AutoBlocks™
Modular Automation Solutions.

AutoBlocks™
Modular Automation Solutions.

Revolutionize Automation with the AutoBlocks Control Block

The AutoBlocks™ Control Block is a comprehensive machine controller that integrates logic, safety, and motion control into a single platform. Supporting up to 6 axes of coordinated motion, it simplifies the management of industrial robots, vision systems, safety devices, and sensors. Its no-code, plug-and-play architecture allows for easy scalability, making it ideal for applications ranging from small batch processes to fully automated production lines.

Control Block: The Ultimate Machine Controller

READY FOR THE FUTURE

With its no-code, plug-and-play architecture, the AutoBlocks Control Block is built for the next generation of automated systems. Control your entire production line with ease, reduce downtime, and scale effortlessly.

OVERVIEW

The AutoBlocks Control Block is a powerful, all-in-one solution for industrial automation, designed to control complex machinery with ease and flexibility. Equipped with advanced motion control, integrated safety features, seamless communication capabilities, and the ability to run two software programs, the Control Block empowers machine builders, integrators, and manufacturers to streamline production with precision and efficiency.

  • Precision assembly
  • Robotics control
  • Industrial automation
  • Custom machine design

Modular, Safe, and Smart: The Future of Machine Control

Designed for industrial environments, the Control Block features a modular design with expandable remote I/O capabilities, enabling seamless integration of additional devices. It includes a built-in safety controller, 24V power supply, and fault diagnostics, ensuring reliable and safe operations. The user-friendly interface, powered by AutoCode, facilitates quick setup and modification of machine sequences without extensive programming knowledge

Specifications

The AutoBlocks Control Block is a robust and unified machine controller that effortlessly combines logic, safety, and motion control into a single, streamlined platform. It supports up to 6 axes of plug-and-play single-cable motion, engineered specifically for precision assembly applications. Offering no-code integration, it simplifies the management of diverse industrial robots, vision systems, safety devices, and sensors, making it accessible even for those with limited programming experience.

Its modular, flexible design allows for seamless scalability, from small batch processes to fully automated production lines, making it the perfect solution for a wide range of industrial automation requirements. Additionally, the AutoBlocks platform includes the AB+ product line, offering highly compatible motors, actuators, and gearboxes that further enhance system versatility and expand automation capabilities across multiple applications.

Hardware Specifications

FORM FACTOR

  • Dimensions: 24” L x 20” W x 8” H
  • Weight: ~25 lbs.
  • Mounting Options: Optional Mounting Brackets
  • Ventilation: Front fan exhaust design with rear and side filtered inlets.
  • Chassis: Industrial-grade aluminum with black anodized finish.
  • Ingress Protection: IP54 rated enclosure, suitable for dust-protected environments.

POWER SUPPLY

• Voltage Input: 110-126 VDC
• Amperage Input: Max 15A
• Motor Power Output: 24 VDC/4A per motor (up to 6 motors)/576W
• 24V Bus (8 terminals) Power Output: 7A Max/168W
• 0V Bus (8) terminals
• POE Port Power Output: POE+/IEEE 802.3at/25.5W per port/90W total
• Total Power Output Capacity: 834W
• Protection: Overvoltage, short circuit, and reverse polarity protection.

CONNECTIVITY MOTOR INTERFACES

  • Supports NEMA 8, 10, 17, 23, 34 absolute encoder closed-loop stepper motors
  • Single M12 cables with absolute encoders for all motor connections
  • Programmable brakes available in all sizes (no separate wiring).
  • Home-run architecture from PLC to motor (6 motors supported natively)

EXTERNAL PORTS

  • (3) External RJ45 PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) Ports
  • 10/100/1000BASE-T
  • IEEE 802.3at POE
  • (1) USB 2.0 for file management
  • (1) DB15 for HMI teach pendant/HMI with integrated e-stop circuit.
  • (1) M12/4 PIN remote e-stop port
  • (1) M12 light curtain transmitter
  • (1) M12 light curtain receiver
  • (1) M12/4 PIN for 3 color light tower.
  • (1) M12 door interlock port for daisy chaining up to 8 interlocks.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

  • Ethernet/IP
  • MODBUS TCP
  • CANopen/CANLayer2
  • RS485
  • RS232
  • EtherCAT Master (optional)
  • MQTT Client
  • SNMP
  • Message Composer for custom protocols

I/O

  • 8 digital inputs (expandable)
  • 8 relay outputs (expandable)
  • Quick Push connect terminals
  • I/O Link Expandable with master and hubs
  • Expandable up to 2048 I/O

OTHER

  • SQL Client
  • WEB Server
  • E-Mail & SMS
  • VNC
  • FTP server/client
  • GPRS

SAFETY FEATURES

  • Safety Controller: Integrated Programmable Safety Controller
  • Ple, Category 4, SIL3 Safety Standards
  • Plug and play safety devices – light curtain, door interlocks, remote E-stop, light tower, and other safety devices
  • Customizable programming
  • Safety event tracking
  • Remote Emergency Stop Circuit: Remote E-stop port to connect field devices.
  • Interlocks: Plug and play magnetic door interlock/switches. HMI password controlled.

MECHANICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
  • Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
  • Humidity: 10% to 90% (non-condensing)

Software & Control Capabilities

SOFTWARE PACKAGES

  • Control Block comes pre-loaded with choice of AutoCode or TurnCode.
  • AutoCode – software package for generalized automation control
  • TurnCode – software package specializing in modular rotary control
  • Custom Interfaces – Limited custom Interfaces are available with NRE.

AUTOCODE PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT

  • Table-based command structure compatible with PLC and CAM programming
  • Supports custom commands and developer environment.
  • Supports AI-generated AutoCode for fast programming
  • Multi-axis motion control with minimal user input required for machine setup
  • G-code Compatibility: Can import and execute G-code for robot and CNC operation.
  • Recipe Programming: Integrated recipe management for production line reconfiguration
  • Machine Master and up to (6) Slave device AutoCode control.

HMI/TEACH PENDANT INTERFACE

  • 10.1- inch high resolution capacitive touch screen HMI interface.
    Supports flipping between HMI and other web interfaces.
  • Optional HMI interface module available to support third party Touch Screens.
  • Integrated E-Stop
  • USB 2.0 Port for file management
  • Supports VNC/Remote connectivity
  • Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

HMI HUB INTERFACE

For customers who prefer to use their own touchscreen monitors and peripherals like a keyboard and mouse, AutoBlocks offers a pre-configured hub interface. This plug-andplay solution comes preloaded with our HMI software and allows any 1280×800 touch monitor to connect via a single standard HDMI and USB cable. Seamlessly integrating with the Control Block, the hub ensures a smooth, hassle-free setup, with all necessary cabling included for easy connection. E-stop must be added separately via the DB15 or remote e-stop connectors.

Motion Control

AXES CONTROL

  • 6 primary axis of control (X,Y,Z,A,B,C)
  • 4 axis teach control
  • Simplified wiring via M12 cables for power and communication.
  • High-precision motion with closed-loop control using absolute encoders
  • Real-time trajectory planning with coordinated motion control

SAFETY AND ERROR HANDLING

  • Built-in Fault Detection
  • Diagnostic system with real-time error logging
  • Automatic motor shutdown in case of fault
  • Red, Green, and Yellow HMI/light tower status indicators

SYSTEM INTEGRATION MODULARITY

  • Compatible with both gantry and SCARA robots using the same distributed motion platform
  • Flexible device integration through Auto-code or PLC programming for complex machine control
  • Expandable I/O and motor controls for future scalability

SUPPORTED DEVICES AUTOBLOCKS SMART MOTORS

  • NEMA 8, 10, 17, 23, 34
  • Closed-loop stepper motors with absolute encoders

AUTOBLOCKS SMART ACTUATORS

  • Precision Ball Screw Actuators +/- 0.005mm up to 2000mm
  • Belt Drive Actuators +/- 0.05mm up to 3000mm
  • Customizable Cartesian Gantries available.

AUTOBLOCKS PRECISION PLANETARY GEAR BOXES

EPSON Robots

  • EPSON Robots are plug & play with simple device selection on the HMI.
  • EPSON robot program templates with extensive handshake and error handling prebuilt.

UNIVERSAL ROBOTS

  • UR robots are plug & play with simple device selection on the HMI.
  • UR CAPP with extensive handshake and error handling prebuilt.

VISION SYSTEMS

  • Keyence IV3/4
  • eyence VS
  • Zebra FS/VS
  • Cognex

CUSTOM DEVICES SUPPORTED SERVO DRIVES & VFDs

  • AutoBlocks Smart Servo Drives & VFDs come plug & Play
  • Third Party Servo Drives & VFDs available.

SAFETY

  • Keyence GS Door interlocks
  • Keyence Light Curtains
  • Banner Light Towers
  • Custom devices supported Cloud
  • Customizable Cloud Machine monitoring dashboard
  • Remote Support
  • Remote Software Customization and Support.

OTHER DEVICES

  • Control Block is simple to configure for any discrete I/O device
  • High level communication devices are simple to add with NRE or development.

Integrator Support The AutoBlocks Control Block is targeted at integrators and machine builders seeking a cost-effective, highly configurable, and easy-to-program machine controller. Its plugand-play capabilities and AI-driven AutoCode functionality reduce the need for extensive programming, making it ideal for medium complexity machines in industries such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, and precision assembly.

Take Full Control with the AutoBlocks Control Block

Straight out of the box, the Autoblocks Control Block puts the power of advanced automation in your hands. Whether you're managing gantry systems, SCARA robots, or custom industrial setups, this all-in-one solution simplifies motion control, safety integration, and communication. With plug-and-play AutoCode programming, support for up to six axes of motion, and compatibility with a wide range of devices — from Keyence safety systems to EPSON and UR robots — the Control Block is your ultimate machine controller.

From streamlining precision assembly to managing complex production lines, the Autoblocks Control Block is designed to empower integrators, builders, and manufacturers to achieve next-level efficiency and scalability.

 

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Some of our customers

Fancort customers include the following NASA engineering schools: MIT, John Hopkins, JPL, U of NH, MN, NM, TX and AZ. We are also a major supplier to the national labs system: Sandia, Draper, Fermi and Los Alamos.