Panasonic Industry has opened orders for the GM5 Series, a new high-performance programmable motion controller aimed at industrial machinery and production equipment. Sales started on October 6, 2026.
The GM5 combines two standard EtherCAT ports with dual-core distributed processing. This lets one controller synchronize several systems that run at different control cycles. Fast, precise tasks such as positioning or machining can share the same unit with less demanding ones such as conveyor transport, each working at the communication cycle that suits it best. For machine builders, the result is higher productivity on the shop floor and a lower cost of building the equipment.
Why a new controller
Machines in the automotive, electronic components and packaging sectors are becoming more precise and more complex. Products are finer and of higher quality, and production lines have to cope with a broader product mix. A motion controller for these machines must get the required performance out of every axis while keeping all of them synchronized. The GM5 Series is Panasonic Industry’s answer: up to 128 axes spread over two EtherCAT networks, with a design focused on machine performance and shorter development times.
Two EtherCAT networks, two cycle times, one unit
Thanks to dual-core distributed processing, a single GM5 synchronously controls two EtherCAT networks with different communication cycles, plus one pulse-output channel. One network can run at a fast 0.5 ms cycle, for instance, while the other works at 2 ms.
Cycles can be assigned according to the type of axis:
- High-precision axes (positioning, machining), which need a fast and accurate response.
- General-purpose axes (conveying, loading and unloading), where a standard response is enough.
Designers can therefore pick the most suitable device for each axis and balance overall machine performance against cost.
Compact design with multi-function I/O on board
Multi-function I/O is included as standard: ultra-high-speed counter inputs of up to 4 MHz, pulse outputs and PWM outputs. The controller can read an external encoder directly and use it as the master axis, so high-speed, high-precision synchronization needs no extra hardware. Doing without expensive expansion units frees up space in the control cabinet and cuts component costs.
Faster programming with CODESYS and IEC 61131-3
The GM5 Series is programmed with GM Programmer Pro, a tool built on the CODESYS platform. It complies closely with the IEC 61131-3 standard and supports six languages: LD, ST, FBD, SFC, IL and CFC. Structured, object-oriented design makes code easier to reuse.
The software also offers UML-based system design, an electronic cam function for designing cams visually, and dedicated control libraries that draw on Panasonic Industry’s know-how. Complex programs can be written quickly and with good quality, which reduces the hours spent on design, verification and on-site commissioning and shortens time to market.
Typical applications
- Packaging and bag-making machines: high-speed tracking cuts with rotary cutters, film tension control, winding and unwinding, pick-and-place.
- Automated assembly and processing machines: precision positioning and high-precision path control.
- Conveying and material handling: conveyor synchronization, loaders and unloaders, workpiece transfer.
Models and main specifications
| Part No. | EtherCAT axes | Program capacity |
|---|---|---|
| AGM5CHE128TA | 128 (64 × 2) | 80 MB |
| AGM5CHE064TA | 64 | 40 MB |
| AGM5CHE032TA | 32 | 20 MB |
Communication interfaces: 2 EtherCAT ports, 1 Ethernet port and 1 RS-485 port.