ncBrain: controller behind our next machines
Here’s what the ncBrain screen looks like: the main menu and the live DRO while running a job.
At vBotTech, we’ve been building something new: ncBrain, our own motion controller for CNC machines and robot arms. It runs on a dual-core 32-bit processor with a real-time operating system, so motion stays smooth and timing stays tight while everything else is going on.
What it does today
- Runs G-code jobs straight from the board, with machine and work coordinates handled the way machinists expect.
- Supports a hardware MPG pendant (a handwheel for jogging) with a small OLED screen. Each click of the wheel moves exactly the distance you’ve set, for fine control when setting up a part or simply jogging the machine to a new spot.
- Pairs with ncRun, our desktop software, for running jobs, with a live position display and a 3D plot of the toolpath.
- Connects to ncWebLink over the internet or directly over Wi-Fi, so you can check on your job and jog your machine from a phone or tablet browser, with no physical connection to the machine.
Why we built it
We wanted one controller that could drive both our CNC machines and our robot arms. We also wanted it to be as easy to use as possible, and open to makers and labs who want to tinker.
What’s next
We’re polishing the firmware and testing it on our own machines here in Irvine. Follow the blog for build updates, videos and launch news.
For more videos and progress updates, check out our ncVBot YouTube channel.