Blog | RSI

NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 next to an articulated robot arm at RSI headquarters

Oct 31, 2025 Motion Controller

RMP EtherCAT Master and Motion Controller on NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

Discover how the RMP Master and EtherCAT Motion Controller achieves reliable 1 kHz real-time performance on NVIDIA Jetson and Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, using Linux PREEMPT_RT.

Front view of a servo drive with status lights, control knobs, and communication ports

May 22, 2025 Node Integration

Introducing Delta ASDA-B3 Servo Drive

Compact black and magenta integrated servomotor with front connectors and status indicators

May 01, 2025 Node Integration

Introducing Synapticon Actilink-S Integrated Servomotors

Mar 26, 2025 Motion Controller

RMP EtherCAT Master and Motion Controller on Linux

RMP now offers fully supported EtherCAT motion control on Linux, providing deterministic performance, extensive compatibility, and seamless platform integration.

Workflow diagram showing RTTasks user application code, RTTaskFunctions, RTTaskManager, RMP firmware, and GlobalData communication.

Mar 12, 2025 Motion Controller

RTTasks: Real-Time Programming for EtherCAT Motion and I/O

Introduction to RTTasks: Real-Time Programming for EtherCAT Motion and I/O

Icon of a glue nozzle with a 0.5 inch label, indicating precise adhesive dispensing

Apr 23, 2024 Motion News

Next-Level Precision: The Impact of Motion Controllers on Glue Dispensing Applications

Architecture diagram showing a new EtherCAT node configured with CustomNodeInfo.xml, discovered in RapidSetup, integrated by RMP, and using DS402 drive auto-implementation

Jan 04, 2024 Motion Controller

Easier EtherCAT Node Integration with RMP

Node integration has been transformed from a cumbersome process to a remarkably straightforward one. The days of waiting for new releases to support the latest Node versions are now a thing of the past. With just a few simple XML modifications, you have the flexibility to utilize a wide range of nodes.

Team in blue Circuit Breakers shirts and chicken hats poses beside a display board in a gym

Nov 11, 2023 News

RSI Proudly Sponsors Team 20172 Circuit Breakers in the 2023 FIRST LEGO League MASTERPIECE Challenge

RSI is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of Team 20172 Circuit Breakers from Bluffton, IN, as they recently competed in this year's FIRST LEGO League MASTERPIECE challenge.

Diagram showing EtherCAT MainDevice and motion control combined in the RMP real-time motion controller for drives, I/O, robots, vision, and sensors

Oct 22, 2023 Motion News

EtherCAT Master/MainDevice vs Motion Controller: Key Differences

RMP combines EtherCAT MainDevice network management with real-time motion control in one software platform.

Architecture diagram showing MoveIt and ROS motion planning on Linux feeding RapidCode, RMP real-time motion control, and EtherCAT devices

Sep 13, 2023 Motion News

The Synergy of MoveIt in ROS framework in Linux with RMP EtherCAT Motion Controller

Using the RMP EtherCAT motion controller for applications can be highly beneficial, especially considering the integration with Linux and MoveIt, a widely used motion planning framework for ROS (Robot Operating System).

Screenshot of RapidSetup showing the Watch tab with controller and network status values in a data table

Jun 28, 2023 Innovation

Our New Multi-Platform Configuration Tool: RapidSetupX

In recognizing the spectrum of operating systems of today's world, we decided to extend our reach beyond our Windows-only RapidSetup configuration application. The creation of our multi-platform version was a response to user needs across various operating systems. This new version has been meticulously crafted to offer an intuitive and seamless experience across all supported platforms. Our goal is to ensure all users have access to the tools they need on the platform of their preference.

Robot arm writes Memorial Day on a sheet of paper

May 26, 2023 News

Happy Memorial Day!

Apr 12, 2023 Motion Controller

Why an EtherCAT Master Stack Alone Can't Facilitate Machine Production

Having just an EtherCAT Master stack is insufficient to program and get a machine into production for several reasons outlined in this blog post.

Linux Tux mascot over a code background, representing Linux-based motion-control software

Mar 09, 2023 Motion Controller

RMP-Linux EtherCAT Motion Controller

There has been a high interest in offering RMP EtherCAT motion controller for Linux, so team RSI has taken on this exciting project.

Software screenshot showing a motion-control panel with axis settings, status indicators, and large stop and abort buttons

Jan 11, 2023 Innovation

Why PC-Based Motion Controllers Outshine PLCs in Industrial Machine Programming

PC-based motion controllers such as RMP EtherCAT are often preferred over PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) for programming industrial machines for several reasons:

Nov 08, 2022 Motion News

Why use EtherCAT?

The following is our perspective on some of the best information available to us on EtherCAT. Provided by the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG). Full credit to them for producing this content.

Diagram showing G-Code flowing into the RMP EtherCAT master and motion controller, then controlling drives, I/O, robots, and vision devices

Nov 07, 2022 Motion News

Using G-Code with an EtherCAT based EtherCAT Master for Industrial applications

Motorized satellite dish antenna on a mount for tracking signals

Oct 26, 2022 Motion News

Selecting Motion Controller for Azimuth/Elevation Antenna Tracking Systems

Diagram showing Windows HMI and RapidCode API on one core linked via NIC to an EtherCAT master and drive/motor nodes

Oct 21, 2022 Motion Controller

What is an EtherCAT Motion Controller?

Industrial I/O module with screw terminals and two Ethernet ports for machine control

Aug 15, 2022 Node Integration

Introducing Fastech Ezi-IO series IO modules

Screenshot of motion-control setup with 63 Kollmorgen AKD EtherCAT drives connected and network status operational

Jun 03, 2022 Motion News

RMP test with 63 Kollmorgen AKD EtherCAT Servo Drives

Blue stepper motor with an integrated drive module and shaft on a white background

Apr 22, 2022 Node Integration

Introducing Nanotec PD4 Stepper Motor with Integrated Stepper Drive

Kollmorgen AKD servo drive with multiple front-panel connectors and status labels

Apr 06, 2022 Node Integration

Introducing Kollmorgen AKD2G Servo Drive

Screenshot of a dark-themed code editor showing source code and a project file tree for programming automation

Apr 01, 2022 Innovation

PC-Based Programming languages are overtaking traditional PLC IEC 61131-3

Compact integrated servo drive and motor with front shaft and top connectors for motion control

Feb 04, 2022 Node Integration

Introducing JVL’s MAC400 – Integrated EtherCAT Servo Drive and Motor

RSI has integrated JVL's MAC400 Integrated Servo Drive and Motor with RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Blue EtherCAT servo drive module with connector terminals for motor control

Jan 05, 2022 Node Integration

Taiwan Pulse Motion K Series DC Closed Loop Stepper Drive

RSI has integrated Taiwan Pulse Motion K series closed loop stepper drive with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. The drive is for single or dual axis applications.

Screenshot of RapidPortal Downloads page showing SDK, tools, and operating system download tables

Dec 21, 2021 Features

Software downloads now available via RapidPortal

Our customer portal (RapidPortal) now offers Software Downloads as well as Software Licenses.

Screenshot of motion-control software with code on the left, a path preview in the center, and axis readouts on the right

Nov 19, 2021 Features

Unifying Path Planning with the Robot Class

Tall white industrial servo drive with connector ports and status LEDs on a black background

Nov 05, 2021 Node Integration

Introducing Linmot C1250 EtherCAT DC Servo Drive

RSI has integrated Linmot C1250 EtherCAT DC drive with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. The drive is for demanding tasks with axis and NC synchronization.

Compact EtherCAT servo drive with green terminal blocks and front connectors for motor and I/O

Nov 01, 2021 Node Integration

Introducing Technosoft IPOS81015 EtherCAT DC Servo Drive

RSI has integrated Technosoft IPOS8015 EtherCAT DC drive with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. The drive is intelligent, compact, and has inbuilt controller for programmable features.

EtherCAT cable above servo drives and motors showing networked motion-control hardware

Oct 20, 2021 Node Integration

Introducing Mitsubishi MELSERVO-JET Servo Drive

RSI has integrated Mitsubishi MR-JET drive with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. The servo amplifiers support linear servo motors in addition to the rotary servo motors.

Screenshot of robot control software showing G-code-style commands and a circular toolpath preview

Oct 15, 2021 Features

Introducing Robot Class

RapidCode now provides the Robot class for performing moves in a cartesian space. Through Robot, our engineers benefit from using a unified API to work with any mechanical/kinematic configuration which accelerates the process from development to production.

Screenshot of a G-code control interface showing code, toolpath preview, axis readouts, and stop controls

Sep 22, 2021 Features

Introducing RapidGCode

A G-Code interpolator and UI. The G-Code interpolator is also accessible through the RapidCode API. Simple applications can use the UI to reach production quickly.

White modular servo drive with front connectors and warning labels for industrial motion control

Aug 18, 2021 Node Integration

Introducing Nidec’s Digitax HD M753 modular servo drive

RSI has integrated Nidec's Digitax HD M753 EtherCAT Servo Drive with RMP EtherCAT PC based motion controller

Compact circuit board with multiple white connectors for linking control cables

Jul 12, 2021 Node Integration

Introducing Ingenia’s CAPITAN XCR

RSI has fully integrated Ingenia's CAPITAN XCR Servo Drive with RMP EtherCAT PC based motion controller

Isometric factory automation scene with conveyors, a robot arm, machines, and an operator at a PC connected by network lines

Apr 01, 2021 Innovation

Use Python with RMP EtherCAT Master for Industrial Automation Applications

Mar 16, 2021 Features

RapidCode Python

Since we leveraged SWIG for our C# api last year, the RMP motion controller could be programmed in numerous programming languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, D, Go, Guile, etc.

Black industrial Ethernet I/O module with two RJ45 ports and status LEDs

Feb 19, 2021 Node Integration

Introducing Keyence DL-EC1A

RSI has integrated Keyence DL-EC1A Communication Unit with RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Screenshot of RapidPortal licenses page showing customer PO entries, search, and expand controls

Feb 16, 2021 Features

RapidPortal for RMP Users

Our online customer portal where customers can download the latest releases and licenses.

Jan 20, 2021 News

Introducing Shota Nemoto

We are excited to introduce Shota Nemoto at RSI. Shota is joining us as a Software Engineer and will help us develop innovative and exciting products.

A crane lifts a large Christmas tree into a landscaped park with autumn trees and a silver sculpture

Nov 10, 2020 News

2020 Christmas Tree Arrives

Chicago's official Christmas tree has arrived for the holidays. The tree is a 45-foot-tall blue spruce. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is held every year in November to much fan fare but due to Covid, there will be a virtual ceremony this year. We will post a...

Alicat mass flow controller with a digital display, black cylindrical attachment, and flow-direction arrow

Nov 05, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Alicat Mass Flow Vacuum Controller

RSI has integrated Alicat's EtherCAT compatible mass flow controller with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. Alicat instruments rapidly and precisely monitor and control critical process parameters.

Oct 20, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Mitsubishi MR-J5 Servo Drive

RSI has integrated Mitsubishi MR-J5 drive with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. This is a very powerful drive with many advanced features.

Bent metal tube assembly with two fittings, used for fluid transfer

Oct 12, 2020 Motion News

Case Study – Stark Manufacturing

The machine is a rotary draw tube bender. This particular machine bends aluminum tubing with ODs from 3/8” to 5/8”. For the most part the tubing is being used on coolant systems in Trucks.

Stack of white envelopes with mailing labels and stamps, showing outgoing mail packaging

Oct 01, 2020 Motion News

Case Study – Mail Packaging

Paper mail packaging. Paper coming out of a roller goes through die cutter. There is a page feeder, page trap. This is for adding mails to an envelope.

Sep 14, 2020 Features

Introducing Dual Axis Fastech Demo Unit

RSI has 3D printed and built a demo kit using Fastech ServoII mini products. Our evaluation program allows a user to test out the servo demo kits using our RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Orange industrial machine with pneumatic cylinders, wiring, and rollers on a production line

Sep 11, 2020 Motion News

Case Study – MachAET

The machine emulates a large belt sander with an X-Y table under it that polishes stainless steel vents and grills. It's been great working with Kennard through the entire development process. The case study includes UI screens and Q&A.

Waterjet cutting head slices a metal sheet, creating mist during precision fabrication

Sep 03, 2020 Motion News

Case Study – IGEMS

IGEMS is a leader in providing advanced CAD, CAM, and NEST software solutions to waterjet manufacturers all around the world. The IGEMS team is exceptionally talented and it's been a pleasure working with the team. Case study includes Q&A.

Industrial I/O module with two Ethernet ports and terminal blocks for field connections

Aug 27, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Nexcom NEIO IO Modules

Introducing the integration of Nexcom's NEIO modules with RMP EtherCAT motion controller. The modules come in a variety of IO selections, are reliable, and a good solution for OEMs to consider.

Screenshot of RapidSetup in dark theme showing motion controls, status panels, and an axis control dashboard

Aug 26, 2020 Features

Dark Theme for RapidSetup Tool

Introducing dark theme for the ambiance of programming so it is easier on the eyes and light themes the ambiance of casual users

Aug 19, 2020 Motion News

Introducing Mitsubishi MR-J4-TM Demo Unit

RSI has 3D printed and built a demo kit using Mitsubishi MR-J4-TM EtherCAT servo drive for potential customers. Our 60-day evaluation program allows a user to test out the servo demo kits using our RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Yellow SICK flexi soft safety controller module with terminal blocks and front ports for industrial control

Aug 18, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing SICK Safety Controller – Flexi Soft

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of SICK's Flexi Soft Safety Controller

Compact industrial I/O module with status LEDs, Ethernet ports, and wiring terminals for machine control

Jul 24, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing B&R I/O Module – X20BC00G3

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of B&R I/O Module - X20BC00G3

Yellow EtherCAT stepper drive module with mounting brackets and side ports for closed-loop motor control

Jul 19, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Fastech’s ServoII Mini EtherCAT Closed Loop Stepper Drive

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Fastech's ServoII Mini EtherCAT Closed Loop Stepper Drive

MOONS SSDC stepper drive with front connectors and status LEDs for motor control

Jul 14, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Moons’ SSDCxx-EC EtherCAT Stepper Drive

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Moons' SSDCxx-EC EtherCAT Stepper Drive

Black MOONS' STF stepper drive with EtherCAT and connector ports for motor and control wiring

Jul 13, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Moons’ STFxx-EC Open-Loop EtherCAT Stepper Drive

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Moons' STFxx-EC EtherCAT Open-Loop Stepper Drive

Black industrial servo drive with cooling fins and front-panel ports for motion control

Jul 02, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Fuji Alpha 7 Series

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Fuji Electric Alpha7 Series

Panasonic servo drive with connected motor and yellow Ethernet cables for motion control

Jun 30, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Panasonic Minas A6B Series

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Panasonic Minas A6B Series

Grid of Delta remote I/O modules and a gateway coupler shown as product images with labels

Jun 10, 2020 Motion News

Introducing Delta IO R1-EC Series

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Delta IO R1-EC Series

Browser window showing a colorful Search page with a search box, keyboard and microphone icons, and a GO button

May 08, 2020 News

A Better Way to Search Our Website

We have integrated Google Custom Search Engine (CSE) to our pages so now you can easily search for content in Website, API, Tools, Knowledge Base, and Tools from one place with higher accuracy.

Packs of KN95 and surgical masks arranged on a table for donation

Apr 21, 2020 News

RSI Donates KN95 Masks and Surgical Masks

Donation of KN95 Masks and Surgical Masks

Three motion-control components: a yellow servo drive, a controller, and a servo motor

Mar 31, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Fastech Ezi-SERVOII Series

RSI is pleased to announce the integration of Fastech Ezi-SERVOII EtherCAT series.

3D graph with X, Y, and Z axes and numeric labels 0, 25,000, 200,000, and 225,000

Mar 17, 2020 Features

Improved Position Compensation Table

Improved Position Compensation Table. Includes 3D and 2D compensation with RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Red stop sign with hand icon and text urging “DO THE FIVE” to help stop coronavirus

Mar 16, 2020 News

RSI Covid-19 Announcement

Hi, I hope that you are well during what is becoming a more surreal time right now. I wanted to send you a quick message to reassure you that RSI operations including support will be completely unaffected during this virus outbreak. The RSI support team is isolated...

Mar 10, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Panasonic Minas A6B Demo Units

RSI has 3D printed and built three demo kits using Panasonic Minas A6-B servo drive for potential customers. Our 30 to 60-day evaluation program allows a user to test out the servo demo kits using our RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Group of coworkers in colorful party gear posing in front of a Royal Palms backdrop

Mar 07, 2020 News

RSI Party

2019 was a fantastic year for RSI. We added several new members in 2019. Below is a picture of our delayed RSI party to celebrate our hard work and passion for automation and motion controls. Cheers to a successful 2020!

Group of people posing in an office with a small robot arm and champagne glasses

Mar 06, 2020 Innovation

RapidRobot Alpha Release

RSI’s private celebratory party for the RapidRobot Alpha release. RapidRobot software allows a user to program an EtherCAT based Industrial or Collaborative robot with ease. The UI experience matches that of an Android or iOS app.

ROI calculator showing current vs automated costs, a break-even chart, and a five-year ROI summary

Mar 02, 2020 Motion News

Return On Investment (ROI) Calculator

RSI has created a dynamic ROI calculator to help users calculate the cost savings of leveraging a robotic solution or automated machine over manual labor.

Two men stand beside a robotic arm and control hardware in an office lab

Feb 28, 2020 Innovation

The Future Of Robots And Robotics

Robots are poised to displace millions of humans in various industries. But they’re nowhere close to being human-like.

Diagram of an RMP motion controller connected by EtherCAT to a FANUC servo system with DSA-B amplifiers and motors

Feb 25, 2020 Node Integration

Introducing Fanuc DSA-B

FANUC’s Digital Servo Adapter-MODEL B (DSA-B) is the adapter for using FANUC servo drives and motors using RMP EtherCAT motion controller.

Screenshot of four overlapping RapidSetup windows showing setup panels, status fields, and an error screen

Jan 20, 2020 Features

Improved RapidSetup Error Screen

Improved RapidSetup Error Screen. RapidSetup tool for RMP EtherCAT motion controller used to configure and troubleshoot machine

Motion Control Insights