Tiny Yet Mighty: BotBlox's SwitchBlox Nano Triumphs in Robotics Application
Danieli Automation - Telerobot (DA_TLR), is specialized in unconventional solutions for harsh, inaccessible, and delicate scenarios.
The Challenge
DA_TLR faced a crucial challenge while working on a project for Fusion for Energy, involving the development of a small inspection robot. The project utilized the SwitchBlox Nano and another unmanaged switch. The objective was to establish communication between Device 1 and Device 2 with redundancy in the network. With a double connection between the two switches, the configuration was bound to fail due to network loops.
The specific requirements were for small, managed ethernet switches capable of operating at 100 MB within a magnetic field, using halogen-free components. However, the market offered limited options, prompting Danieli Automation to seek a solution from BotBlox.
BotBlox’s Solution
BotBlox stepped in with the SwitchBlox Nano, a compact ethernet switch that perfectly suited the application. The SwitchBlox Nano, the smallest ethernet switch available, boasts three 10/100MB ethernet ports within the size of a quarter coin. To ensure compatibility with the project's magnetic field requirements, our engineer conducted a magnetic field susceptibility test on the SwitchBlox Nano, demonstrating that the data rate remained stable even in this challenging environment.
Results: “Your boards are working really well”
With the SwitchBlox Nano integrated into the project, DA_TLR successfully had its first robot up and running. The boards exceeded expectations, aligning seamlessly with the project requirements. Encouraged by the positive outcome, DA_TLR plans to replicate the success by incorporating BotBlox's SwitchBlox Nano into additional robot replicas.
This collaboration not only addressed the immediate challenges faced by Danieli Automation - Telerobot but also showcased BotBlox's commitment to providing innovative solutions tailored to the unique demands of its clients in the fields of robotics and mechatronics.
Disclaimer:
The work leading to this publication has been funded by Fusion for Energy under Contract F4E-1092. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and Fusion for Energy cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.