FANUC is one of “The Big 4” robotics companies in the world. Catering to a wide array of industries, these Japanese-made robots are known for their adaptability, power, and ubiquitousness.

The company’s influence is far-reaching, with a notable 15% share of the Chinese industrial robot market. They are dedicated to growing the capabilities of robotic systems, investing in technologies like robotic machine learning and cloud robotics.

In this spotlight on FANUC, we’ll look at how you can program FANUC robots easily for your chosen application.

The FANUC Story: What Sets FANUC Robots Apart

Founded in Japan in 1956 by Dr. Seiuemon Inaba, FANUC has grown to become a global leader in factory automation.

The company started by producing servo motors and computer numerical control (CNC) systems. Throughout his long career, Dr. Inaba receive many honors for his pioneering achievements in creating CNC tools and factory automation.

As one of the few companies in the industry to develop and manufacture all its major components in house, FANUC robots are known for their reliability, predictability, and ease of repair. Customers benefit from lifetime product support for as long as they use their FANUC products in production.

What Industries are FANUC Robots Used In?

FANUC robots are a common sight in many industries, showing the versatility and range of their products.

The automotive manufacturing industry is a notable industry, where FANUC robots help to streamline assembly lines, improve quality control, and increase productivity. It also remains a worldwide leader in automation for CNC control systems, with solutions like its ROBODRILL and ROBOCUT.

Other industries where FANUC robots are common include electronics manufacturing, food manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical industry.

In 2021, FANUC cemented its place as a worldwide leader in robotics when it celebrated the production of its 750,000th robot.

3 Example Applications for KUKA Robots

There are FANUC robots available for almost any almost every application you can think of.

Here are 3 example applications from different industries that people are already achieving with FANUC robots:

1. Complex CNC Machining

With the company’s long history in CNC solutions, it’s unsurprising that FANUC robots are now involved CNC machining.

Robot machining is an ideal application for robots, helping you to machine intricate shapes that would be impossible with conventional CNC tools. With FANUC robots, you can achieve precise tolerances even to the nanometer level.

2. Painting Solutions

FANUC claims to offer the largest selection of painting robots in the robotics industry.

Robot painting is a hazardous task, requiring special explosion-proof robots that can handle the complex task of painting. By using a robot to paint, you can achieve a more consistent paint application, reduce waste, and increase your uptime for painting operations.

3. Laser Cutting

FANUC is pioneering in the industry with their application of laser cutting using robots. These involve using a robot to operate a laser cutting tool.

Models like the versatile six-axis FANUC M-20iB/25 robot and the 0i-LF Plus offer high cutting performance in a simple to use system.

Options for Programming FANUC Robots

Whatever application you choose for your FANUC robot, it’s important to find a method of programming that helps you to deploy the robot easily and efficiently.

There are 3 main options for programming a FANUC robot:

1. Brand Programming Langauges: Karel and TP— the primary language for programming is called Karel, a Pascal-derived programming language that requires a high level of robotics expertise. There is also TP, the language that is used in FANUC teach pendants.
2. Teach Pendant — Possibly the most common method for programming FANUC robots is to “jog” the robot using the teach pendant. This time-consuming approach involves manually guiding the robot through movements. As well as being complex to program, it also takes a lot of work to make changes.
3. RoboDK — For a more intuitive and graphical approach to programming, supported by a powerful API if you need it, you can also program your KUKA robots offline using RoboDK.

With RoboDK, you program FANUC robots even without the physical robot present. You just load your chosen FANUC model from the integrated robot library. This streamlines the programming process and reduces unnecessary downtime.

Spotlight on 3 Models in the RoboDK Library

The RoboDK robot library includes an extensive collection of FANUC robots models.

At the time of writing, it includes over 100 FANUC models of various types, including 5 and 6 DoF arms, Delta, SCARA, and palletizing robots, as well as hexapod robots.

Here are 3 models that you can find in the library:

Robot 1: FANUC LR Mate 100iB

The LR Mate 100iBz is a compact tabletop 5-axis robot that is often used for material handling tasks. It offers a 5 kg payload, 620 mm of reach, and a repeatability of 0.04 mm.

LR Mate robots come in various models, for specific target application areas. This includes food and beverage, clean room, and washproof versions.

Robot 2: FANUC SR-12iA

The SR-12iA is a 4-axis SCARA robot arm used in assembly and material handling applications. It has a 12 kg payload, 900 mm of reach, and repeatability of 0.015 mm.

This model offers high wrist inertia of up to 0.45 kgm2. This makes it particularly suitable for some assembly applications, such as battery and solar panel installations. It also comes in a 20 kg payload version.

Robot 3: Fanuc F-200iB

The F-200iB is a 6 Degrees of Freedom hexapod platform. It can handle payloads of up to 100 kg, offers 437 mm of reach and has a repeatability of 0.1 mm.

This platform is a parallel link robot and is designed for a range of manufacturing and automotive assembly processes.

How to Program FANUC Robots Easily with RoboDK

If you want to streamline the deployment process for your FANUC industrial robot, it’s worth looking at using RoboDK for your programming.

RoboDK’s rich simulation environment makes it easy to quickly design robot programs and test them before you put the robot into production. The intuitive graphical interface allows you to quickly create robust programs while the API allows you to incorporate any advanced features you want.

To get started, download a trial copy of RoboDK from our download page and load up your favorite robot model.

Which FANUC model do you use and for which applications? Join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post Spotlight on… FANUC: How to Program FANUC Robots Easily appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Offline Programming (OLP) is the process of designing, simulating, and optimizing robot tasks in a virtual environment before they are executed in the real world. This method is instrumental in pre-planning complex robotic operations, ensuring efficiency, and mitigating risks.

On the other hand, drivers in robotics are akin to their counterparts in computer systems – they are essential software components that enable communication between the robot’s control system and various external devices or software platforms. By translating high-level instructions into a language that robotic hardware can comprehend, drivers facilitate real-time interactions and adaptability.

Complex tasks

OLP primarily engages in high-level, abstracted communication through specialized software suites that allow engineers and programmers to design and simulate robotic tasks, creating a digital twin of the real-world environment. This approach enables the pre-visualization and modification of robot paths and behaviors, ensuring that complex tasks are optimized before physical deployment.

In contrast, drivers operate at a more fundamental level, acting as the real time link between the robot’s control system and the external world. They handle communication between the robot controller and other components of the industrial automation project. If combined with a remote interface such as TwinBox, robot drivers can facilitate the interaction between a robot arm and systems not normally capable of influencing a robotics project.

Environment

Offline Programming (OLP) and drivers each present their unique challenges. The setup of OLP systems involves the creation of accurate virtual models and the use of simulation tools. These models must precisely mirror the physical world to ensure that the programmed tasks are feasible when transferred to real robots. The complexity here lies not just in the technical expertise required, but also in the need for a thorough understanding of the robot’s physical and operational environment.

The complexity of developing and integrating drivers is rooted in the need for deep technical knowledge of both the robotic hardware and the software interfaces. Crafting drivers that can effectively communicate with and control a robot requires a nuanced understanding of the robot’s control architecture, sensor inputs, and actuator mechanisms.

Precision

OLP is particularly advantageous in scenarios where precision, repeatability, and safety are of the utmost importance. For instance, in manufacturing, especially in automotive and aerospace sectors, OLP is used to program complex assembly lines. Drivers shine in situations that demand real-time control and adaptability. In fields like collaborative robotics, where robots work alongside humans, the need for immediate responsiveness to environmental changes and human inputs is crucial.

Thus, while OLP is used for its ability to pre-plan and optimize robotic tasks in controlled environments, drivers are essential for enabling real-time interactions and responsiveness in more dynamic and unpredictable settings. The selection between OLP and drivers, or a combination of both, depends heavily on the specific requirements and constraints of the application at hand.

Robot Drivers with RoboDK

Any robot simulation that is programmed in RoboDK can be executed on the robot using a robot driver. The robot movement in the simulator is then synchronized with the real robot and it is possible to debug robot programs in real time.

Annin Robotics, ABB, Automata, Comau, Denso, Dobot, Doosan, Epson, Fanuc, Han’s.. are some of the supported robot drivers in RoboDK. Check the full list of robot drivers here.

The following article shows an example of an Online Programming project using robot drivers: Online Programming in Real Time

What questions do you have about robot drivers and OLP? Join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum. Also, check out our extensive video collection, documentation [https://robodk.com/doc/en/Robot-Programs.html#PostVsDriver], and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel.

The post Offline Programming (OLP), drivers and communicating with robots appeared first on RoboDK blog.

RoboDK, a pioneer in the world of robotics simulation and offline programming, announces its strategic partnership with Comau, a global leader in advanced automation solutions and robot manufacturer. The latest version of Comau Roboshop Next Gen software seamlessly integrates with RoboDK, making simulation more advanced.

RoboDK’s integration into Comau’s Software

This collaboration solidifies RoboDK’s presence in the OEM market, marking a significant step as an embedded solution. Comau users can now enjoy the benefits of RoboDK directly due to RoboDK’s integration into Comau’s Roboshop Next Gen software suite. This integration allows users to easily simulate and program robots using advanced CAD to path features, import 3D Models, detect collisions, integrate with external axes such as turntables and linear rails, support multiple robot cells in the same project, improved integration with CAD/CAM software and use advanced simulation features such as conveyors and grippers. This allows Comau robot programmers to easily use Comau robots for advanced manufacturing applications such as robot machining or 3D printing.

Realistic Robot Simulation (RRS)

In addition to these technical benefits, the collaboration also introduces support for Realistic Robot Simulation (RRS), providing accurate path and cycle time estimates. This advancement aims to provide businesses with a clear understanding of robot behavior and precise cycle time details, ensuring more efficient and optimized robot operations. Using RoboDK it will therefore be possible to create a program in a very intuitive way. Then through Roboshop Next Gen, it can be executed in a simulation with a Virtual Control and then deployed on a real robot!

While this partnership marks a significant step for embedded solutions, RoboDK remains committed to its ongoing collaboration efforts with various partners, reinforcing its dedication to make automation more affordable across industries.

Phillip from the RoboDK team shares his insights on the collaboration:

By working closely with Comau we were able to improve our integration with Comau robot controllers while keeping everything backwards compatible. The level of integration resulting from this partnership is immensely beneficial for all Comau users.

Albert Nubiola, CEO and Founder of RoboDK, comments:

We’re excited to partner with Comau and bring RoboDK’s advanced simulation features to Roboshop software at an unbeatable price. By working together, we were able to make advanced simulation more affordable. Our mission is to build a software platform where users can program any robot arm using the same software, democratizing robot simulation and programming. Partnering with Comau, one of the world’s premier robot manufacturers, marks a pivotal moment for us.

RoboDK distinguishes itself by embracing modern technologies, thus setting itself apart from peers reliant on older and more expensive software frameworks. With modern tools, integrations, competitive pricing, and an array of complementary features—including advanced CAD to path features, integrations with CAD/CAM software, collision checking, singularity avoidance, robot calibration and brand-agnostic offline programming—RoboDK stands out as a frontrunner. Users have access to extensive documentation and libraries at no cost. Moreover, RoboDK’s website, documentation and YouTube channel offers a rich collection of tutorials.

Alessandro Piscioneri, Head of Product and Solutions Management, remarks:

Comau has recently launched the latest version of RoboShop Next Gen, that allows our customers and partners to program our robots and simulate their functionalities in an easy and fast way. Thanks to the collaboration with RoboDK, a truly innovative company in robot programming and 3D simulation, it is possible for companies to create their virtual environments and simulate their applications in a matter of minutes, while using Comau’s software. It’s important to emphasize that this solution is aimed at both experienced and new programmers, in an effort to make robotics easier to design and use. This is a priority for us and we are investing heavily in this direction.

About RoboDK

Founded by Albert Nubiola in January 2015, RoboDK is a spin-off company from the prestigious CoRo laboratory at ETS University in Montreal, Canada. Designed to bring robust robotics simulation and programming capabilities to various sectors, RoboDK supports over 900 robots from more than 70 manufacturers.

About Comau

Comau, a Stellantis company, is a worldwide leader in delivering sustainable advanced automation solutions. With 50 years of experience and a global presence, Comau is helping companies of all sizes in almost any industry leverage the benefits of automation. Backed by a continuous commitment to designing and developing innovative and easy to use technologies, its portfolio includes products and systems for vehicle manufacturing, with a strong presence in e-Mobility, as well as advanced robotics and digital solutions to address  rapidly growing markets in industrial sectors. The company’s offering also extends to project management and consultancy. Through the training activities organized by its Academy, Comau is committed to advancing the technical and managerial knowledge necessary to face the challenges related to automation and leverage the opportunities of a constantly changing marketplace. Headquartered in Turin, Italy, Comau has an international network of 5 innovation centers, 5 digital hubs, and 12 manufacturing plants that span 13 countries and employ 3,700 people. Together with its wide network of distributors and partners, the company is able to respond quickly to the needs of its customers, no matter where they are located throughout the world.

Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post RoboDK and Comau partner to offer improved Robotic Simulation and Offline Programming appeared first on RoboDK blog.

At RoboDK, we have long celebrated the advantages of robot welding. Robots can help counteract many common challenges of welding, including skills shortages, weld quality, and consistency.

With the right robot and programming software, you can move to an automated welding process even if you have little to no robotics knowledge. But there are various decisions you need to make, including what type of robot welding you are using.

Let’s look at why we would use robot welding and explore some common types.

Where Are We At With Robotic Welding?

Over the years, robotic welding has undergone significant advancements both in technology and demand. It has been propelled from simplistic, repetitive welding tasks to complex, high-precision operations.

From the development of sophisticated robot sensors and algorithms to easy-to-use programming options that reduce barriers to entry, robot welding is now more accessible than ever.

A huge driver for robot welding is the presence of skills shortages within the job market. This is becoming a significant problem across the world.

Countries are implementing radical changes to combat the shortage, including refocusing goals of STEM education and investing in apprenticeships. However, these are longer term solutions.

Robots offer an immediate and powerful approach to combat welder shortages. They help you get the most from your existing skilled welders.

Benefits of Robotic Welding Over Manual

Robotic welding also brings many benefits over entirely manual welding.

Some benefits include:

• Improved weld quality — Robots can produce higher-quality welds than human as you can program the weld pattern exactly.
• Safer working — Welding can be a dangerous task for human workers. Moving it to a robot reduces the chances of danger for workers.
• Flexibility — With an intuitive programming interface, you can easily reprogram your robot for any new task.
• Consistent welds — A robot will reproduce the same weld pattern every time, making it more consistent than a human welder.
• Better use of talent — With only a few skilled welders on your team, you can use robots to scale your welding operation with a surprisingly short training time

With such benefits, it’s well worth finding out if robotic welding could work for you!

8 Common Types of Robot Welding You Might Use

There are various types of robotic welding, each suited to slightly different applications or setups.

Which you choose will depend on your specific needs. However, you can program all of them using RoboDK.

With the right robot and programming software, you can transition to an automated welding process even if you have little to no knowledge of robotics. However, there are various decisions you need to make, including what type of robot welding you are using. Offline Programming (OLP) is considered the best option for complex modern welding projects.

Let’s explore why robot welding is beneficial and delve into some common types.

1. Resistance Spot Welding

Resistance welding involves passing a strong electric current through two pieces of metal. This heats and melts the metal, forging the two pieces together.

Resistance spot welding, specifically, involves welding individual spots instead of a continuous line of weld. You would use a spot welding tool as the robot’s end effector.

2. Laser Welding

Laser welding uses a concentrated beam of high-energy light to melt and fuse the materials together. This method is highly precise and can be used to weld small, complex parts.

Robotic laser welding is often used in industries like electronics and medical device manufacturing.

3. Hybrid Laser Welding

Hybrid laser welding combines laser light welding with arc welding. This method provides the deeper penetration of the laser welding with the superior gap bridging abilities of arc welding.

Robotic systems for hybrid laser welding are particularly useful for applications that provide high production speed and accuracy.

4. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Shielded metal arc welding, or stick welding, uses a flux-coated electrode to create the weld. This method is known for its versatility and can be used on a variety of metals and alloys.

Robots using SMAW can benefit from adding image recognition to detect and repair cracks in the material.

5. Gas Tungsten Arc or Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (GTAW/TIG)

A highly common welding process, GTAW or TIG welding, uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a shielding gas to produce the weld. This method is known for producing high-quality, clean welds with an excellent aesthetic finish.

Robotic welding of this type is often used where weld quality is critical, such as aerospace and nuclear power plants.

6. Thin Gauge Arc Welding

Thin gauge arc welding is typically used for welding thin sheets of metal. This can introduce challenges, as thinner material requires a delicate approach.

When programming your robot welding, it may be a good idea to do extra physical testing to ensure the thin material doesn’t warp.

7. Plasma Welding

Plasma welding uses a constricted arc or plasma jet to melt the metal, creating a more focused, controlled weld. [It is related to TIG welding].

In the robotic tool, an electric arc forms between a tungsten electrode and the material, with a plasma gas to stabilize the arc and prevent oxidation.

8. Metal Inert or Active Gas (MIG/MAG) Welding

Finally, MIG or MAG welding are forms of gas metal arc welding that use continuously fed wire and a shielding gas.

Robotic MIG/MAG welding offers speed, efficiency, and adaptability, making it widely used across industries.

How to Program Robot Welding More Easily

Robotic welding has become an essential tool in various manufacturing industries. However, proper programming plays a pivotal role in ensuring its success. Let’s see some key considerations for programming robot welding more easily.

• Choosing the Right Robot and Software: Before you start programming, it’s essential to select the appropriate robot and programming software for your welding application. Ensure that the robot you choose meets the specific requirements of your welding project.
• Offline Programming (OLP): Consider using Offline Programming (OLP) for complex modern welding projects. OLP allows you to program and simulate your robot’s movements and welding tasks in a virtual environment, reducing the risk of errors during actual welding operations.
• Welding Cobots: In addition to OLP, welding cobots (collaborative robots) can simplify welding for end-users. These robots can work alongside human operators, offering increased flexibility and ease of use.
• Feedback and Synergic Functions: Modern welding sources provide valuable feedback on the welding process. They incorporate “synergic” functions that ensure stable weld quality. This feedback mechanism helps maintain consistent and high-quality welds, reducing the need for constant adjustments.
• Precise Calibration: Achieving the highest accuracy in weld position is crucial. Precise calibration of the welding cell and the use of machine vision systems can help ensure that your robot welds with exceptional accuracy

A good place to start is with a programming environment that supports robotic welding. Read more in our article The Simple Way to Flawless Robot Welding

What types of robot welding would you like to use? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post 9 Types of Robot Welding: A Breakdown of Common Types appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Robot simulation software company, RoboDK, recognized the need for a more compact and versatile solution that doesn’t rely on conventional computers. Following customer demand for such a product, they created TwinBox. This self-contained system offers a full suite of features that enable users to easily set up and manage robotic systems in their workspaces using a simple single-board computer or IPC.

TwinBox can be easily controlled through a web browser, allowing you to trigger actions remotely and have a 3D view of your cell.

Dmitry Lavygin, software developer at RoboDK, says:

RoboDK is already able to run programs directly on real robots using its online mode and robot drivers. However, it is not common to see desktop or laptop computers in production environments.

The goal with TwinBox is to provide a dedicated version of RoboDK for industrial computers and enable remote control on embedded devices, without the need of a local display, keyboard, or mouse. You can simply control the system remotely from anywhere, using your browser or another remote RoboDK connection.

The need to minimize clutter and save space with production robots

The team at RoboDK conceived TwinBox after identifying a gap in the market – there were no space-efficient solutions for production engineers wishing to directly implement RoboDK into the production line. The product’s compact size offers the advantage of easy positioning – it can be installed either next to or within the factory robot’s control system.

A key feature of the TwinBox is its ability to function effectively without the need for a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. It solely requires network interfaces to seamlessly connect to an internal network and a robot control system.

This allows users to save more of their valuable floor space while still being able to utilize the full suite of features that RoboDK has to offer.

TwinBox is an all-in-one solution for robot programming and automation engineers, with many benefits including its compact size, low cost, easy setup, and versatility.

Remote robot programming built on reliable technologies

RoboDK’s approach to product development is to build new solutions on the back of tried and tested technologies, where possible. This means the company can deliver high-quality remote robot programming solutions without compromising on reliability or stability.

With TwinBox, RoboDK has crafted a reliable system that runs on both industrial and consumer-grade hardware. It supports multiple operating systems and hardware architectures, including Windows and Linux Debian or Ubuntu running on Intel x86-64 platforms or ARM. RoboDK provides dedicated builds for systems such as the Nvidia Jetson or Raspberry Pi-based industrial computers.

Samuel Bertrand, software developer lead at RoboDK, says:

The software works just like the Desktop version of RoboDK. The main difference is that the system can be controlled remotely from any browser.

With its remote interface, users can also access their TwinBox from anywhere in the world, with full control of all connected external robots, devices, and sensors. This allows users to monitor their robots remotely, in real-time, giving them more flexibility and control over their automation than ever before.

Streamlining Multiple Devices into One Cohesive System

A common challenge with industrial robots is that each programming solution is often limited to a single manufacturer. This means that each robot brand needs to be programmed separately, which slows down deployment.

With TwinBox, users can connect multiple robots from different manufacturers together into one cohesive system. This increases flexibility and significantly speeds up the integration process.

RoboDK supports over 900 robot models from over 50 brands. This wide compatibility means that users can be sure that their TwinBox will work with almost any robot model they need it to. The system is also designed to effortlessly handle simultaneous connections from various devices. This includes not only robots but also additional devices like external sensors and computer vision cameras.

TwinBox enables simultaneous connections, allowing you to control it from a remote desktop with a browser. It also “supports” OPC-UA and RoboDK will be implementing other industrial protocols.

Future plans

The company plans to incorporate TwinBox into the larger RoboDK ecosystem. This includes existing solutions like the main RoboDK Desktop application as well as web-based development tools like RoboDK for Web.

This integration will enable users to take full advantage of all the features that have made RoboDK such a popular robot programming software among automation engineers.

The potential applications for TwinBox are virtually endless. The company hopes that users will take full advantage of the product to easily build efficient robotic solutions that can be easily deployed in production environments.

What questions do you have about RoboDK TwinBox? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel.

The post Introducing TwinBox: RoboDK’s Compact Solution for Production Robot Integration appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Roboguide can be a suitable solution for some people. It comes directly from FANUC so it can seem like the most “obvious” choice for offline programming.

Offline programming is an important step when working with industrial robots. It allows you to program and test your robot without disrupting your production. There are many benefits of offline programming.

Roboguide does offer these benefits… but it is not the only option available on the market. If you only consider Roboguide and don’t look at the alternatives for offline programming, you could miss some opportunities to improve your robot programming even further.

Here’s a clear introduction to Roboguide…

What is Roboguide?

Roboguide is a software application developed by FANUC that allows users to program FANUC robots offline. As with any offline programming software, it is designed to streamline the programming process and increase efficiency by allowing you to create programs without the physical robot.

The core functionality of the program is its offline programming and simulation. It also has some application-specific features such as PaintPRO for painting applications and WeldPRO for arc welding applications.

FANUC is one of the industry’s leading brands of industrial robots. You can see the manufacturer’s ubiquitous yellow-colored robots in many manufacturing companies across the globe.

It’s common for robot integrators, distributors, and suppliers to specialize in a particular brand of robot. This means that FANUC distributors often only recommend Roboguide to new robot users.

Why People Often Use Roboguide

When we visit trade fairs and conferences, we find that many FANUC users are unaware there are other options for offline programming.

Why do people stick with Roboguide when there are other options for offline programming?

As well as simply being unaware of the other options, there is also the familiarity. If you have bought your robots from FANUC, the brand feels familiar. It feels like it’s safer to buy everything from one supplier rather than looking for alternatives.

RoboDK — The Increasingly Popular Alternative to Roboguide

If you are looking for an alternative to Roboguide, it makes sense to consider RoboDK.

RoboDK is a powerful and user-friendly robotic programming software that makes it easy to create, simulate, and deploy programs for any industrial robot arm.

With RoboDK, you can quickly and easily create robot programs for a range of applications, including welding, palletizing, handling, and assembly tasks. It is compatible with dozens of FANUC robots and works with all the major robot brands.

All of RoboDK’s offline programming features come with a single license. You can find this on the pricing page.

Finally, there is a ton of free RoboDK training on this blog and their YouTube channel.

Is RoboDK for You? How to Find Out

How can you find out if RoboDK is the right solution for your offline programming project?

A good place to start is by downloading a free trial.

You can also find out more about RoboDK’s features on this product page.

What issues have you run into when using Roboguide? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel.

The post Roboguide: How To Program a FANUC Robot appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Offline programming offers a way to make industrial robot programming easier, faster, and more flexible.

With the right approach to offline programming, you can create powerful programs for your industrial robots without needing extensive robotics expertise or expensive solutions.

But what makes offline programming such a compelling approach?

What challenges might you encounter when moving to offline programming?

And how do you create a reliable system quickly and easily?

Let’s look at how you can get the most from industrial robot programming offline…

What is Offline Programming for Industrial Robots?

Offline programming (often shortened to OLP) is a method of industrial robot programming that enables you to program robots without needing access to the physical robots.

This type of programming lets you create, test, and improve your robot programs in a simulated virtual environment. With OLP software like RoboDK, you can create these programs visually, without needing to type any code… unless you want to, of course.

Once you’re sure your program functions correctly – having debugged it in the simulator — the OLP software then converts your program into instructions that your robot controller understands. This is done by a post-processor for your particular robot model.

Beyond basic OLP, there are also add-ons that make the programming process even easier. For example, RoboDK TwinTrack allows you to program any robot by moving a 3D tracking probe.

Advantages of Offline Programming for Industrial Robots

OLP offers several advantages over conventional robotic programming. It can help you get more useful and complex functionality from your industrial robots.

A few of the advantages include:

• Easier, more efficient debugging — It’s easier to find mistakes in your robot program when you are working with a simulated robot. OLP means you first create a working program, then you handle any of the remaining issues caused by the physical robot.

• Less disruptive, costly robot downtime — Whenever a physical robot is out of production, it costs you money. OLP allows you to reduce this disruptive time to a minimum.

• Smoother transition from idea to production — Let’s face it, robots sometimes seem “temperamental” (like many machines). When you have a new idea, the hardware quirks can derail you from turning your idea into a prototype. OLP helps smooth this process by first creating a virtual simulation.

There are many other advantages to using OLP. You can read about some of them in our article 5 Ways Robotic Offline Programming Can Benefit Your Business.

6 Steps to Set Up an Environment for Offline Programming

If you want to get started with offline programming quickly, there are a few steps that you should follow to go from zero to a working OLP platform.

Here are 6 steps to follow:

1. Choose an OLP platform that is user-friendly and specifically designed for industrial robot programming. Some systems, for example, are primarily designed for research settings, so would be less suitable.
2. Plan your robot program before you start creating it in the software. Even a simple “back of a napkin” plan or a video of you walking through the task by hand can make the programming process much easier.
3. Create the program in your OLP software. If you have never used offline programming before, there is a wealth of free training to help you get started.
4. Do as much testing and debugging as you can in the time you have available. The more potential issues you fix in the simulator, the faster it will be to integrate your code with the physical robot.
5. Put the robot into production. This may require a bit of extra debugging to account for the peculiarities of the physical setup.
6. Collect data and aim to improve your robot deployment over time. This is usually inherently more efficient with OLP because you don’t have to take the robot out of production to test new ideas for improvements.

By following these high-level steps, you can set up your OLP environment for easy, efficient industrial robot programming.

Common Challenges with Robot Programming

Of course, we all know that simply presented steps like those listed above can sometimes hide a lot of complexity.

It’s likely that you will encounter at least some challenges that you need to overcome, especially if you’ve never deployed a robot before with offline programming.

Here are 5 challenges you might encounter with OLP, each with a resource where you can start looking for solutions:

• Discrepancies between the virtual and physical robot — Easy Robot Calibration for Optimal Performance

• Difficulties integrating components and tools from different suppliers — The 5 Minute Guide to Use Any End Effector with RoboDK

• Developing complex motions easily — TwinTrack: A Tool For Simple Handheld Robot Programming

• Incorporating external functionality libraries — How the RoboDK API Makes Robot Machine Learning Easier

• Dealing with a simulation setup that seems complex! — How to Tell If Your Robot Simulation Setup Is Too Complex

And remember that there is always help at hand. If you are struggling with any aspect of robot programming, a good place to look for answers is in the RoboDK user forum.

Why RoboDK Makes Industrial Robot Programming Easier

RoboDK is one offline programming tool that many industrial users find extremely useful. It offers a powerful set of functionalities that help make your robot programming easier, faster, and more efficient.

Whether you are an experienced robot programmer or you have never used an industrial robot before, be assured that offline programming can help you.

What are your next steps? A good place to start is to explore some of the resources already shared in this article, to see how offline programming could apply to your specific process.

What challenges do you foresee with industrial robot programming? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post Easier and Faster Offline Programming appeared first on RoboDK blog.

For many people, RoboDK’s standard graphical user interface is their primary method for using the software. While this is a very intuitive way to program your robot – especially if you are a beginner – the software has a lot more capabilities than you might first realize.

With the API, you can create some very sophisticated programs in just a few lines of code in your favorite programming language.

Whether you’re looking to automate simple repetitive programming tasks or you want to take on more complex challenges, here’s how to use the API…

Automating Repetitive Tasks with RoboDK’s API

One of the tremendous benefits of using robots is that they can take over the dull and repetitive parts of people’s jobs.

But programming robots can also be dull and repetitive. When you have to perform the same programming and configuration steps over and over, you might wish that you had a robot to program your robot.

This is where the API comes in!

With the API, you can script and automate parts of your programming process in just a few lines of code.

Here are a few examples of programming tasks that you could automate:

• Motion and trajectory generation — Perhaps you repeatedly need to generate new robot trajectories, such as when a new product is added to your production. You could create a program to generate these trajectories programmatically and then call the RoboDK API to generate the robot program.

• Passing parameters from other programming steps — The more you automate your production line, the more you will need to pass information between different automation stages. You can use the API to create middleware programs between to act as a bridge between these steps.

• Monitoring the robot’s performance — You can also create programs to monitor the operation of the robot. This could involve simple error reporting or a more complex setup with vision sensors. You could then use the API to send corrective instructions to the robot.

You could even employ more advanced programming techniques, such as using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Understanding the 5 Elements of RoboDK’s API

What do you need to know about the RoboDK API? It’s helpful to understand the core components.

Below is an overview of the main 5 elements of the API. You can find out more details in the extensive API documentation (here the Python API).

1. robolink

The robolink module is the main module of the API. It provides the fundamental functionality to interact with the RoboDK software and your code.

Robolink can access any item from within your RoboDK program tree, load models, define tools, set robot movements, and generate programs.

2. robomath

Robotic programming often involves a lot of geometrical mathematics. These are difficult to calculate using the standard mathematics functions in most programming languages.

To make this math easier, we have implemented the robomath module, based on the Robotics Toolbox by Professor Peter Corke.

3. robodialogs

Much of the functionality in the graphical interface of RoboDK involves interacting with message boxes and other types of dialogs.

The robodialogs module contains functionality to handle these dialogs, including opening and saving files.

4. robofileio

RoboDK supports a wide variety of file types, including robot program files (such as ABB’s .mod or KUKA’s .ls), CAD files (such as .step or .stl), and standard data files (such as .txt or .csv).

The robofileio provides functionality to handle and analyze files, such as finding if files exist and generating safe variable names that can be used for robot programming.

5. roboapps

Finally, the roboapps module is the API interface for the RoboDK Apps toolbox.

The RoboDK App interface allows you to extend the functionality of RoboDK even further. It allows you to load scripts and executable files as if they were plug-ins in RoboDK software.

An Example of Automating a Complex Trajectory with the API

What does it look like when you use the RoboDK API for more advanced programming automation?

Let’s look at an example of robot art generation (which is a common usage for RoboDK among artists). In this case, say we are using Python to create a fractal trajectory with the robot.

Programming a fractal with RoboDK’s graphical interface alone could be a very tricky activity. Fractals are, by nature, programmatic – they are defined by mathematical formulas. So it makes sense to use programs to create them instead of a graphical interface.

A basic form of fractal is the Koch curve. It is fairly simple to program a Koch curve in Python. Using the method explained in this example here to create a Koch Snowflake, you could generate a Koch curve in your Python code and send the resulting trajectory points to your robot with the RoboDK API. This would be possible in very few lines of code.

If you wanted even more complex fractal designs, such as the Barnsley Fern or Mandelbrot Set, you could also achieve these in a similar way. Most of your program would stay exactly the same – only the fractal generation function would change.

How to Get Started With the RoboDK API

The RoboDK API is a powerful tool that can help you optimize and streamline your robot programming process.

With programming languages like Python or MATLAB, programming doesn’t even have to be difficult. The languages themselves are intuitive enough that you don’t need to be a highly skilled programmer to create powerful programs.

Get started with the RoboDK API by heading over to the documentation and having a look at what it is capable of!

What programming tasks do you find repetitive? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post Introduction to RoboDK’s API: How to Automate Repetitive Tasks appeared first on RoboDK blog.

ABB has an impressive presence in many international markets. In fact, you can find ABB products on all the continents of the world – even Antarctica! ABB Robotics has a 10.04% market share in the engineering and manufacturing market.

In this Spotlight on ABB, we’ll look at how you can program ABB robots easily for your chosen application.

The ABB Story: What Sets ABB Robots Apart

The history of ABB really begins when with the merger of two significant engineering companies.

Brown, Boveri & Cie (BBC) was an innovative Swiss-based electrical engineering firm specializing in the development of steam turbines and other power sources. Elektriska Aktiebolaget (ASEA) developed Sweden’s first three-phase transmission system and built the country’s first nuclear power plant. In 1988, the two companies combined to become ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB), bringing together over 200 years of expertise.

ABB Robotics began in 1998, with the launch of the company’s FlexPicker robot. It revolutionized industrial robotics by allowing advanced high-speed picking and packing applications.

Now, ABB is a leading global technology company with a focus on robotics and automation technologies across a large range of industries. The company has over 110,000 employees in more than 100 countries around the world and an annual revenue of over $28 billion.

The company says “We envisage a future where the physical and digital worlds merge, making operations safer, more intelligent, and more productive.”

What Industries are ABB Robots Used In?

ABB robots are used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, education, electronics, healthcare, logistics, and metal fabrication.

For example, in the automotive industry, ABB robots are often used for tasks like welding, painting, and inspection. In construction, manufacturing companies use them for heavy lifting and precision cutting of wood and metal. In the electronics industry, the company’s delta robots are often used for assembly and pick and place tasks.

There are so many potential industries where ABB robots are used, it’s very likely that you can find various applications that work for you.

3 Example Applications for ABB Robots

There are so many applications areas where you can apply ABB robots, including palletizing, welding, painting, assembly, pick and place, material handling, and many more.

Here is a spotlight on just 3 of these application areas, along with examples of ABB robot models that suit them:

1. Palletizing

Palletizing is an increasingly popular robotic application that involves stacking items onto pallets for shipment. It is a critical step in supply chain logistics.

ABB’s IRB 460 robotic palletizer is, according to the company, the world’s fastest palletizing robot. It can achieve up to 2,190 cycles per hour with a 60 kg load, 15% faster than its closest competitor.

See the IRB 460 in RoboDK’s Robot Library.

2. Welding

Welding involves joining two or more pieces of metal together to form a strong bond. As welding processes have become more complex, robot welding has grown in popularity. Professional welders are also now more scarce than ever.

ABB’s IRB 1520ID welding robot is designed to maximize efficiency in welding operations. It comes with an integrated hose package that allows easy routing of all the necessary media for welding (e.g. power, welding wire, shielding gas).

See the IRB 1520ID in RoboDK’s Robot Library.

3. Material Handling

Material handling is a wide-ranging category, including tasks like loading, unloading, sorting, and transporting. Indeed, robots can be used for various material handling tasks to increase productivity and consistency.

ABB’S IRB 1200 material handling robot offers users high-level flexibility. Compact and with ample working areas, the robot is easy to use for material handling tasks.

See the IRB 1200 in RoboDK’s Robot Library.

Options for Programming ABB Robots

All in all, whatever application you choose, you need to program your robot easily and in a way that integrates with all your other processes.

There are a few options for programming ABB robots:

Brand Programming Language: RAPID

The RAPID programming language is ABB’s basic method for programming its industrial robots. It uses object-oriented programming and provides functionality to move the robot, compute mathematic functions, and handle inputs and outputs.

Teach Pendant Information

Teach pendants are the standard method for programming industrial robots. They require you to program the robot online, which means the robot must be taken out of operation for programming.

There are two teach pendants available for ABB robots the older legacy pendant and the FlexPendant. Both offer a graphical user interface and buttons for creating your program.

RoboDK

RoboDK is an offline programming and simulation software that works with a wide variety of robot brands. It is compatible with many ABB models, which you can find in the online Robot Library.

As an offline programming tool, you can program your robot with RoboDK without taking the robot out of production. No programming skills are required with the intuitive RoboDK graphical interface. Overall, you can even use the RoboDK API to program robots in your favorite programming language.

How to Program ABB Robots Easily with RoboDK

If you want to streamline the deployment process for your ABB industrial robot, it’s worth looking at using RoboDK for your programming.

RoboDK’s rich simulation environment makes it easy to quickly design robot programs and test them before you put the robot into production.

Finally, to get started, download a trial copy of RoboDK from our download page and load up your favorite robot model.

Which ABB robot do you use and for which applications? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post Spotlight on ABB: How to Program ABB Robots appeared first on RoboDK blog.

What does it mean to optimize robot programming?

At its most basic, programming optimization involves improving your programming methods so that deployment is more efficient. This could involve optimizing code, reducing programming time, using different software tools, and improving team communication around programming.

In this article, we look at the benefits of having an optimized programming process and methods you can use to improve your own robot programming.

What Does it Mean to Have Efficient Robot Programming?

Efficient programming is all about using the right tools and a streamlined programming workflow. This means looking at how the distinct elements of the robot deployment process fit together and finding ways to complete them with speed and accuracy.

There are many ways to program a robot, including traditional teach pendant programming, hand guiding, and offline programming with a simulator.

When you are deploying a robot to your process, you have a lot to worry about. You need to buy the right robot, take the time to adapt your existing processes and get your team to accept the robot. This can be a lot of work and stress.

You don’t need programming to be another cause of stress.

When you have an efficient robot programming workflow, it becomes quicker and easier to program your robot for your task. This gives you more time and capacity to focus on other parts of the deployment.

5 Tips to Optimize Robot Programming

Here are 5 ways you can optimize your robot programming:

• Set a clear programming workflow. Once you have an idea of the overall flow and stages of robot deployment, formalize these steps into a repeatable process.

• Use the right tools. Programming tools like RoboDK include many features to help you create an optimal programming process right from the start.

• Document your programming process. Efficiency usually only comes when people know what they are doing. Don’t assume that you will always remember the steps of your programming workflow and document them.

• Use consistent program and target naming conventions. Programs that follow the same naming rules are easier for everyone to read and understand. For example, set a clear naming convention for the targets you use in your RoboDK offline programs.

• Create templates for similar tasks. It’s often better when you don’t create a new robot program from scratch every time. Create template projects within RoboDK and work from these when you start a new project.

By following these tips, you can optimize your programming with RoboDK and create efficient and effective programs for any robotic task.

Using RoboDK to Optimize Your Programming Workflows

RoboDK is a feature-rich software suite for robot offline programming and simulation. It can help you develop programs efficiently while accessing the features of your robotic hardware.

The software comes with an extensive library of example projects, which you can use as a basis for your own robot programs. It also helps you to troubleshoot your robot programs and optimize the code through tools like artificial intelligence motion planning.

What programming optimization questions do you have? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post Optimize Robot Programming for Efficient Deployment appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Offline programming for robots helps to reduce on-site programming time and improve the quality of your robotic solutions.

The traditional approach to robot programming is online programming. This involves programming the robot with its teach pendant while next to the physical robot. While this is still a popular approach, online programming causes unnecessary downtime and can reduce the quality of your programs by pressuring you to spend less time optimizing them.

With offline programming, you can more easily create more feature-rich robot programs, without harming productivity at the same time.

Here are some ways to make your experience with offline programming even more worthwhile:

1. Plan Your Program First

Before you create your robot program, plan how you will achieve the various steps of your task. This will save you time in the long run and help you avoid errors.

Planning can involve deciding on the robotic components you might need (such as end effectors or additional axes). It can also involve manually walking yourself through the task to understand the steps.

2. Simulate Then Program

Simulation tools can help you avoid errors in your robot programming by allowing you to test the program in a virtual environment. There are various types of simulators you can use in a manufacturing business.

With a good robot simulator, like RoboDK you can perform robot simulation and offline programming seamlessly in the same software package.

3. Use Programming Wizards

Robot programming software is constantly evolving and we are always adding new features and capabilities.

You can access advanced functionality and the powerful capabilities of your robot by using the software wizards provided by your offline programming software. For example, RoboDK includes various wizards, including those for robotic welding and robotic machining.

4. Learn from the Right Resources

A good robot offline programming software should have many resources available to help you learn how to use the software. These resources can include documentation, online forums, and video tutorials.

With training resources, such as the free robot training provided by RoboDK you can quickly find answers to your questions about how to use specific features of the software.

5. Familiarize Yourself with the UI

The user interface (UI) of your offline programming software is where you will spend most of your time when creating robot programs.

Before you start creating complex programs, it’s important to first understand how the UI works. By taking some extra time to familiarize yourself with the basics, you will save time later on.

6. Start With Simple Programs

Don’t try to program too many functionalities at once. It’s important to start small and gradually increase the complexity of your robot programs.

By starting simple, you will avoid errors and gain the confidence and experience you need to create more complex robot programs.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Offline programming gives you the opportunity to try out new ideas and program updates without affecting production. This is very valuable as it can help you find new and better ways of programming the robot in a risk-free environment.

By experimenting, you can also optimize aspects of your robot program, like cycle time, more than you could do with online programming.

8. Test Different Hardware for Free

In the past, the only way to try out a new robot model was to get your hands on the physical robot. This is no longer the case. There are now many ways to try robots without investing in the robot yourself.

Take advantage of the Robot Library in RoboDK that allows you to try hundreds of robot models for free.

9. Keep Your Programs Organized

It’s easy for programming projects to get out of hand quickly as you add more and more functionalities to your program.

Keep your offline programs well organized so you can easily find parts of the program when you need them. You can do this by creating subroutines for distinct steps of the program or by editing the names of targets with descriptive labels.

10. Get Help When You Need It

There are many resources available to help you use your offline programming software. If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

By asking for help when you need it, you can solve problems quickly and ensure you are always getting the most out of your software.

11. Create Reusable Programs

One thing that makes offline programming especially powerful is that you can create programs you can reuse — either in full or in part. This way, you don’t have to start from scratch every time you need to program the robot.

You can reuse elements of the same programs for different tasks and even for different robots. It can be a good idea to build a library of programs that you can use for different applications.

12. Share Programs With Others

A significant benefit of using the right offline programming software is the ability to share your programs with others. This allows you to get feedback on your robot solutions from your colleagues and clients.

RoboDK for Web is the perfect tool for this. With it, you can share your programs with anyone, anywhere. They don’t even need to install the program on their computer.

13. Connect With the User Community

There is a large and active community for robot programming. This community is a great resource when you are stuck with a particular problem and don’t know how to solve it.

The RoboDK Forum is a great place to go for help about how to use RoboDK for your specific application.

14. Test Multiple Approaches

One great thing about robots is that there are often many ways to perform the same task. This flexibility can be a great asset when you are trying to fit a robot into your workflow.

Offline programming makes the best use of this flexibility. You can spend all the time you need testing multiple approaches, without it harming productivity as happens with online programming.

15. Keep Learning

Robotic technology is always changing and evolving. New applications, approaches, and functionalities are constantly being developed.

With a good offline programming software, you can more easily keep up with these changes. For example, at RoboDK we are constantly adding new functionalities to the software to respond to changes in the robotics field.

Robotics is undoubtedly a great way to automate tasks in your business. And with offline programming, you can make the most from your robotic investment.

By following these tips, you can make your experience with offline programming even more efficient and effective. You’ll be able to create better programs in less time.

Which tip was most useful for your work right now? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post 15 Tips for Robot Offline Programming appeared first on RoboDK blog.

RoboDK has supported KUKA robots for many years. But now, with the help of some incredible work by one of our newer team members, we are proud to announce an updated driver for KUKA robots.

The new driver, named KUKA Bridge, makes programming KUKA robots faster and even easier than it was before.

The new KUKA driver has several key improvements and new features. These can help you get up and running quickly, save time when programming a robot, and provide a more reliable connection to KUKA robots.

Let’s introduce you to Dmitry and the KUKA Bridge…

Introducing… Dmitry Lavygin and KUKA Bridge

We continually add new features to RoboDK to improve its functionality.

Where do we get our ideas for new features? Usually from our users. They suggest features they would like to see in the software.

However, sometimes a user takes a step further… and with impressive results.

In early 2022, a researcher using RoboDK developed their own driver and posted it in our forum. His name was Dmitry Lavygin.

In the RoboDK forum thread, Dmitry said “First of all, I would like to thank the RoboDK team for a great product. I appreciated the features of your program. I have some thoughts about connecting RoboDK to KUKA robots.”

He noticed that the old RoboDK KUKA driver controlled the robot “blindly.” Like all talented programmers, Dmitry sought to improve it himself. His project became C3 Bridge, the precursor to our new KUKA Bridge driver update.

We contacted Dmitry a few months later and started talking. We noticed he had brilliant suggestions to improve RoboDK — for this driver, KUKA robots in general, and around other topics. He also asked if we were hiring.

We hired Dmitry, and he is now part of our development team!

9 Amazing Benefits of Our New KUKA Bridge Driver

The new KUKA Bridge Driver is a significant improvement on the previous driver in RoboDK. It has various advantages that will make programming KUKA robots easier than ever.

These benefits make it easier than ever to program KUKA robots with RoboDK. With the new KUKA Bridge Driver, programming is more automated, faster and more reliable.

Here are 9 amazing benefits of the new driver:

1. Faster Response Time

The new driver is faster and more responsive, as it is based on an asynchronous network socket event model.

Practically speaking, this mean that programs execute faster and with fewer errors than with the previous version.

2. Better Error Handling

The new driver also handles erroneous states better than the previous version.

It constantly checks that the controller actually executes the commands it was sent. This way, you can be sure the program runs with no issues on the actual robot.

3. Direct File Exchange

One limitation of the old driver was that it didn’t support direct file exchange with the robot controller. The new driver supports file exchange (both downloading and uploading) between the KUKA robot control system and the RoboDK software.

This will make it easier for you to manage programs and other related data.

4. Automatic Configuration

With the new driver, it is also possible to auto-configure the robot control system for use with RoboDK.

This makes it easier to set up and program KUKA robots with the software, with fewer manual programming steps.

5. High Fault Tolerance

The driver has a high fault tolerance, as confirmed by professionals who have used the C3 Bridge Interface.

One user of the interface told us: “Over the past few months I was introducing C3Bridge to a bunch of people and everyone loves it. And based on my own evaluation, it really is a solid product, very robust and reliable. I have yet to see it crash or fail and I tried so many things (wrong ones too) but it just keeps on running… Impressive.”

6. Easy Installation

To install the new driver, all you need to do is copy one file into the robot control system and run it.

There is also an installer that will automatically install the correct version of the KUKA Bridge Interface depending on your KUKA control system version.

7. High Technology Compatibility

The driver has high compatibility, allowing you to control older systems such as KRC2 running on Windows 95.

8. Even More Flexibility

RoboDK is already a very flexible programming tool. The driver offers even more flexibility in configuration and debugging, thanks to a detailed operation log.

This will allow you to quickly troubleshoot any issues that arise during programming.

9. Automated Robot Search

This option will be added in the near future.

With this update, the setup of KUKA robots is more automated than ever before.

For example, it includes functionality for automatic robot detection, meaning that you no longer need to enter the IP address of the robot manually. Instead, the driver will automatically search for the robot and connect to it. It also introduces other automation steps, like automatically verifying the program content before running.

Will RoboDK Still Support Older KUKA Versions?

Compatibility is extremely important to us here at RoboDK. As such, the software will continue to support the older KUKA drivers in addition to the latest driver, ensuring that our users won’t be left behind by advances in technology.

These previous driver versions were based on KUKAVARPROXY, which was created by Massimiliano Fago and Davide Rosa.

If you have been using KUKA robots with RoboDK for some time, don’t worry. Your programs will continue to work as normal!

The Impact of a More Reliable Connection

In all, we have improved the KUKA driver to provide a more reliable connection between RoboDK and the robot. It removes many of the manual steps that used to be required, providing an automatic process that takes care of the configuration and program transfer.

This automation significantly reduces the time it takes to get your KUKA robot up and running, meaning you can spend less time programming and more time getting results!

How to Use the New KUKA Bridge Driver

The new version of RoboDK already includes the KUKA Bridge Interface and future versions will include it as standard.

This means you just need to download and install the latest version of RoboDK to use the new KUKA bridge driver.

Once you’ve got your KUKA robot connected and online, you can begin programming it with ease from within RoboDK.

Have You Got Ideas for RoboDK Improvements?

As Dmitry has shown, many of the best ideas and improvements to RoboDK come from you, our users. If you have any ideas or suggestions to make RoboDK even better, we’d love to hear them!

Just open a new thread on our forum and let us know how you think we can make programming KUKA robots easier and more intuitive.

Like Dmitry, you might even be inspired to implement some of your ideas yourself – and if you do, we would be more than happy to help.

And, if you’re looking to join a dynamic team of passionate robotics experts, then why not apply to join the RoboDK team? We’re always looking for new members who can help make programming KUKA robots easier and more intuitive.

Which new feature of KUKA Bridge will be most useful to you? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post Easier, Faster KUKA Robot Programming With Our New Driver appeared first on RoboDK blog.

One of the biggest bottlenecks we see with many industrial robots is the need for “online” programming. You need to take the robot out of production to create new programs and update old ones.

This can be time-consuming and expensive — each moment the robot is out of production is potential money lost.

Robotic offline programming is a great solution that enables you to program your robot without it being connected to the computer. This helps reduce downtime. It also improves the flexibility and customization you can access thanks to the extra features of good offline programming software.

What is Offline Programming and How Does It Work?

Robotic offline programming is the process of creating or modifying a robot program without the physical robot being present. This involves using a special software tool that uses a digital mockup or simulation of the robot.

You have 2 basic options when looking for offline programming software:

• You can use the software offered by your robot manufacturer. This increases the likelihood that the software will be compatible with your specific robot. However, this option is quite restrictive, as it doesn’t allow you to shop around for the best software tool for your needs.

• You can find a reliable third-party software tool that supports many different robots. A software like RoboDK can help save a huge amount of time and energy by providing powerful robot programming features in an easy-to-use interface.

5 Powerful Benefits of Robotic Offline Programming

There are various benefits a robot offline programming tool can bring to your process. These can help your business by improving how you create and distribute your products or deliver your services.

5 significant benefits of robotic offline programming are:

1. Improved Efficiency

Robots themselves can help to improve the efficiency of your processes by taking dull and repetitive tasks from the hands of human workers.

Offline programming improves this even further by reducing the time your robots are out of production. By programming your robots while the physical robots are still working, you improve efficiency overall.

2. Save Time

Offline programming can also help you to save time in a variety of ways, including reducing startup times for new setups and shortening changeovers.

Even when such time savings are short, they can contribute to a significant time saving over the course of an entire year.

3. Reduced Costs

Both robots and offline programming can also help to reduce costs in your business.

From the programming perspective, you can more easily reuse programs you have already created. This helps you avoid repeating coding work as you might need to do with conventional online programming methods.

4. Better Quality

In many cases, offline programming can help to improve the accuracy of your robotic applications compared to “jogging” the robot’s position with its teach pendant.

This accuracy helps to improve the overall quality and consistency of the products you create with your robot.

5. Increased Flexibility

Possibly the most impacting benefit of offline programming is the flexibility it provides compared to conventional robot programming.

By programming the robot in a simulator, you can test out a lot more possibilities before putting the robot program into production. This means you can test more experimental and innovative solutions than you might have been able to otherwise.

Why Your Robot Programming Software Is So Important

How can you access these benefits?

With offline programming, choosing the right software is essential. The software you choose will determine how easy or difficult it is to program your robot. Your choice will also affect the quality of the programs you create, which in turn affects whether the robot makes errors.

If you choose a software that is difficult to use, you might waste many fruitless hours trying to figure it out.

Conversely, if you choose a robot that is well-suited for offline programming, your life will be a lot easier.

Your chosen software should enable you to easily create powerful robot programs without extensive robotics expertise.

How to Get Started With Offline Programming

The first step to getting started with offline programming is to pick the right programming tool. Ideally, you want a tool that is compatible with many robot brands and models and offers a range of useful extra features.

When you’ve chosen your tool, familiarize yourself with it. For more complex tools, this might require attending in-person training events. With more intuitive tools, you may be able to make great strides by following the free training (such as in our free RoboDK online training).

Start by programming your robot to complete simple tasks, such as pick and place or palletizing. When you have become familiar with the tool, move on to more complex applications that require a bit more programming skill.

Getting the Most from Your Offline Programming

When you have chosen the right offline programming software, how can you ensure you get the most from it?

A few good tips to get you started on the right track are:

1. Become familiar with the tool first. A little practical experience goes a long way.
2. Define your task clearly. It helps to know exactly what you are trying to achieve with your robot before you start programming.
3. Debug your code before putting it into production. The offline programming environment is where you should remove most of your errors. This helps reduce the possibility of errors in the physical robot.

When you get the right offline programming tool and follow the right process, you can see some significant benefits. Your programming workflow will be smoother and you will find yourself able to achieve much more with your robot.

What could you do with the extra time savings you make through offline programming? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post 5 Ways Robotic Offline Programming Can Benefit Your Business appeared first on RoboDK blog.

How can you find information that isn’t created by robot brands themselves?

Who should you trust in the world of robotics for impartial data?

Why is it so hard to get a clear view of the robotics industry?

There is a lot of information about robots available out there. Finding a good robot-related product can be hard work. Decisions are tough whether you’re looking to purchase a new robot brand, find a good robot simulator, or just learn which robot forums are a good place to find a new community.

You have to do a mountain of research and background reading before you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

It’s not easy to find impartial advice.

Why Getting Impartial Info on Robots and Tools Is Tough

You know that you need to keep up with the developments and changes in the world of robotics.

But, the traditional sources of information about robotics are not always so helpful, for the following reasons:

• News outlets — These help you to keep up with the latest trends and releases in robotics, but they don’t provide an overall view of the industry and are difficult to keep up with.

• Blogs from robot manufacturers — These are good sources of information about a particular brand’s offerings. However, they are biased and incomplete in that they will always present one brand’s robots in a good light and usually completely ignore other robot brands.

• Robot supplier sites — A lot of information you can find about robots comes from robot integrators and suppliers. This is more impartial than manufacturer blogs but it is not completely unbiased as many robot supplier sites are partnered with specific brands.

What If There Was an Unbiased Source of Data About Robot Products?

Wouldn’t it be great if there was an unbiased source of information about any robot-related products?

A directory that was created by someone just like you — an enthusiastic robot user who is just interested in getting the most from robots?

Well, such a directory does exist!

Introducing… the Industrial Robot (simple) Database

The Industrial Robot (simple) Database (aka IRsDB) is not some big, expensive market project.

It is a small, basic information database that has been created by Márcio Massula Jr., an industrial robot programmer from Curitiba, Brasil.

Márcio is quite an active user on our RoboDK Forum. He has worked in robotics for over 20 years, working on a huge range of robotics projects — from small projects of just one robot right up to gigantic projects with more than 200 robots.

Back in 2016, he realized that he needed to start collating a source of information about all of the robots and robot tools that are available on the market.

He created the IRsDB, a simple Google Spreadsheet that contains basic information about robot brands, robot resources, and robot simulators.

A couple of years ago, he released his directory to the wider robotics community so that we can all benefit from his work.

What’s In the IRsDB Directory?

Márcio is constantly updating and refining the IRsDB directory, but at the time of writing he has included the following four categories of information:

1. Robot Brands/Manufacturers

One of the hardest things to find when you’re thinking about purchasing a new robot is a list of all the different manufacturers.

With over 90 robot brands at the time of writing, the IRsDB provides a good overview of the different industrial robot brands that you might encounter. It doesn’t mention all robot brands (yet) and the information is very basic but it’s a lot more comprehensive than other lists you might find.

Information includes:

• A link to each robot manufacturer’s website.
• A few helpful notes about some of the brands.
• The country of origin of each brand.
• Specifics about the type of robot that some brands offer, including if they only offer cobots, if the robots come with a controller, and if they have a teach pendant.

2. Robot Resources

It is often difficult to know where to start looking for sources of information about robots. There are a lot of robot sites out there, but it’s not always obvious which ones are used by robot users.

The database currently includes 12 robot-related resources that Márcio uses. This is a very small list and could certainly be improved, but it does provide a few good starting points if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of robot sites.

3. Programming Tools

Not particularly robotic-related, the Tools section of IRsDB contains some miscellaneous programming tools that Márcio uses in his robot programming. One of the most useful things about this section of the database is the notes that he has added about whether the tool is free or paid and descriptions of some of the tools.

For example, he notes that VSCode is a “Text editor that is trending among robot programmers.” This is exactly why we incorporated the tool into RoboDK!

4. Robot Simulators

Finally, the database has an impressively comprehensive section on robot simulators.

And this is where RoboDK shows up.

What´s more, the data shows that RoboDK currently supports more robot brands than any other simulator — with 50 different robot brands supported (a number that we’ll continue to increase).

The database includes:

• A link to each simulator’s website.
• Whether or not the simulator is brand agnostic.
• Which robot brands do the simulator support and how many — with RoboDK currently out in the lead by a long margin!

Check Out the Industrial Robot (simple) Database Today

If you’re interested in getting a quick view of the robotics industry, Márcio’s IRsDB is a great place to start your search. It will help you to start your research on the right foot and will give you an overview of the available robot brands and a clear perspective on the robot simulators.

You can access the database at this link.

Also, you can read Márcio’s own words about the database (in Portuguese) on his LinkedIn post. You can also find him on his website.

Where do you find impartial information about robotics? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.

The post This Comprehensive Robot Directory Will Help Your Decisions appeared first on RoboDK blog.

But, what is a singularity? How can you stop singularities from spoiling your otherwise perfect robot program?

It can be hard to find a clear, simple definition of robot singularities. A lot of the best information on the topic is hidden deep in the pages of textbooks or academically-written articles. To understand the theory, you have to dig through pages of equations and esoteric words like “Jacobian,” “normal to,” “coincident,” “orthogonal,” “rank,” and various other terms.

Maybe those words are very familiar to you and you’ve got a strong understanding of geometry and algebra. Even so, you’ll likely have to spend a lot of time to fully get your head around what a singularity actually is unless you’re already an expert (and if you are, you probably don’t need this article).

Let’s start with a clear definition…

The Definition of a Robot Singularity

A singularity is a particular point in a robot’s workspace that causes the robot to lose one or more degrees of freedom (DoF). When a robot’s tool center point (TCP) moves into or near a singularity, the robot will stop moving or move in an unexpected manner.

Remember that a robot’s DoF is the number of independently controllable joints it has. So, a 6 DoF robot — as most industrial robots are — has 6 independently movable joints. When a 6 DoF robot enters a singularity, one or more of its joints will effectively become useless, turning it into a 4 or 5 DoF robot.

I’ve just given you a practical definition of a robot singularity…

However, there are various definitions of singularities. How useful each definition is, depends on how deeply you need to go into the topic and how well you understand the kinematic theory.

Some More Technical Definitions

Here are a few more definitions you might encounter (which include some terms I explain later in this article):

• Kinematic singularities of robot manipulators are configurations in which there is a change in the expected or typical number of instantaneous degrees of freedom.

• Singularities occur when the rank of the robot’s Jacobian matrix is less than the maximum rank the Jacobian can reach in some configuration.

• Singularities exist for a particular robot configuration if the determinant of the Jacobian matrix is zero.

All of these definitions say more or less the same thing. But, each requires you to have different levels of background understanding.

How Does a Robot Move and Why Do Singularities Occur?

It’s easy to get confused about singularities when you start reading about the underlying theory.

But, here’s a simple way to think of them…

• Robots are physical devices with physical limitations. For example, each of the robot’s motors has a maximum speed.

• Robot movements are controlled by algorithms and mathematics, which have no physical limitations. For example, mathematically, it’s valid to have a joint speed of “infinity.”

The conflict between these two facts can cause a wealth of problems when you are programming a robot. If you’re not careful, the control algorithm can instruct the robot’s motors to perform a physically impossible motion.

This is essentially what happens when a robot encounters a singularity.

The robot tries to do something impossible, such as move at an infinite speed.

The Simple Way to Spot a Robot Singularity

How can you quickly identify when your robot has entered a singularity?

In general, singularities are easy to spot. Your robot is moving at a constant, smooth speed along a trajectory… and then it does something “weird.” Its movement changes unexpectedly and it’s not clear why.

Here are a few markers that suggest your robot might have entered or passed near a singularity:

• It makes a jerky movement or stops suddenly.

• Its tool center point (TCP) slows down or stops. At the same time, some of its joints simultaneously accelerate to their maximum speed.

• It appears to get stuck when moving through empty space.

If any of these happen, it’s worth investigating if the robot has moved through a singularity.

3 Basic Types of Singularity in Industrial Robotics

You will often see robot singularities categorized into 3 types: wrist, elbow, and shoulder singularities.

This categorization is slightly simplistic. But, it’s helpful because these are the 3 types of singularity that you will most often encounter in industrial robotics when you are using most standard 6 DoF manipulators.

Here is a brief introduction to each of them:

1. Wrist Singularities

A wrist singularity occurs when the axes of the robot’s Joint 4 and Joint 6 become either “coincident” or parallel, depending on the robot. Coincident lines are those that are both parallel with each other and they share a point… which basically means that two separate lines become the same line.

In other words, the axes of two joints line up exactly with each other.

Most industrial 6 DoF robots have 3 joints in their wrist (Joints 4-6). For many robots, the axes of these 3 joints all converge at a common point. In this case, the wrist singularity occurs when Joints 4 and 6 become coincident.

In other robots, such as the one in this animation, the 3 wrist joint axes don’t converge at a single point so they can’t become coincident. Here, the singularity occurs when the axes of Joints 4 and 6 become parallel.

When a robot reaches a wrist singularity, its end effector stays motionless while Joints 4 and 6 rotate at top speed in opposite directions. The robot then continues along its path.

Note that, in this animation, the wrist joints are moving infinitely fast in the middle of the line. If this was a physical robot, this movement would be impossible to achieve while preserving the constant velocity of the end effector.

2. Elbow Singularities

You can usually recognize an elbow singularity because it looks like the robot has “stretched too far.” In many robots, it occurs when the elbow joint (Joint 3) is at 0°, though this depends on how the home position of the robot is defined.

Technically, elbow singularities happen when the center of the robot’s wrist (i.e. the point at which all 3 wrist axes converge) lies on the same plane as Joints 2 and 3. There are theoretically two elbow singularities in a 6 DoF manipulator — one when the arm is fully-stretched and one when it’s folded back on itself — but only the first is physically possible.

You can also think of the elbow singularity as being the transition between the robot’s “elbow up” and “elbow down” configurations. In RoboDK, you can choose which configuration you want your robot to use to reach a particular end effector pose. When the robot has entered an elbow singularity, these two configurations will both look the same.

3. Shoulder Singularities

The third type you might encounter is the shoulder singularity. This occurs when the center of the robot’s wrist aligns with the axis of Joint 1, or when the axis of Joint 6 becomes coincident with the axis of Joint 1.

As the robot approaches a shoulder singularity, the motors in Joints 1 and 4 try to spin 180° at infinite speed.

NOTE: Some of these animations are actually a “lie!” In RoboDK, where these simulations were created, the software won’t let you create a program that passes the robot through a singularity.

This is what would really happen if you tried to program this movement in RoboDK…

Workspace Interior vs Boundary Singularities

Another way to categorize robot singularities is to arrange them into two groups:

Workspace Interior Singularities

This type of singularity occurs when the robot’s tool center point (TCP) falls within the boundary of the robot’s workspace. They are caused when two or more of the robot’s joint axes line up with each other.

Both wrist and shoulder singularities are examples of workspace interior singularities.

Those are often the hardest to avoid because it’s not immediately obvious where they are located within the robot’s workspace.

Workspace Boundary Singularities

The other type of singularity occurs at the boundary of the robot’s workspace. Whenever the robot’s TCP gets close to a boundary, there is a risk it could enter a singularity.

Elbow singularities are an example of a workspace boundary singularity.

It’s relatively easy to avoid workspace boundary singularities. Just activate the workspace visualization for your particular robot (which is easy to do in RoboDK). Then, ensure that your task falls well within the robot’s workspace and away from any boundaries.

What’s Basically Happening at a Robot Singularity? The Singularity of a Function

Now that you understand what a singularity looks like, let’s take a step back and look at what’s going on when a robot enters a singularity…

It all starts with a particular matrix that is fundamental to robot control… the Jacobian.

We say that “when the determinant of the Jacobian is zero, the robot has a singularity.”

So, what does this actually mean?

What is the Jacobian?

Let’s say that you open up RoboDK and load a robot model.

In the software, you can enter the coordinates for a point and the robot will move there at a defined speed. In this situation, you are controlling the robot in “Cartesian space” (i.e. you can enter the end effector’s X, Y, and Z coordinates and an orientation).

The problem is that robots need to be controlled in “joint space.” The robot needs to know the desired angles of all its joints and at what speed the joints should move.

The robot’s control algorithms have to turn your Cartesian instructions into joint instructions. There’s a lot of math going on under the surface to let you move the robot in Cartesian space!

The Jacobian matrix can be used in a few different calculations:

• It can be used to convert between the angular velocities of the robot’s joints and the velocity of the robot’s end effector.

• It can be used to convert polar or spherical coordinates into Cartesian coordinates.

• It can be used to determine if the robot has singularities and where those singularities are in the robot’s workspace.

I’m not going to go into all the details of how to calculate the Jacobian because this is just an introductory article. However, if you want to learn more about how to calculate the Jacobian for a particular robot, look at the tutorial resources listed in the Advanced section below.

What Happens to the Jacobian at a Singularity

One important thing to know about the Jacobian is that it changes depending on the configuration of the robot. Every movement that the robot makes will affect its Jacobian. When the robot enters a singularity, the Jacobian at its current configuration has a particular property — its determinant becomes zero.

What is the determinant of a matrix? It is a single value that is calculated by summing all the elements of the matrix in a particular way.

What does the determinant of a matrix show us? For one thing, it helps to calculate the inverse of the matrix. This is important because we need the “inverse Jacobian” to convert a desired end effector velocity into a set of joint velocities.

What does it mean when the determinant is zero? It shows us that there is no solution to the linear equations that are represented by the matrix. This means that a Jacobian with a determinant of zero has no solutions.

In other words, the robot gets stuck because the math “breaks” at the singularity.

The Easy Solution to Robot Singularity Avoidance

There are many research papers and academic textbooks available that offer solutions to avoiding robot singularities. But, you probably don’t need to read them unless you are a robotics researcher or you need to learn singularity theory for another reason.

There is a much easier solution to avoiding singularities in your robot programming…

With RoboDK, you can easily avoid singularities with no extra knowledge of the underlying theory. The software automatically detects when your particular robot would enter a singularity and notifies you of this problem.

What should you do if RoboDK tells you that your robot would cross a singularity?

There are a few solutions, including:

• Move the task to another area of the robot’s workspace. Singularities fall in very specific areas of the workspace so often this can help.

• Visualize the robot’s workspace. This can show you which areas of the workspace are unreachable.

• Try a Joint Move instead of a Linear Move. If the robot will move through free space, you might be able to use a Joint Move. This is less controlled than a Linear Move but it gives the robot more options on how to reach the target point.

Advanced: Some Useful Resources to Go Deeper with Robot Singularities

The 3 types of robot singularity listed above are all you usually need to know to work with an industrial manipulator. You don’t need to “go deep” to understand all the underlying theories of singularities, just as you don’t need a PhD in automotive engineering to drive a car.

However, if you are a robotics researcher or you are working with robots at a more complex level, you will likely need to get stuck in the underlying mathematics.

This is not easy. But, there are some good resources to get you started.

Going Deeper With Serial Robot Singularities

If you are building your own robot or you are a researcher, you may need to get a better grasp of the Jacobian and related theories.

Here are some good resources for robot singularity theory:

• For a simple, easy-to-understand introduction this tutorial is a great place to start.

• Here’s another tutorial that goes slightly deeper into the math but also has some handy visualizations of a robot entering singular configurations.

• This tutorial from Northwestern University is a good one to go a bit deeper. If you like the teaching style, there is also an associated online course on Coursera, which you can audit for free.

• Here’s a guide to robot Jacobian matrices with examples and equations.

How Parallel Robot Singularities are Categorized

Are you working with parallel robots? This is where robotic singularities get really complex!

So far, we have only been talking about serial robots — i.e. those where each of the robot’s joints is positioned on the end of the previous link. Parallel robots are a whole different ballgame as singularities can make them collapse completely.

Kinematics researchers sometimes group parallel singularities into the following 4 categories:

• Type 1 — Serial Singularities — As explained above, these occur when the Jacobian matrix that includes the joint speeds has a determinant of zero. Practically, this means that the robot loses its ability to move in one particular direction.

• Type 2 — Parallel Singularities — These occur when the Jacobian that includes the end effector speeds has a determinant of zero. Practically, this means that one or more of the robot’s degrees of freedom become uncontrollable.

• Type 3 — Serial + Parallel Singularities — These are a combination of the above two singularities. The robot loses the ability to move in a particular direction and one or more DoF become uncontrollable.

• Type 4 — Constraint Singularities — These special case singularities occur when a robot has fewer than 6 DoF and uses a parallel mechanism.

If you want to get started understanding parallel robotic singularities, I’d recommend starting with this research paper that explains the 3 main types clearly, then going to this seminal paper that first introduced them.

The Quickest Way to Avoid Singularities in Your Application

Do you just need to avoid singularities in your application?

Do you want to avoid all the complex math?

The quickest, easiest way to do this is to use RoboDK. You can download a free trial copy on our download page. It includes automatic singularity detection, which you can also adjust based on your needs.

What questions do you have about robot singularities? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK Youtube Channel.

The post Robot Singularities: What Are They and How to Beat Them appeared first on RoboDK blog.

In this case study, we look at how one long-time RoboDK user has created an ingenious, commercial pipe milling solution. It’s completely self-contained and all fit inside a shipping container!

Like many manufacturing sectors, pipe milling is a growing market. But with increasing demand for pipe milling comes a problem…

How can you perform more milling operations when your production processes are already maxed out?

When Your Pipe Milling Operations Are Too Slow

The problem many manufacturers face is that their pipe milling processes are too slow. Conventional CNC machines require a lot of time to cut and mill large tubes and pipes.

This slow speed becomes even more problematic when you need to mill large pipes (an operation that is set to increase in demand by 140% by 2026). Often it involves doing several smaller milling operations and resetting the machines between each one, which is very time-consuming.

Robots are an excellent solution for milling large pipes and tubes. They have a huge workspace and you can apply them to a wider range of milling processes. This makes robot milling a good solution over conventional CNC processes.

Robot milling solutions work fine for all sizes of soft metal pipes (copper, aluminum, etc), small wall-thickness steel pipes, and all-size plastic pipes. Steel pipes of 0.08in or bigger wall thickness are still mostly cut using plasma, waterjet or laser connected to a robot arm. Robots can easily mill and cut pipes up to diam 40in and with a rotation table positioner easily 80in pipes.

Space and Complexity: The Challenges of Using Robots

What stops some manufacturers from using robots is the perceived complexity of deploying them and the extra space the robots require.

As well as purchasing the robot itself, you also need to source all the extra components needed to perform the milling task. Then, you need to find enough space in your facility to house the robot and these components, along with all the safety fencing and sensors.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could just buy a self-contained robot cell that includes everything you need for pipe milling?

(Re)introducing Sunrob Robotics…

Sunrob Robotics is a provider of advanced robotic applications. Based in Finland, they specialize in robotic pipe milling solutions. They also offer a range of other robotic solutions including packaging and 3D printing.

We previously reported on the team’s use of RoboDK for an agile tube-cutting solution for their clients, and their milling solution for custom ice hockey sticks.

With their latest project, Sunrob Robotics seeks to meet the rising need for more self-contained robotic cells. Using RoboDK, they have created a pipe milling solution… that fits in a shipping container!

Sunrob’s Pipe Milling Solution in a Container

The concept behind Sunrob’s pipe milling solution is that you can deploy it to your facility as a single, self-contained unit. It comes as a ready-to-use application for a completely customized pipe manufacturing process.

The robot and all the required components come pre-installed in a standard shipping container.

You don’t need to worry about how much space the robot and its associated components will take up in your facility — you just save enough space for one container and you know that will be enough.

Using a shipping container also removes the need to purchase and install safety fencing around the robot — you simply close the side of the container (which Sunrob has replaced with a roll door) and the robot can operate safely. And it means that the robot cell can be used outdoors or indoors, to suit your needs.

The Hardware Setup

The robot cell is based around the following hardware components:

• A standard-sized 20 or 40-foot shipping container.
• A KUKA 6 DoF industrial robot manipulator.
• KUKA positioners to rotate the pipe and move the robot.
• An HSD milling spindle with an automatic tool change feature or laser cutting or plasma cutting equipment.

The Software Setup

The core software components of the pipe milling cell are:

• RoboDK for robot programming.
• A CAD/CAM program to generate the machining paths.
• The RoboDK plugin to link the CAM program to the robot.

For example, some of Sunrob’s clients use Fusion 360 to create their machining paths. They then use the RoboDK Fusion 360 plugin to send these machining paths to the robot via RoboDK.

Speed Up Your Pipe Milling by 20%

What are the benefits of using a pipe milling solution like Sunrob’s?

One huge benefit is that improves the speed of your pipe milling operation. This allows you to mill more pipes faster, helping you to keep up with rising demand and make better use of your other machining processes.

One of Sunrob’s clients, RoadPipe Inc in Finland, used an earlier version of this pipe milling solution and found it to be extremely effective.

Rainer Jurvanen, CEO of RoadPipe, said:

“We should have bought our first robot 10 years ago! This robotic milling system is approximately 20 times faster than conventional manual manufacturing.”

This is a very common sentiment from new robot users. They realize how much time, effort, and resources they could have saved by simply choosing to use robots sooner.

If you haven’t started pipe milling yet, now is a good time to seriously consider it. There’s little benefit to be found from waiting to add robots to your production.

How to Improve Your Pipe Milling Tasks

If you are looking to improve your pipe milling tasks, a solution like this one from Sunrob Robotics can be a great option. You can find out more about this specific solution on their website.

And if you would like to improve your own robot milling process, a good place to start is to get familiar with RoboDK. With our highly popular robot programming software, you can easily program a huge range of manufacturing processes, including milling and other robot machining tasks.

What could you achieve with a robot pipe milling solution? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum. Also, check out our extensive video collection and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel

The post How Sunrob Uses a Shipping Container for Robot Pipe Milling appeared first on RoboDK blog.