Handheld Command and Control Keyboards

Integration can occur via direct connection to the machine’s control circuits or through digital interfaces. In more advanced systems, the handheld keyboard communicates with the PLC via a spiral cable or multi-pin connection, allowing for the simultaneous transmission of analog and digital signals. Command priority can be configured (manual or automatic) and the machine can be blocked in the event of a connection loss, in accordance with CE safety requirements.

Each keypad is designed to ensure simultaneous safety control via three-position buttons, which enable the machine only when controlled. If the button is released or fully pressed, the machine stops immediately. This feature, combined with the emergency stop and safety extra-low voltage (SELV) connection, prevents accidental movements and ensures operator protection at all stages of operation.

Handheld keyboards are used in CNC machine tools, lathes, machining centers, articulated robots, presses, woodworking, glass, and marble processing machines, as well as in industrial automation systems. They are used during adjustments, calibration, and maintenance, when safe and immediate manual control of the machine’s main functions is required, reducing the risk of incorrect or accidental operations.

Yes. Handheld keyboards can be configured according to customer needs: number and type of buttons, potentiometers, rotary switches, LED indicators, or displays. It is also possible to choose between different housing materials (ABS, aluminum, or technopolymer) and provide dedicated interfaces for digital or analog communication. This flexibility allows for optimal integration into any machine tool or automated line.

Compared to fixed controls installed on the machine, the handheld keyboard offers greater ergonomics and operational flexibility. The operator can move around the machine while maintaining direct and visual control of the moving parts. This improves safety, reduces setup times, and increases precision during calibration or maintenance. Furthermore, portability allows for use on multiple machines, optimizing installation costs.

Digital keyboards use microcontrollers and serial communications (RS-232, CAN, or Modbus) to send precise, programmable commands to CNC or PLC systems. Analog keyboards handle continuous signals, ideal for proportional controls such as speed or axis position. Electromechanical keyboards, on the other hand, use direct contacts and relays, ensuring maximum reliability even in harsh industrial environments or those subject to electrical interference.

Digital keypads integrate electronic boards with microprocessors, serial interfaces, and programmable logic. They support protocols such as RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU, or CANopen, ensuring reliable communication with PLCs or CNC controllers. They can also include graphic displays, backlit buttons, and self-diagnostic functions, providing visual feedback and greater control during operation or programming.

La tastiera palmare è un dispositivo di comando remoto che consente all’operatore di gestire manualmente i movimenti e le funzioni principali di una macchina utensile in sicurezza. Permette di intervenire durante la messa a punto, la manutenzione o la programmazione del ciclo, mantenendo il controllo diretto anche a distanza dal quadro principale. È dotata di pulsanti di abilitazione, arresto di emergenza e selettori che assicurano la conformità alle normative di sicurezza industriale.

Handheld keyboards must comply with standards EN/IEC 60947-5-1 (electromechanical control devices) and EN/IEC 60947-5-5 (emergency stop buttons). These standards define construction characteristics, insulation requirements, mechanical strength, and safety criteria for human-machine control. Furthermore, devices intended for CNC or robotic machines must integrate with systems compliant with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.