Motion controller
Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller
PC- or drive-hosted software motion controller coordinating up to 32 axes of servo, stepper and laser scan head motion over the HyperWire fibre-optic bus, programmed in AeroScript with .NET, C and Python APIs.
Key specifications
| Fieldbus | HyperWire; EtherCAT, Modbus, EtherNet/IP via industrial Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Axes | up to 32 |
| Axes max | 32 |
| Programming | AeroScript; .NET, C, Python APIs; LabVIEW and EPICS drivers |
| Features | gantry control, 1D/2D calibration, PSO and IFOV laser synchronisation, up to 31 tasks |
Summarised in our own words from Aerotech, Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.. Aerotech and Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with an Aerotech part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 2 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
Slim 54 mm EtherCAT motion controller programmed in CODESYS, running up to 32 synchronised axes on a 1 ms cycle with RP20 I/O expansion.
| Published maximum | Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller | AK (AK8 / AK840) |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 32 | 32 meets or exceeds |
CODESYS-based PLC/motion controller with EtherCAT for 8, 16 or 32 axes plus 6 local pulse axes, dual-core SOC+FPGA and 32-module R2 I/O expansion.
| Published maximum | Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller | MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 32 | 32 meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What a motion controller is
A motion controller plans and coordinates movement for one or more axes, sending position, velocity or torque commands to servo or stepper drives. It generates trajectories with defined acceleration and jerk, synchronises axes for interpolation, electronic gearing and camming, and handles homing, limits and registration inputs. Commands reach drives over pulse, analogue or, most commonly now, EtherCAT and other real-time networks. Many controllers also include PLC functions to IEC 61131-3, combining logic and motion.
When engineers choose a motion controller
Choose a dedicated motion controller when a machine needs coordinated multi-axis motion beyond basic point-to-point moves, such as robots, gantries, packaging and CNC. It gives deterministic timing and motion libraries. The trade-offs are cost, programming effort and ecosystem lock-in. For simple machines with a few independent axes, a PLC with motion function blocks or intelligent drives with stored moves may be enough.
How to specify the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller variant or an equivalent:
- Number of axes and drives
- Network and cycle time (ms)
- Motion functions: interpolation, camming, robotics
- Programming environment and languages
- I/O and expansion
- HMI and connectivity
- Safety integration
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a controller that does not support the drives' network
- Underestimating cycle time needs for many axes
- Ignoring programming tools and skills in the team
- Not planning for future axis count
Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller: frequently asked questions
What is the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller?
PC- or drive-hosted software motion controller coordinating up to 32 axes of servo, stepper and laser scan head motion over the HyperWire fibre-optic bus, programmed in AeroScript with .NET, C and Python APIs. It is made by Aerotech, Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller?
The Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller is made by Aerotech (Aerotech, Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
Is there an alternative to the Aerotech Automation1 iSMC software-based motion controller?
Yes. On published figures, Kinco AK (AK8 / AK840) and Leadshine MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS) are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between a motion controller and a PLC?
A PLC handles machine logic, sequencing and I/O. A motion controller specialises in trajectory planning and coordinating axes. Many modern controllers combine both, running PLC logic and motion libraries on one CPU. Choose based on axis count, motion complexity and timing requirements.
Why is EtherCAT common for motion control?
EtherCAT offers short cycle times, precise synchronisation using distributed clocks and simple cabling, which suit coordinated multi-axis motion. Many drives and I/O devices support it. Other real-time networks such as PROFINET IRT and Sercos are also used, so check what the drives and controller support.
Further reading: How to select a motion controller or plc · Controllers and PLCs
Other motion controller series
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