Panasonic Industry Introduces GM5 Series for High-Precision Synchronized Control of 128 Axes
Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd. has begun accepting orders for and selling the GM5 Series on October 6, 2026. The GM5 Series is a high-performance programmable motion controller for advanced control of industrial machinery and manufacturing equipment. Equipped with two EtherCAT ports as standard and dual-core distributed processing, the GM5 Series enables a single controller to perform advanced synchronized control across multiple systems running at different control cycles. Motion control for high-precision processes that demand fast response, such as positioning and machining, can be managed together with motion control for general processes such as conveyor transport, each at its optimal communication cycle. This enables manufacturers to improve productivity on the factory floor and reduce equipment build costs at the same time.
In industries such as automotive, electronic components and packaging machinery, industrial machinery is rapidly becoming more precise and more complex. This is driven by finer, higher-quality products and by production lines that must handle a wider product mix. Motion controllers for these increasingly sophisticated machines must optimize motion control across the entire system. They need to bring out the performance each motion axis requires while also ensuring synchronization across every axis in the equipment. To meet these needs, Panasonic Industry has developed and commercialized the GM5 Series. It controls up to 128 axes across two EtherCAT networks and is designed to maximize both equipment performance and development speed.
Key Features
1. Balancing Equipment Performance and Cost: Dual EtherCAT Ports Enable Motion Control at Different Communication Cycles on a Single Unit
Dual-core distributed processing lets a single unit synchronously control two EtherCAT networks running at different communication cycles, plus one pulse-output channel. For example, one network can run at a high-speed 0.5 ms cycle and the other at a medium-speed 2 ms cycle. Communication cycles can be assigned by axis type, allowing each type to be controlled optimally:
- High-precision motion axes, such as positioning and machining, which require fast, accurate response
- General-purpose axes, such as conveyor transport and loading/unloading, for which standard response is sufficient
Because the most suitable devices can be matched to each axis, equipment designers can maintain and enhance overall equipment performance while striking the optimal balance between performance and cost.
2. Compact Design with Built-In Multi-Function I/O—No Add-On Units Needed, Saving Space and Parts
The controller comes standard with multi-function I/O, including ultra-high-speed counter inputs of up to 4 MHz and pulse and PWM outputs. High-speed, high-precision synchronized control using an external encoder as the master axis can be performed by the controller alone. This eliminates the need to purchase costly expansion units, saving control panel space and reducing parts costs.
3. Faster Program Development: A CODESYS-Based Environment Compliant with the International Standard IEC 61131-3 and Extensive Dedicated Libraries
The GM5 Series uses GM Programmer Pro, software built on CODESYS, the global standard control platform. With a high level of compliance with the IEC 61131-3 international standard, it supports six programming languages: LD, ST, FBD, SFC, IL and CFC. Structured and object-oriented design improves program reusability.
The software also combines intuitive system design using UML (Unified Modeling Language), an electronic cam function for visual cam design, and dedicated control libraries built on Panasonic Industry’s expertise. As a result, even complex control programs can be created quickly and to a high standard. This significantly reduces the man-hours needed for design, verification and on-site commissioning, and helps customers bring equipment to market faster.
Applications
- Packaging and bag-making machines: High-speed tracking cuts (rotary cutters), film tension control, winding/unwinding control, pick-and-place, etc.
- Automated assembly and processing machines: Precision positioning, high-precision path control, etc.
- Conveying and material handling: Conveyor synchronization, loaders/unloaders, workpiece transfer, etc.
