CPC G05B 19/4185 (2013.01) [G05B 19/4183 (2013.01); G05B 19/4188 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A drive unit, comprising:
an input/output module configured to communicate with one or more other drive units via an industrial network; and
a processor configured to configure the drive unit as a leader device or a follower device, wherein the drive unit is configured for operation as the leader device and as the follower device, comprising:
a leader module configured to detect and configure one or more follower devices connected to the industrial network, wherein when the leader module is activated, the drive unit operates as the leader device; and
a follower module configured to broadcast an identity of the drive unit and receive a configuration command from one of the one or more other drive units operating as the leader device, wherein when the follower module is activated, the drive unit operates as the follower device,
wherein the leader module is further configured to:
receive operating status information of the one or more follower devices,
receive a requested task, and
distribute the requested task among the drive unit and the one or more follower devices until the requested task is completed.
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