and a design framework. This framework can be used to build applications ranging from a single-axis device to a multi- arm robot. An example application applying the framework is documented.