Developed by Servotronix with an EtherNet/IP interface from STXI Motion, the softMC compact microcontroller enables any major OEM programmable logic controller (PLC) to control any motion control component, including robots, drives and motors, to add modularity to packaging systems. The microcontroller lets packaging machine-builders interface with Rockwell Automation PLCs and EtherNet/IP networks to add multi-axis motion control to any existing system. The controller delivers Industry 4.0 machine-to-machine communication while simplifying motion control system design and configuration. The centralized method for designing and integrating additional motion axes and robotics capabilities lets machine builders design and use standard robot models such as delta, SCARA and cartesian/gantry robots.