|

Rockwell Automation Improves Operational Agility with New On-Machine Distributed I/O Solution

May 11, 2023

Rockwell Automation Improves Operational Agility with New On-Machine Distributed I/O Solution
ArmorBlock 5000™ On-Machine™ I/O blocks help manufacturers improve automation efficiency and connectivity, enabling smarter machines to deliver better enterprise performance

Improve operational agility. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has announced the release of its new Allen‑Bradley® ArmorBlock 5000™ I/O blocks. Integrated with IO-Link technology, the distributed I/O solution offers smart capabilities that can help industrial manufacturers improve operational productivity with minimal cost.

Manufacturers can deploy and maintain smart automation more efficiently with the ArmorBlock 5000 I/O solution. With the highly integrated IO-Link capabilities, machine design complexity is reduced through simpler device configuration and better integration with Allen‑Bradley controllers. Users can speed up project development with the common tag structure and configuration workflows in the intuitive Studio 5000 Logix Designer® environment.

Optimized for On-Machine use, the high-performance ArmorBlock 5000 I/O blocks enable quicker installation, commissioning and troubleshooting, which will reduce downtime. The I/O blocks can operate in a wide range of temperatures and offer up to IP69K protection for high-speed applications in harsh environments. Plus, the blocks are available in three industry-standard power variants to meet different regional needs.

The IO-Link master blocks are the first released product from the ArmorBlock 5000 I/O portfolio. These scalable blocks provide a high degree of flexibility with up to eight IO-Link channels that includes four IO-Link Class A and four Class B ports. The ability to control high current devices and improve connectivity can help drive machine performance and productivity.

More offerings will be released in future to complement the ArmorBlock 5000 I/O solution. The upcoming configurable I/O blocks will deliver smart capabilities such as sequence of events (SOE), scheduled output, input timestamping, event trigger, and more.

“With the increasingly complex manufacturing landscape, our customers are challenged to improve operational resilience while maintaining efficiency. Smarter technology is a key enabler for better enterprise visibility, leading to timely data-driven decisions,” says Sean Homan, business director, Asia Pacific Business Center, Rockwell Automation. “ArmorBlock 5000 I/O is the result of our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. With its distributed monitoring and control, and highly integrated IO-Link capabilities, this On-Machine I/O solution can drive production agility for industrial automation.”Sean Homan, business director, Asia Pacific Business Center, Rockwell Automation

More Information

Allen‑Bradley ArmorBlock 5000 I/O solution

Contact your local distributor

Contact your Rockwell Automation sales representative 

Related Product

Rockwell Automation Improves Visibility into OT Environment Vulnerabilities with OT Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is the process of launching a real-world cyberattack simulation to assess and improve vulnerabilities and weaknesses in operational technology (OT) system security. Rockwell Automation cybersecurity specialists are well trained in the use of the same tools and systems used by threat actors. To identify vulnerabilities, a threat is intentionally launched on an organization to attempt to access computer systems, applications, networks, and other vital assets.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • All You Need to Know: Disconnect Switches from ABB

    June 1, 2023 Disconnect switches are essential safety devices that play a critical role in electrical circuitry, both in industrial settings and in everyday life. These switches are designed to ensure the safe de-energization of electrical circuits during emergency stoppages, maintenance, or repairs. ABB, a leading global technology company, offers a wide range of high-quality… Read More…

  • Guillevin: Your Trusted Distributor of Breakers and Panels

    May 31, 2023 Guillevin is one of Canada’s largest distributors of electrical products in Canada. Founded in 1906 by François-Xavier Guillevin in Montreal, Quebec, they have enjoyed considerable expansion to become a leading distributor of electrical materials and products. Growth is something Guillevin is familiar with, and since their founding, they have opened numerous locations… Read More…


Featured Article

Humber Students Take Home Gold at Skills Ontario Competition in Mechatronics

Humber Students Take Home Gold at Skills Ontario Competition in Mechatronics
Paxton C. (left) and Dillon K. (right) win gold at 2023 Skills Ontario Competition in Mechatronics (Team of 2)

Skills Ontario recently held the 2023 Skills Ontario Competition in person at the Toronto Congress Centre. It was the first in-person event after three years of it being held virtually during the COVID pandemic.

Paxton C. and Dillon K. won gold and advanced to compete in Toronto against the best-of-the-best from the province in the Mechatronics Contest. 

Read More


Products