Dedicated Robot Controller and Programming Software Makes Robotics Easier
June 03, 2025
With labor shortages persisting and businesses seeking greater efficiency in manufacturing, there's been a significant rise in demand for robotics. However, many companies struggle to keep pace due to a lack of funds or technical expertise to integrate robotics into their operations. While outsourcing robot procurement and programming is an option, creating and coding your own robots can be simpler than anticipated.
A Smarter Way to Build and Program Robots
Oriental Motor has addressed common barriers to building robots in-house by launching a new robot controller and programming software designed to make multi-axis robotics applications more cost-effective, straightforward to construct, and easier to program using readily available, standard components.
The MRC01 robot controller and MRC Studio programming software are engineered to operate a variety of robot types and end-effectors:
Vertically Articulated Robots
Horizontally Articulated (SCARA) Robots
Palletizer/Parallel Link Robots
Perpendicular / Cartesian / Gantry Robots
3 links
2 or 3 links
1 or 2 links
2 or 3 axes
At this time, the MRC01 and MRC Studio are available for vertically articulated robots, horizontally articulated (SCARA) robots, and palletizer/parallel link/delta robots. For support on 2~3 axis perpendicular/cartesian/gantry systems, please reach out to our technical support team.
STEP 1 Easy Setup with Step-by-Step Guidance
Initial settings are configured using a wizard to choose the robot type and input mechanism details. By following the step-by-step instructions alongside illustrations, even novices can quickly set up a robot's initial configurations.
STEP 2 Say Goodbye to Ladder Logic! Select Items to Program Operation
Program creation utilizes a simple command selection format. Intuitive programming is possible without requiring specialized knowledge such as ladder diagrams. The system supports P to P operation, linear interpolation operation, circular interpolation operation, arc motion, and more.
STEP 3 Check Operation with an Online 3D Simulator
The robot's operation program can be verified using a 3D simulator. The program can be tested easily before activating the actual robot.
TIP
When setting the home position for all axes, release the holding torque from all motors by enabling the FREE input on their drivers, then manually adjust to the home position. All AlphaStep AZ Series motors and actuators use a built-in mechanical absolute encoder, so absolute position coordinates are tracked even with the power off.
The MRC01 robot controller communicates to the PLC/IPC via EtherNet/IP and controls motors and linear/rotary actuators from the AlphaStep AZ Series family through dedicated drivers via Modbus RTU. The MRC01 is compatible with AZ Series built-in controller type drivers, such as the AZD-AD (AC input RS-485 driver with built-in controller), AZD-KD (DC input RS-485 driver with built-in controller), and AZD-KR2D (mini DC input RS-485 driver with built-in controller).
The MRC01 robot controller also features dedicated robotic functions, such as palletizing commands, "passing point designation system" (for circular interpolation operation), and JOG/inching operation in a tool coordinate system.
Utilize the AlphaStep AZ Series family of products to enhance your in-house designs for better performance and user-friendliness.
Easily integrate custom-built robots into existing systems
Direct control via EtherNet/IPâ„¢
Simple setup even for beginners (no ladder logic required)
Try the "MRC Studio" programming software (trial version) before purchasing
Compatible with AZ Series drivers: built-in controller type (AC/DC) or mini driver RS-485 communication type (24/48 VDC)
The MRC01 robot controller is tailored for users who seek an easier method to control their in-house-built robots and want to communicate with a PLC or IPC via EtherNet/IP. The MRC Studio programming software introduces a novel and simplified approach to programming multi-axis motion and can be downloaded for free. Typically, the software only works with a combination of a motor/actuator and a driver that must be purchased beforehand. If you'd like to test it before committing, a trial version of the MRC Studio programming software is available for download.
The MRC01 robot controller and MRC Studio programming software provide a fresh and simplified approach to programming and controlling multi-axis robotics without needing knowledge of ladder logic. For robotics applications that don't require highly aggressive motion profiles, the MRC01 robot controller combined with the AlphaStep AZ Series family of modular type motors, linear/rotary actuators, and dedicated smart drivers can make in-house robotics easier and quicker to build without sacrificing quality and reliability.
Contact our team today for product demonstrations!
BONUS What Else Might You Want to Know?
Here's a simple system configuration for the MRC01 robot controller.
To assist you in setting up quickly, we offer these pre-made cables as accessories.
Cable Type
Model Name
Length (m)
RS-485 Communication Cable
(For connecting FLEX drivers)
CCâ–¡â–¡â–¡-RS4
0.1, 0.25
RS-485 Communication Cable
(For connecting mini Driver)
CCâ–¡â–¡FLT6
2, 5
Cable for I/O Signals
General-purpose type
CCâ–¡â–¡D0â–¡â–¡â–¡B-1
0.5 ~ 2
Cable for DC Power Supply
CC02Dâ–¡â–¡â–¡-3
0.5～5
Here are the specifications of the MRC01 robot controller.
The AlphaStep AZ Series family supports modular and cost-effective robot builds.
The image below shows a 5-axis vertically articulated robot built by our factory engineers for a parts transfer operation. Using modular products from the AlphaStep AZ Series family (motors, actuators, and drivers), we were able to construct and program the robot faster and more cost-effectively compared to similar robots in the market. To complete the system, all you need to do is add the necessary gears and a PLC/HMI that supports EtherNet/IP communication.
Unleash the full potential of the MRC01 robot controller with the AlphaStep AZ Series family of motors, linear/rotary actuators, and drivers! If you have any questions, please contact our knowledgeable technical support team.
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