congatec and Real-Time Systems make a robot play piano

congatec – a leading vendor of standardized and customized embedded computer boards and modules – introduces a virtualized embedded computing platform for easy PLC and UI hardware consolidation. The demo platform with a hexapod robot playing a piano is based on a standard embedded hardware platform from congatec; industry leading hypervisor technology from Real-Time Systems (RTS); IEC 61131-3 compliant CODESYS SoftPLC running on real-time VxWorks OS; and a virtualized GUI based on Microsoft Windows 10. Using standard building blocks, the platform’s logic includes everything needed for the control of motion systems in a modular and cross-platform capable format. The platform’s demo controller connects to the three servo motors of the hexapod and is programmed to press piano keys. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is operated by Microsoft Windows and, resembling a jukebox, is used to select the music to be played by the robot. To demonstrate the independence of the real-time operating system from Microsoft Windows running in parallel, the GUI can be rebooted while the robot keeps playing piano. This impressive demonstration debuts at the IoT/M2M Expo Japan.