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

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Robot Grippers Advancements

Convergence of Cutting-Edge Technologies

At the core of this innovation lies the convergence of cutting-edge technologies. For instance, the integration of computer vision has amplified the capabilities of robotic grippers, enabling them to detect translucent and reflective items, overcoming previous visual limitations in robotic handling. The ultimate goal is to achieve ‘robot eyes,’ granting robots the ability to perceive objects akin to humans.

Neural Networks

Moreover, the fusion of neural networks with computer vision results in systems capable of segmentation, classification, and pinpointing optimal grasp points on objects. This is particularly advantageous for operations such as item picking and pallet depalletizing. As industries relentlessly pursue efficiency, the speed of operations emerges as a key factor.

Hybrid Grippers: The Best of Both Worlds

New-age hybrid grippers ingeniously merge the benefits of suction cups with clamping technology. While suction cups excel at item separation, clamping guarantees stable movement. This hybrid methodology facilitates swifter robotic motions, in some instances enhancing throughput from a previous 300-400 items per hour to an impressive 1200, handling a diverse assortment of items in terms of weight, shape, and texture.

Material handling

Traditionally, manual labor dominated material handling. But with innovative robots, material processing can occur at quadruple the speed of human operations. In a continuous three-shift cycle, the productivity of a single robot matches that of 10 to 12 individuals, heralding a promising return on investment.

Safety, naturally, remains paramount. Modern robotic grippers are fortified with an array of safety features. Their adeptness in obstacle detection and rapid reaction diminishes accident risks. Moreover, these grippers come with built-in fail-safe mechanisms. Should any irregularities arise, they either halt operations or switch to a safe mode, minimizing potential threats.

Innovations Shaping the Future

The world of robot grippers is witnessing some fascinating innovations. For example, in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, three-dimensional objects are created from a digital file by building them layer by layer. Canadian manufacturer Anubis 3D[SC1]  utilizes this technique with a range of End of Arm Tooling (EOAT), including grippers. Additive manufacturing enables the creation of light, complex, and customized shapes with minimal waste, reduced tooling costs, and the ability to iterate designs quickly.

Another significant innovation in robot grippers is tactile feedback, which markedly enhances robotic handling and manipulation capabilities, bringing them closer to the sensitivity and adaptability of the human hand. Tactile sensors can detect subtle variations in pressure and texture, allowing robots to adjust their grip strength precisely. This precision is crucial when handling delicate or oddly shaped objects, as it reduces the risk of damage.

Robots equipped with tactile feedback can handle a variety of materials and shapes without pre-programming. Moreover, by optimizing grip force, robots can use less energy to hold objects securely, leading to more efficient operations. Lastly, tactile data can be utilized for machine learning, allowing robots to improve their performance over time based on previous experiences and interactions.

Harnessing the Robot Grippers Potential with RoboDK

A simulator can help engineers explore the different benefits of new gripper technologies and the effects on the robotic automation process. RoboDK has different tools to model grippers, get a cycle time estimation or even test vision algorithms through RoboDK’s API. Visualization of these innovations can help the stakeholders better understand the effects and improvements of working with these new technologies before investing on physical hardware.

Ready to harness the power of robot grippers with RoboDK? Take the first step towards revolutionizing your robotic programming and visualization processes today. Download RoboDK’s Trial License to learn more and start your journey towards enhanced robotic programming.

What questions do you have about robot grippers? 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

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A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical system. It allows you to make better informed strategic decisions about your automation system, helping you to detect and iron out problems long before they become a major problem.

By combining state-of-the-art robotic technology and neural reconstruction, the researchers brought more precision and efficiency to the 3D modeling.

Let’s look at how the team at Dubai’s Robotics Lab used RoboDK to create their innovative system.

Digital Twins: The Future of Robotics

What is a digital twin?

In robotics, a digital twin is essentially a virtual model that closely replicates a physical robotic system.

This model is as detailed as it needs to be for the task at hand — it need not be a hyperrealistic simulation. For example, it will certainly include the kinematic and physical properties of the robot itself. It will also include other components that are important for the robotic task, such as sensors, end effectors, and task objects.

The use of digital twin technology holds tremendous potential. In manufacturing, a digital twin of a robotic arm, for instance, can help you optimize your production processes, identify bottlenecks, and predict maintenance needs without disrupting the robot’s productivity.

RoboDK is a popular platform for digital twin creation. For example, previous research from Western Washington University involved creating a simulated changeable learning factory and connecting it to the physical system to create a digital twin.

Introducing… Dubai’s Robotics Research Lab

The Robotics Research Lab is situated within the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation. Led by researcher Raffi Tchakerian, this cutting edge facility is committed to pushing the boundaries of robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Tools like RoboDK have been instrumental in advancing research and student projects at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation into realms traditionally dominated by seasoned engineers. From 3D printing with sand to bio-printing garments on pre-existing 3D objects, RoboDK stands out as a pivotal enabler in our journey, explains Raffi Tchakerian

As part of the lab’s FabLab setup, Tchakerian’s research team uses a KUKA robotic arm to develop solutions and ideas for advanced manufacturing automation.

In this latest project, the researchers aimed to improve digital twin technology by combining their industrial robot with the latest in neural reconstruction technology.

The Setup: KUKA KR 150 Robotic Arm, Jetson and RoboDK

The aim of this research project was to see how neural reconstruction technology can improve digital twin creation.

To achieve this, the research team used the following hardware and software components:

• KUKA KR 150 Robotic Arm — At the core of the project is the lab’s KR 150 industrial robot. In a variety of manufacturing and other industrial settings, manufacturers and other industries use this 6-axis robotic arm.
• Intel RealSense D435i camera — An off-the-shelf depth camera that combines robust depth sensing with inertial measurements to create point cloud data.
• NVIDIA Jetson Nano — The Jetson is a single-board, AI-powered computer system targeted at embedded applications. We have a version of RoboDK specially designed to run on Jetson boards, opening up a world of new possibilities for AI-powered robotic solutions.
• RoboDK — Finally, the software for the team’s project was based on RoboDK. This widely used robotic offline programming and simulation software is ideal for digital twin creation and already includes the KR 150 in our extensive Robot Library.

The Role of NVIDIA’s Neural Kernel Surface Reconstruction (NKSR)

An important part of the project was NVIDIA’s Neural Kernel Surface Reconstruction (NKSR) technology.

This cutting edge set of algorithms helps to generate highly detailed and accurate 3D meshes from large-scale point clouds of noisy location data.

NKSR technology can scale to large scenes, handle noise, and minimize training requirements. It can reconstruct millions of points in seconds, even when the scan data is messy.

The team used this technology to clean up the point cloud data captured from the RealSense depth camera. These data points were then fed through the NKSR algorithm to create clean models for use with the robotic digital twin.

How the Setup Works

The researchers’ system operates with the following process:

1. The Intel RealSense camera captures a rough 3D model of the scene, creating a point cloud of data.
2. This point cloud is captured by the Jetson Nano board.
3. Each frame of 3D data is synchronized and transformed into a refined point cloud using the Open3D library.
4. An initial mesh representing the scanned object is generated and sent to RoboDK.
5. RoboDK then accurately positions this mesh within the simulated robot scene.
6. The mesh is then further refined using the NKSR algorithm.

This process shows the immense potential for integrating off-the-shelf imaging technology with advanced neural reconstruction for digital twins.

Advancing 3D Modeling with Robotics and Neural Reconstruction

What is next for this type of neural digital twin technology?

The researchers from the Robotics Research Lab showed how you can create powerful simulated digital twins using simple components. Many industries could use this type of setup, from aerospace to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This project also shows how accessible advanced neural processing algorithms are becoming. With technologies like the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and NKSR algorithms, you can now access powerful functionality in an easy-to-use setup. And with RoboDK, you can seamlessly integrate this functionality with your industrial robot.

If you are looking for a way to integrate your robot with advanced algorithms, this case study is a powerful example of what is possible.

What questions do you have about RoboDK? 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 Robotic Digital Twin and Advanced Neural Construction: A Perfect Blend with RoboDK 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.

In this article, let’s delve into the world of Digital Twins and explore how they are reshaping offline programming, ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency in robotic applications.

Defining Digital Twins

Before we dive into the advantages, let’s demystify Digital Twins. They are sophisticated virtual models that simulate the behavior and characteristics of physical entities, be it a robot or an entire production line. These twins are not mere static replicas but dynamic simulations capable of mimicking real-world scenarios with remarkable accuracy.

One of the significant advantages of Digital Twins in robotic programming is the ability to safely visualize and test various scenarios in a controlled and accurate virtual environment before implementing them in the real world.

Digital Twins in robotic programming can be understood through two primary lenses:

1. Modelling and Simulation: A Secure Rehearsal Space

Modelling and Simulation represent offline programming where code is generated from a virtual model without real-time interactions. It acts as a secure rehearsal space for robots.

2. Real-time Monitoring: Bridging the Virtual-Real Divide

Real-time Monitoring, with tools like TwinBox, enables online communication, allowing immediate feedback between the real and virtual robots.

Benefits of Digital Twins

Digital Twins are pivotal in optimizing offline robotic programming, offering opportunities for innovations, safety, and accuracy in visualizations and applications. By leveraging the potential of Digital Twins, industries can stay ahead in the competitive landscape. They can navigate complex systems with enhanced insights and reliability. The future promises substantial opportunities for advancements and applications of Digital Twin technology in robotic programming. Driving industries towards unprecedented levels of operational efficiency and excellence, Digital Twins also allow programmers and operators to identify potential issues, optimize robot performance, and safeguard both the robot and its environment. Such foresight is vital to prevent expensive errors and system downtime, enhancing the reliability of robotic systems. Furthermore, the improved accuracy of these simulations minimizes the need for fine-tuning paths.

The amalgamation of rich data and detailed simulations empowers engineers and programmers to innovate and enhance robotic applications. The interaction between virtual and real-world data provides profound insights. Improving operational efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering the development of innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction.

Transition to the Real World

Builders can create precise virtual models of real robotic cells, enabling them to make necessary adjustments directly in this environment before implementing them on the robot. This ensures synchronization and a seamless transition between the simulated and real worlds. The precision in adjustment and direct communication between the digital twin and the actual robot ensures that every concept developed within the simulation can be accurately translated into the real world, allowing for real-time interaction and consistency.

RoboDK software is at the forefront of exploiting Digital Twins for detailed simulation and offline programming of robots. Facilitating the simulation of complex structures, from entire factory layouts to individual cells, right from a computer. The software also allows for the seamless creation of comprehensible instructions. Ensuring accurate replication of simulations on robots, thus mitigating risks, and promoting safety by providing a platform for testing and visualizing different situations.

Conclusion: the Future of Robotic Programming

In conclusion, Digital Twins are pivotal in optimizing offline robotic programming. Industries that leverage this technology gain a competitive edge by navigating complex systems with enhanced insights and reliability. As we look ahead, the future promises even greater opportunities for advancements and applications of Digital Twin technology. Driving industries toward unprecedented levels of operational efficiency and excellence.

Ready to harness the power of Digital Twins with RoboDK? Take the first step towards revolutionizing your robotic programming and visualization processes today. Download RoboDK’s Trial License to learn more and start your journey towards enhanced robotic programming.

What questions do you have about Digital Twins? 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 The Digital Twins Advantage: Offline Robot Programming and Visualization appeared first on RoboDK blog.

The most modern AI-powered virtual assistants leverage deep learning techniques and extremely large data sets in an algorithm known as a Large Language Model (LLM). Despite some current limitations, LLMs are revolutionizing the way that we all interact with computers, with the most prominent recent examples being OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s Llama 2.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the world of Large Language Models and explore how they function, the challenges they currently face, and the future possibilities they present. As a bonus, we’ll discuss how we created the RoboDK Virtual Assistant and what we envision on the horizon.

Challenges and Future Possibilities of Large Language Models (LLMs)

Large Language Models are cutting-edge AI models that possess the remarkable ability to understand and generate human-like text. At their core, large language models function as finely tuned mathematical functions, trained to predict the next word or piece of text given the preceding context. Each word or token in the input text is converted into a numerical representation, and these representations are assigned weights and biases. Through techniques like backpropagation, neural networks adjust these parameters based on the discrepancies between their predictions and the actual next words in the training data. The process of training involves iteratively fine-tuning these weights and biases to minimize the overall prediction error, resulting in an unimaginably complex function that can generate coherent and contextually accurate responses. Advances in computing technology have enabled us to increase the size of these models. In the case of GPT-4, the function consists of approximately 1.76 trillion parameters.

Sebastien Bubeck, Sr. Principal Research Manager at Microsoft Research, says:

Beware of the trillion-dimensional space, it’s something which is very very hard for us as human beings to grasp, there is a lot that you can do with a trillion parameters.

LLMs have revolutionized various sectors such as natural language processing, content generation, and even virtual assistants. In the case of RoboDK’s Virtual Assistants, LLMs play a vital role in enabling advanced conversational abilities, allowing them to understand more complex queries and respond with coherent and contextually relevant information. This breakthrough technology has unleashed the potential of large language models in the robotics industry, paving the way for more efficient and natural human-robot interactions.

Despite their advancements, large language models (LLMs) face certain limitations and challenges. Biases in training data can propagate into the models, leading to biased and unfair responses. LLMs may also struggle with detecting and understanding contextual cues, resulting in responses that lack nuance or rely on spurious patterns in the data. Moreover, there is a growing concern regarding false responses and misinformation generated by AI models, which can have significant implications for users who rely on AI-generated content. It is crucial to exercise caution and implement measures that ensure proper fact-checking and human review of the outputs from LLMs. Understanding and addressing these challenges is essential to harnessing the capabilities of large language models while mitigating potential risks.

RoboDK’s Virtual Assistant

Now that we have explored the world of Large Language Models (LLMs), let’s shift our focus to the RoboDK Virtual Assistant. This Virtual Assistant is the first step towards a comprehensive generalized assistant for RoboDK. At its core is OpenAI’s GPT3.5-turbo-0613 model. The model is provided with additional context about RoboDK in the form of an indexed database containing the RoboDK website, documentation, forum threads, blog posts, and more. The indexing process is done with LlamaIndex, a specialized data framework designed for this purpose. Thanks to this integration, the Virtual Assistant can swiftly provide valuable technical support to over 75% of user queries on the RoboDK forum, reducing the time spent searching through the website and documentation via manual methods. Users can expect to have an answer to their question in 5 seconds or less.

As remarkable as the RoboDK Virtual Assistant is, it still has limitations when compared to a human assistant. Despite its usefulness, there is no variation in how the model will respond to the same question (the so-called model temperature is 0, this means we don’t allow randomness to the answers). Its performance in math-related queries is subpar, and it lacks conversational memory or web-search capabilities. Additionally, in some cases, users may need to rephrase their queries to receive an adequate response. Understandably, these limitations can lead to frustration in certain situations. To overcome this, RoboDK is already exploring alternatives like langchain.

Langchain aims to overcome many of the challenges faced by LLM-powered applications. By leveraging agentic and data-aware models, langchain breaks free from most of the previously mentioned limitations. Imagine an AI assistant that not only understands your questions but can also break them down into tasks, utilize tools like calculators, scour the web for relevant information, and engage in troubleshooting conversations with you.

Moving forward, the integration of this virtual assistant directly into RoboDK holds great promise. By providing context awareness and a deep understanding of the software, settings, and current station in use, the assistant can become an even more invaluable asset. Moreover, there has been a rise in models specifically fine-tuned to facilitate code writing. Consequently, the assistant can employ these models, enabling users to automate programming tasks by simply describing desired behaviors in natural language. This level of accessibility to robotics and automation is set to make a significant impact.

As we wrap up our exploration of large language models and the RoboDK Virtual Assistant, there is no doubt that the potential of AI in robotics is expanding at a remarkable pace. The RoboDK Virtual Assistant provides users with a valuable tool to save time and assist with complex tasks, showcasing the power of AI-driven technology. However, it is important to remain mindful of the ethical implications and limitations of large language models. Let’s continue to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI, robotics, and RoboDK, and engage in open conversations to ensure a responsible and beneficial integration of these technologies into the manufacturing industry.

What questions do you have about RoboDK’s Virtual Assistant? 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 Unleashing the Potential of Large Language Models in Robotics: RoboDK’s Virtual Assistant appeared first on RoboDK blog.

The software landscape for manufacturing is ever-changing. New tools arrive all the time, either to fill gaps in the market or to make better use of the new technology.

Onshape is one such tool. Unlike traditional computer-aided design (CAD) packages, it is entirely browser-based. By using a cloud solution it brings another level of flexibility to manufacturing design.

RoboDK’s team also realized the need for reliable browser-based software. That’s why they released RoboDK for Web back in 2022.

With this new plug-in for Onshape, you can now create product designs and robot programming simulations entirely within your computer’s web browser!

What Is Onshape?

Founded in 2012, Onshape offers cloud-native CAD software. This provides its users with a centralized repository of all design data, making it easy to access, manage, and share design projects from anywhere.

With over two million users, Onshape is very popular. It recently claimed the top spot as the world’s fastest-growing CAD system. It is growing around seven times faster than the average in the market.

Onshape aims to cater to both the specific needs of core engineering teams and non-CAD users. With its wealth of collaboration and agile manufacturing features, it helps foster teamwork from the conception of new products to production.

If you hadn’t heard of Onshape before reading this article, you will almost certainly start hearing about it more. With the growing popularity of collaborative document writing systems, it seems likely that real-time collaborative CAD design will soon become commonplace.

Why Choose Onshape?

As a cloud-based CAD system, Onshape offers a variety of benefits for engineers and designers.

Here are some benefits using Onshape:

Cloud-based Solution

One major benefit of the system is that it eliminates the need for expensive hardware.

As the software is not installed locally, you only need a computer with the capability to run a compatible web browser. You don’t need extensive storage space to hold large project files because everything is stored in the cloud.

Collaboration and Sharing

Onshape is sometimes referred to informally as the “Google Docs of CAD” due to its powerful collaboration features.

You can easily share your CAD designs with both licensed and non-licensed users of Onshape. Non-licensed users can simply view the designs. Licensed users with shared file permissions can simultaneously edit designs in real-time.

Stability and Software Updates

Onshape also stands out thanks to its stability, regular updates, and free learning resources.

Regular updates are released every few weeks and the company provides a live link to check the application’s status and diagnose network issues.

If you do have any issues with the software, Onshape provides extensive training resources and it is supported by an active user community.

Introducing… the New RoboDK Onshape Plugin

What if you could combine the power of cloud-based CAD with a similarly powerful browser-based robot programming?

This is where the RoboDK plug-in for Onshape comes in!

In the plugin, you simply export your CAD file from Onshape and it will show up in the RoboDK window.

Unlike some of RoboDK’s other plug-ins, which are designed for the desktop version, this one works with RoboDK’s online tool: RoboDK for Web.

RoboDK’s CEO Albert explains:

“As with all our plugins, the Onshape plugin is free. We have integrated it with the free-to-use RoboDK for Web. Once you install the App, a window in RoboDK for Web will show that it has been embedded. We are also adding project templates to our library to make it very easy to get started with robot simulation and programming directly from Onshape.”

RoboDK for Web is designed for creating quick proofs of concept and sharing robot simulations. If you want access to more features, you can then download your project directly to RoboDK for Desktop to keep working on it further.

Is This Plugin Right for You?

If you are already using Onshape and you’re looking to get into robot programming, this new plug-in is a must-have!

If you are new to RoboDK, now is a brilliant opportunity to explore it. With RoboDK’s extensive training library and supportive user community, it’s easy to get started with robot programming even if you have never done it before.

If you haven’t tried Onshape yet – maybe you’re a RoboDK user looking for a new CAD software – you can test it to see if it is the right solution for you.

One factor to consider is how important it is that your CAD software is collaborative. Onshape’s real-time collaboration features can certainly be helpful if you are working with remote teams.

How to Get Started Using the New Onshape Plugin

Wondering how you can try out the new Onshape plug-in for yourself?

The best way to assess if it meets your needs is just to try it for yourself! Make a robotic simulation with your Onshape CAD design and see how easy it is to transfer your design into the software for robotic simulation.

You can install the RoboDK plugin from Onshape’s App Store. You may need to create an account with Onshape first. Then, you can try Onshape and RoboDK for free. You can find more information in the RoboDK documentation.

What questions do you have about the new Onshape plugin? 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 Moving Robot CAD to the Cloud: The New Onshape Plugin for RoboDK for Web appeared first on RoboDK blog.

As the robotics market continues to evolve and more businesses are turning to robotic automation, there is a move away from traditional programming methods. Users don’t want to have to manually move (or “jog”) a robot into position to laboriously program every point, or even model parts in CAD software. They want to record robot trajectories quickly and easily to put the robots into production faster.

With the new TwinTrack Probe, it’s now possible to do just that. Users can program their robot simply by moving the probe by hand and recording their complex paths with ease. This allows the robot to mimic the operator skills.

The design and assembly instructions of the probe are made publicly available so it can be customized to better mimic human skills. The device includes 2 buttons to have better control over the teaching process.

The combination of an off-the-shelf tracker and a 3D printed, open-source tool makes the solution incredibly accessible for any business that wants to increase their automation efficiency.

Accuracy vs. Price

The main challenge with industrial-grade accurate measurement systems is their restrictive price tag. While accuracy can be up to 0.1 mm, using such systems requires extensive knowledge and experience, only available from specific vendors.

Olivier Allard, Software Developer at RoboDK, explains:

“Traditional methods to teach robots by demonstration require very expensive metrology systems, dedicated support, and training. The price tag of this hardware can be over one hundred thousand dollars, which is far more expensive than a robot itself. We wanted to find a cost-effective solution for applications not requiring accuracy to make it more accessible for everyone.”

The new TwinTrack probe can be built with less than 2000 EUR, including the measurement hardware required from HTC and Valve. With the new probe, RoboDK aims to bring the benefits of off-the-shelf and affordable measurement technology to its customers, without the restrictive price tag and allowing to customize the hardware for each manufacturing application.

The benefits of a public design and off-the-shelf tracker

RoboDK specializes in creating solutions that remove the need for costly, vendor-restrictive hardware. The RoboDK programming software already supports over 900 robot models from over 70 brands, and this continues to grow.

The TwinTrack Probe takes advantage of new technology created for Virtual Reality systems, including HTC Vive Trackers and base stations created by Valve such as the Index Base station. The probe itself can be created with any 3D printer, and the company has released the design for all to use.

RoboDK’s CEO Albert says:

“We are making the design of our TwinTrack Probe public. This probe is suitable for applications that don’t require accuracy. The assembly instructions and 3D models are available on GrabCAD and Thingiverse, and the probe relies on the same measurement technology used by VR commercial systems, such as one HTC Vive Tracker and two or more base stations by Valve.”

The solution integrates perfectly with RoboDK software, meaning that recorded paths are immediately available for robot simulation and programming. Once the setup is complete, users can see the simulated probe moving in real time in their RoboDK station.

A few examples of the many possible applications

The TwinTrack Probe can achieve an accuracy of 5mm, which is suitable for many robotic tasks.

Examples of excellent applications for the tool include painting, dispensing, and pick and place. By programming the trajectories in the real environment, the tool helps users compensate for any accuracy error between their simulation and the real objects.

Allard says:

“The system allows you to create a complex path on a custom handmade piece without the need of CAD software. This is useful for applications like painting or dispensing. You can also quickly make pick and place application or create a part reference frame that fits the real part position.”

Easy curve generation for a more streamlined programming workflow

Robots have long been a solution to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes and eliminate production bottlenecks. However, as robots are more widely available and affordable, the programming step itself has become a bottleneck.

RoboDK’s programming software already helps its many users to program their robots quickly and easily. TwinTrack takes this efficiency one step further by allowing users to program their robot by simply moving the probe through the workspace.

Users can now accurately capture any point or curve in the robot’s workspace simply by touching it with the new probe. Probing a point will create a target within the RoboDK software that can be used for the user’s programming project.

Complex curves and trajectories are also now easier to program than ever. The user can set a custom target density, then move the probe through the air or on the surface of their object. This enables teaching robots remotely, even without the need of a robot or a computer.

Future plans

Now they have released their probe design, the team at RoboDK hopes to see a variety of innovative use cases and success stories from their highly active and engaged user base.

The team is also working to make the system even easier to adopt by creating comprehensive step-by-step setup guides for users looking to construct their own probes.

These initiatives reflect RoboDK’s commitment to empowering users with valuable resources and fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange.

Will you be creating your own probe? 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 New TwinTrack Probe from RoboDK Simplifies Robot Programming by Demonstration appeared first on RoboDK blog.

In this blog post, we will explore the transformative power of industrial robot arms within the context of Industry 4.0, and how they are propelling the manufacturing industry forward.

Enabling Connectivity and Collaboration in Smart Factories

As Industry 4.0 emphasizes the integration of cyber-physical systems, industrial robot arms serve as the backbone connecting the physical and digital realms. These intelligent machines have advanced sensors and software, enabling them to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate seamlessly with other devices, systems, and human workers.

By enabling connectivity and collaboration, industrial robot arms facilitate the realization of intelligent factories where automation systems work harmoniously, sharing real-time data and optimizing production processes.

Robot Arms: Enhancing Productivity, Flexibility, and Quality

Industrial robot arms bring a multitude of benefits to the manufacturing landscape. With their remarkable precision, speed, and repeatability, these machines can perform various complex tasks with unmatched efficiency.

Their ability to quickly adapt to changing production needs makes them highly flexible and versatile. Moreover, industrial robot arms improve product quality by eliminating human error and ensuring consistent and precise operations. By leveraging these capabilities, businesses can achieve enhanced productivity, greater agility, and high product quality.

Leveraging Real-time Data for Predictive Maintenance and Optimization

In the era of Industry 4.0, data is king. Industrial robot arms play a crucial role in collecting and analysing real-time data from their sensors, allowing for predictive maintenance and optimization of production processes. Moreover, it enables proactive maintenance by continuously monitoring their performance and detecting signs of potential issues, reducing downtime, and minimizing costly breakdowns.

Remote Monitoring and Control for Efficient Operations

Industrial robots can be remotely monitored and controlled, offering businesses a new level of operational efficiency. With centralized management and remote accessibility, companies can oversee and coordinate multiple production sites from a single location. This remote-control capability enables rapid response times to potential issues, reduces the need for on-site presence, and streamlines maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. As a result, organizations can achieve cost savings, increased uptime, and more efficient allocation of resources.

Successful Case Studies

Below are several real-world case studies that exemplify the successful implementation of industrial robot arms and the tangible outcomes accomplished by businesses:

Tesla’s Gigafactory

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, implemented many industrial robot arms in its Gigafactory for automating various production processes. These robots are used for tasks like welding, painting, and assembly.

By using robots, Tesla significantly increased production efficiency, reduced defects, and improved product quality. Additionally, its implementation also improved worker safety by automating hazardous tasks.

Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers

Amazon: the e-commerce giant, employs thousands of industrial robot arms in its fulfillment centers. These robots are responsible for picking, packing, and sorting items for shipment. By using robot arms, Amazon has been able to greatly speed up order fulfillment, leading to faster delivery times for customers. They work alongside human workers, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined operation.

BMW’s Production Line

BMW, the automotive manufacturer, incorporated industrial robot arms into its production line for tasks such as welding painting, and assembly. The robots work collaboratively with human workers, enhancing productivity and precision. BMW has reported improved production quality, reduced cycle times, and optimized resource utilization through the implementation of robot arms.

The Future of Industrial Robot Arms in Industry 4.0

The future of industrial robots within the Industry 4.0 landscape is promising. As technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensors evolve, robot arms will become even more intelligent and autonomous. This will lead to adaptive decision-making, enhanced human-robot interaction, and improved safety measures. Integrating them with other emerging technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, will expand their capabilities, allowing for more immersive programming, simulation, and training experiences.

Conclusion

Industrial robot arms are undeniably driving the future of automation in the Industry 4.0 era. Their connectivity, collaboration, and adaptability empower businesses to create intelligent, efficient, and connected manufacturing environments. By embracing these technologies, companies can gain a competitive edge, achieve higher productivity and reduce costs. And stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation.

To fully unlock the potential of industrial robots in your manufacturing processes, visit robodk.com. RoboDK offers cutting-edge software solutions that streamline robot programming, simulation, and optimization. With RoboDK’s intuitive platform, you can unleash the full capabilities of industrial robots.

Remember, the future of manufacturing is here, and industrial robots power it. Take advantage of the opportunity to revolutionize your operations and stay at the forefront of innovation.

Follow us 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 The Transformative Power of Industrial Robot Arms in Industry 4.0 appeared first on RoboDK blog.

The system included a 6-axis KUKA robot arm mounted on a rail (linear axis), a tilting table for rotary operation, and a spindle. Additionally, a GTV cladding head (powder+laser) enabled additive functions resulting in an overall cycle time of 5 minutes when reloading Steel 4140 parts. This project examined the numerical chain within FORCE Technology‘s setup through a genuine application instance.

Ever mindful of their environmental responsibilities, the project enabled FORCE Technology to determine how to repair a gear instead of replacing it. In turn, they avoided throwing away a whole part and wasting materials and labor costs. In addition, they kept downtime and costs low due to eliminating the need for replacement parts. The project was a successful example of how robot integration can improve MRO (Maintenance Repair and Operations) to alleviate sustainability concerns.

FORCE Technology employed ESPRIT, the Hexagon’s “Hybrid” CAM to program additive head path planning, and RoboDK to resolve kinematics and collisions while generating robot code to create the toolpath trajectories for Additive Manufacturing. In addition, the RoboDK extension in ESPRIT simplified communication between systems and made it easier for end-users. Overall, FORCE Technology completed the MRO application using digital twin and post-processing to improve weld quality and waste reduction. The Manufacturing Academy Denmark (MADE) provided the financial backing to make this project successful.

How Robotic Simulation with RoboDK Can Help Alleviate Sustainability Concerns

Companies can reduce their carbon footprint by repairing large components with defects or damage compared to manufacturing a complete new part.

Ivar Dale, Additive Manufacturing Specialist at FORCE Technology, mentions:

The project was a big step stone towards making gear repair more standard and achieving the required guarantee of quality and confidence to put repaired gears back into service from the gear manufacturers. We successfully achieved the identical hardness of the original teeth on the gear as printed.

RoboDK’s simulation and offline programming tools can also reduce production downtime caused by shop floor programming. Companies can test a robot’s abilities in a virtual environment with RoboDK.

Furthermore, Dale continues:

Using the path planner additive solution from ESPRIT/Hexagon, and the post-processor from RoboDK we saved a tremendous amount of time to program the path with a 1mm positive offset as the shape of the tooth was organic. This saves us time in printing, especially in larger repairs, but it also saves the gear manufacturer time as the material we add is very hard and every mm takes time to carefully CNC.

Improve Your Laser Welding Initiatives with RoboDK Industrial Simulator

RoboDK is an economically intelligent, highly effective industrial robotics and robot programming simulator. It eliminates the need for shop floor programming and optimizes robot paths to avoid singularities, axis limits, and collisions. Due to its innovative design, coding experience isn’t necessary.

By combining RoboDK with another system, such as the ESPRIT, Hexagon’s “Hybrid” CAM, companies can develop sustainable production processes. It reduces energy consumption and waste generated from their operations.

Using RoboDK’s simulation and offline programming tools helps companies reduce production costs and downtime. Moreover, it minimizes hazardous materials produced in production cycles. These advantages make RoboDK an invaluable tool for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact. In addition, if your business is committed to sustainability, then RoboDK can help you achieve your goals.

Combining RoboDK with other software solutions allows businesses to develop sustainable production processes. This will help ensure that the company is committed to tackling sustainability concerns and can be confident that its production processes align with the latest industry standards. To take advantage of the benefits of robotic simulation with RoboDK, visit our website. Check out the blogs and other resources, and explore the range of features available.

Have you ever combined technologies to improve your company’s carbon footprint? 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.

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RoboDK, a robotics software company based in Montreal, Canada, has recently partnered with BobCAD-CAM, a computer aided design and machining company based in Florida, USA. This month, they have released a new plugin for the BobCAD-CAM software that allows machinists to program robots quickly and easily for machining applications. The two companies hope to make robot machining more accessible to machinists, who traditionally are unfamiliar with robotics and often uncertain about automation.

“The plugin opens more avenues for BobCAD-CAM users to use their software for more applications,” says Jérémy Brouillard, RoboDK’s Product Manager. “We hope that many BobCAD-CAM users are interested in jumping into robot programming. They now have a streamlined workflow with RoboDK.”

Why large work envelope machining is expensive

Some machining operations require a very large working envelope. For example, milling the aluminium casings of airplane wings requires huge, custom-built CNC machines.

For some companies — such as multinational aerospace manufacturers — it makes sense to invest in such machines, which can easily cost millions of dollars. However, the cost and required floor space are restrictive for many smaller companies as large workspaces almost always require a custom machine.

Brouillard says, “When you need that larger work envelope, but you can’t justify the price point of a custom CNC, you can go for robot machining. You can create a huge working envelope, by adding a linear axis to the robot, for a fraction of the price compared to a conventional CNC machine of the same size.”

Robot machining: a cost-effective solution

Robot machining is an increasingly attractive application for manufacturers. It involves using a robot to mill the machining paths instead of a conventional CNC machine. The plugin creates the bridge for machinists to access this new flexible form of machining.

Some machinists are uncertain about machining with robots. Conventional CNC machines are very rigid, accurate, and good at handling dense metals. However, while robots don’t have the high stiffness of conventional CNC machines, they offer several advantages.

First, robots are much cheaper to purchase and operate, particularly for complex projects. Second, they are much more flexible than CNC machines, as they can be programmed to carry out a wider range of tasks. Third, a single machining robot will use a lot less floor space than several conventional CNC machines.

Increasingly, robots are becoming an ideal solution for manufacturing businesses that want to reduce machining costs and increase machining flexibility.

How the new RoboDK plugin for BobCAD-CAM works

The RoboDK plugin for BobCAD-CAM is now available for all users with both software packages. This powerful plugin combines the robust machining-focused features of BobCAD-CAM with RoboDK’s powerful robot programming features. Users can now seamlessly generate robot machining paths right from within the familiar BobCAD-CAM interface.

BobCAD-CAM is a powerful mechanical design and machining software targeted at machinists. It is available as a stand-alone product or as an add-on to the popular CAD programs Rhino 3D and SolidWorks.

To use the new plugin, users simply install it to their BobCAD-CAM installation. They can then access the main functionality via the new panel that’s added to the BobCAD-CAM user interface. They can send machining paths to the robot at the touch of a button and tweak the robot program within RoboDK if needed.

The future of robot machining

With this powerful plugin, machinists can now easily program robots for a wide variety of machining applications, all from within their familiar BobCAD-CAM interface.

Various applications can benefit from large workspace robot machining. Examples include milling of positives for mold making, large-scale sculptures, trimming of molds, and complex hole drilling. As robot machining becomes more accessible, it seems likely that even more applications will emerge as machinists realize the exciting possibilities of the technology.

Brouillard says, “The CAM software comes up with machining properties like the locations of the points, the right speed for the spindle, the right feed speed for the tool. The plugin and RoboDK then translates these into motions of the robot.”

This exciting new development promises to make robot machining more accessible and could herald a whole new era in flexible machining for many manufacturers.

Future plans

RoboDK continues to look for new ways to make robot programming easier and more accessible for manufacturers. They are thrilled to have partnered with BobCAD-CAM to bring this plugin to the market.

Both companies look forward to seeing the amazing things their customers will create with it.

The post New plugin from RoboDK and BobCAD-CAM makes robot machining easy appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Industrial robots are increasingly used for high-accuracy manufacturing tasks, such as assembly, soldering, and machining. However, new users are sometimes disappointed by the apparent low accuracy of their robots. They invest in expensive robot calibration systems to try to improve the accuracy.

Albert Nubiola, CEO of RoboDK, explains this is not always required:

“Many users don’t realize how important it is to calibrate the tool properly. They believe they need to calibrate the whole robot. However, properly calibrating the tool center point (TCP) can provide a significant improvement in accuracy.”

Repeatable, not accurate: the problem with industrial robots

Industrial robots have high repeatability, but low accuracy. This means they can move to the exact same position every time (repeatability), but their position doesn’t accurately match the world coordinate system (accuracy).

There are two main types of calibration procedures for improving a robot’s accuracy. Robot calibration requires precision laser systems to calibrate the robotic mechanism itself. Tool center point (TCP) calibration is a simpler procedure to ensure the programming system has an accurate model of the robot’s tool.

Samuel Bertrand, Software Developer at RoboDK, explains:

“TwinTool is a quick and affordable solution to automatically calibrate the robot’s TCP compared to other solutions such as laser trackers. Laser calibration is expensive, and many robot applications do not need such high accuracy.”

TwinTool achieves tool calibration with an off-the-shelf sensor

The typical way of calibrating a robot tool center point (TCP) is by a 4-point method, which consist of taking a series of at least for 4 joint readings when moving the tool to the same point with different orientations. This process is time consuming and less accurate as the user needs to move the robot in different position manually.

TwinTool calibration functionality is distributed as a RoboDK App, a plugin that extends the capabilities of RoboDK’s highly popular robot programming software.

RoboDK TwinTool requires an off-the-shelf linear gauge sensor (or LVDT) to directly communicate with any robot and to calculate the robot tool center point (TCP) without human intervention. TwinTool automatically records an unlimited number of points, and the linear gage sensor offers great accuracy for tool definition.

The app is compatible with a wide range of sensors from major brands including Mitutoyo, KEYENCE and Sylvac, allowing it to be versatile with any hardware. Other sensor brands can also be integrated on request.

RoboDK TwinTool supports more than 600 robot arms from 50 different robot manufacturers and is suited for many industrial environments.

This follows RoboDK’s well-established philosophy of remaining brand-agnostic for hardware.

Ease of use and safety at the heart of the process

Equally important, RoboDK places great emphasis on the ease of use and safety of its products. TwinTool runs directly from RoboDK, making the bridge between the robot controller and the sensor. No programming skills are required. Users only need RoboDK simulation software, a robot, its tool (spherical or conical), and a sensor. Singularities and collisions are avoided, and trajectories automatically calculated.

“We have created a user-friendly wizard to ensure that the calibration is done correctly and safely,” says Samuel Bertrand. “This is simple enough that it can be used by operators that don’t have robotics knowledge.”

To calibrate a robot tool, the user simply follows this 3-step procedure in RoboDK’s software:

1. Select their robot model from RoboDK’s extensive robot library.
2. Connect RoboDK to the robot and to the sensor.
3. Move the robot on the sensor and start the calibration.

Albert Nubiola says:

“The procedure is fully automated and does not require any manual intervention. It automatically avoids collisions and does not require users to write a single line of code.”

Accurate to 0.250 mm

With TwinTool, users can quickly and automatically improve the accuracy of their tool by up to 0.250 mm with some robot setups. This provides an accuracy improvement by 2 to 10 times, depending on the robot and the tool.

“Without this calibration,” says Albert Nubiola, “robot errors can be in the range of 2-5 mm. With this tool calibration, you can usually reduce robot errors up to 0.250-1 mm depending on your application.”

This accuracy improvement is more than enough for most robot applications, even those that require precision. This can save users a lot of money on unnecessary robot calibration services.

Future plans

Users can now request to add TwinTool to their copy of the RoboDK software as an optional RoboDK App. Bertrand explains they will continue to improve TwinTool’s functionality.

“Currently, the tool is oriented towards maintenance modes,” he says. “However, we are working towards a mode that will run the calibration procedure automatically during production.”

RoboDK also plans to extend its App interface by creating a RoboDK App Marketplace. They will invite companies to develop and publish their own apps for the software.

Do you have any feature requests? 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 Automated Tool Calibration for Industrial Robots appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Creating convincing sales demos of robotic solutions is not always easy. Robot integrators often use simulations to make it easier for clients to understand their solutions, but such simulations are not easily portable.

RoboDK is a Canadian provider of robotics software dedicated to making the task of programming as simple as possible.

Until now, if an integrator wanted to use RoboDK for product demos they needed the full-featured version of the software. This meant physically bringing their laptop to the client’s site and teaching the client how to navigate the software’s extensive list of features. There was no simplified, digital version of the simulation for the client to test out without learning the software.

With the new web version, users can access RoboDK directly from their browser.

The need to simplify robotic simulations and programming

New users of industrial robots are often confronted by a steep learning curve. Despite robotic platforms becoming more accessible in recent years, programming remains one of the most challenging aspects of any robot deployment.

Even though RoboDK’s offline programming software is already simpler than many of the alternatives, the company recognizes that the learning curve is steep for some new users.

Flore Cachera, Head of Marketing at RoboDK, explains:

Getting started with new software can sometimes be daunting. The web version of RoboDK is very basic so that every user can get familiar with the environment. Our goal is to make the software more accessible and provide a global vision of what RoboDK can offer in just a few clicks.

Flore Cachera

A convenient tool for evaluation, demos, and proof of concepts

RoboDK for Web has some compelling use cases. For example, some users need to submit an IT request to install the desktop version of RoboDK for evaluation. Now, they can test RoboDK’s core functionalities quickly and easily with no installation needed.

Another exciting use case is sales demos. Integrators can submit their simulations online using RoboDK for Desktop. Their clients simply type a custom web address into any browser and the simulation is already pre-loaded in the web version.

Albert Nubiola, CEO of RoboDK says:

RoboDK users are looking for tools to save time and that are easy to use. Of course, the Desktop version remains there and we don’t have any plans of removing it.

Albert Nubiola

Nubiola describes another compelling use case — creating quick, simple proof of concept simulations in your browser.

He explains:

Many companies want to increase their level of automation with robots but they don’t know where to start. Our mission is to facilitate the transition towards automation and we are proud to be part of this change.

RoboDK for Web helps to start creating your proof of concept by offering a minimum set of functionalities provided at no cost.

Albert Nubiola

The web version of RoboDK is cross-platform and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection. It is supported by all major web browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. It also supports a range of 3D model and machining files, such as STEP, IGES, G-Code, APT, and many more.

How to use the web version of RoboDK right now

The new web version of RoboDK is now live for anyone to use. It can be accessed via a web browser by going to the following link: robodk.com/web

The link brings the user to a pre-loaded robot simulation, from which they can access the basic functionality of the software. They can run the simulation, load a new simulation or robot, create basic robot programs, and access RoboDK’s extensive Robot Library.

Cachera says:

As in the desktop version, users have unlimited access to our full Robot Library. That includes over 600 robot arms from over 50 different robot manufacturers. They can also download any end-effector, cell, tracker, and any object that is available in RoboDK’s library.

To the best of our knowledge, RoboDK offers the largest robot library on the market as it is not brand specific.

Flore Cachera

Future plans

The team at RoboDK plans to continue to grow the functionality of the web version, while still keeping it simple for new users. They are also targeting the web version at specific use cases that users have been asking for.

Cachera gives an example:

Some of our customers start by doing reachability studies with RoboDK to choose their robot and check the feasibility of their project. In just a few clicks in RoboDK for Web you can start building your robotic cell and continue your project later on RoboDK for Desktop.

Overall, the web version is ideal for quick and easy robotic station applications for demonstration or learning purposes.

Flore Cachera

What uses can you think of for RoboDK for Web? 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 targets integrator sales demos with its new web version appeared first on RoboDK blog.

As 2022 draws closer it’s that time of year when experts reflect on the previous 12 months and make predictions for the year ahead. More below (after a look at December’s news) but before all that…

All of us at RoboDK would like to wish our
customers, partners, and friends around the world
a prosperous and automation-filled 2022!

Industrial Robot Brief

There were some exciting numbers in the International Federation of Robotics’ eagerly-anticipated annual World Robot Report, which was released in December. Key headlines from the document:

• robot density worldwide in 2020 (126 robots per 10,000 employees) is almost a doubling of 2015’s numbers (66 per 10,000)

• robot density in China has more than quadrupled from 49 in 2015 to 246 in 2020

• Japan delivers 45% of the global robot supply

Download the 2021 World Robot Report here.

Meanwhile, in other industrial robot news, Bangalore-based Pace Robotics raised an undisclosed seed investment from Pidilite Industries Ltd. for an equity stake of 19.5%; a Bloomberg opinion piece suggested that while industrial robots are a boon, they are also creating a ‘crisis of masculinity’; researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology unveiled a soft jig that may improve the performance of general-purpose assembly robots; UK-based researchers showcased their research into improving nuclear waste-handling through human-robot collaboration; READY Robotics announced a partnership with Futura Automation; and ABB unveiled two new OmniCore robot controller models.

Two New Bio-Inspired Gripper Designs

Researchers at Stanford revealed ‘farmHand‘ a gripper that incorporates gecko-inspired materials and can handle delicate food items such as fruit as well as lift heavy objects.

Meanwhile, a team from China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University revealed a new soft gripper design based on the ability of tentacles and elephant trunks to grasp delicate objects safely. The grippers are based on ‘pneu-nets’ (pneumatically actuated elastomeric structures), which consist of a series of connected internal chambers that can be inflated pneumatically, blowing them up like a balloon.

Meet DroneDog

Using Boston Dynamics’ Spot as a mobile platform, Asylon Robotics has developed ‘DroneDog’ an autonomous mobile perimeter security robot that can seamlessly integrate with Asylon’s existing portfolio of aerial drone security systems. Asylon’s hardware and software additions enable DroneDog to provide live video monitoring, teleoperation, 20x optical zoom, infrared vision for nighttime operations, and automated charging for a set-and-forget system.

Watch the full DroneDog presentation (with Q&A) below….

2021 Reflections

Where better to start than with The Robot Report’s “20 Most Popular Stories of 2021“? From business headlines (such as John Deere’s acquisition of Bear Flag Robotics) through Mars-based robot helicopters to self-driving cars, these stories reflect the robot news that resonated most with readers in 2021.

Elsewhere:

• Robotics 24/7 asked an impressive selection of robotics thought leaders to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of 2021
• Diginomica’s Chris Middleton reviewed the year in “AI, automation [and] robophobia“, and
• designboom revealed its Top Ten Robotics & AI stories for 2021

2022 Predictions

ZDNet’s Greg Nichols predicts that 2022 will see machine vision with learning capabilities provide new application possibilities for roboticists, from vision-based drones and robotic harvesting to robotic sorting in recycling and warehouse pick & place. Nichols writes:

We’re finally at the inflection point: The moment where these applications are becoming good enough to provide real value in semi-structured environments where traditional robots could never succeed.

—2022: A major revolution in robotics

Elsewhere:

• Analytics Insights featured several robotics companies in its ‘100 Most Disruptive Companies to Watch In 2022‘
• Forbes published ‘10 AI predictions for 2022‘, and
• TechRepublic tapped experts from Sony for their views on how AI could impact hiring practices, robotics, and neural networks in 2022

RoboDK’s December Reading

Five more robotics news items from December that grabbed our attention.

• Teaching Artificial Intelligence to Navigate Oceans Via Ocean Currents (AZO Robotics)

• This Robot Looks Like a Pancake and Jumps Like a Maggot (The New York Times)

• Gesture control for lab robots (Laboratory News)

• ‘Human-like’ brain helps robot out of a maze (ScienceDaily)

• Cuttlefish-Like Robots Are Far More Efficient Than Propeller-Powered Machines (Interesting Engineering)

What are you most looking forward to from robotics and AI in 2022? Comment below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.

The post Monthly Robotics News – December 2021 appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Palletizing is an increasingly common application for robotic automation. For human workers, lifting containers onto pallets is dull and increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to its repetitive nature.

Robots have long provided an alternative to manual palletizing. However, programming the task has traditionally been tedious.

Flore Cachera, Head of Marketing at RoboDK, says “A lot of customers have asked for this feature. All the hard work of palletizing programming is now done by RoboDK. The user only needs to set the position of the pallet.”

The new RoboDK plugin can be used immediately with the hundreds of robot models already supported by the software.

Why programming robot palletizing is a dull job

Robots are often employed to relieve workers from dull and repetitive jobs. However, the conventional options for robot programming make deploying palletizing applications almost dull as palletizing itself.

For example, a pallet holding 800 boxes would require a robot program with at least 1600 points in it. Creating this program would be repetitive and time-consuming. Users would need to manually teach each box position to the robot or hard code a script to do it for them.

Albert Nubiola, CEO of RoboDK, explains that the robotics market has traditionally been unbalanced for palletizing applications. He says “Some robot controllers offer built-in user interfaces to quickly setup palletizing and depalletizing projects. Unfortunately, this is not available for all robots or controllers. RoboDK’s palletizing plugin allows you to use any robot for palletizing.”

As well as speeding up the programming step, another benefit of the new plugin is that users can program the task offline. This eliminates the production downtime caused by shop floor robot programming.

How the new palletizing plugin works

The palletizing plugin is now available for users of RoboDK. It can be accessed by downloading the latest update.

Jeremy Brouillard, Product Manager at RoboDK explains how it works:

“Our goal was to create one of our most user-friendly features to date.

To achieve it, we relied on a basic but efficient 2D graphic. You first create your pallet patterns by dragging your boxes on the screen. You then stack your unique box patterns to form your pallet layers.

The only thing left to do is simulate and generate the program.”

To use the plugin, users simply open a menu and enter their pallet settings step by step. They can then easily drag and drop each box to where it should be on each layer of the pallet. A 3D visualization shows a simulation in real-time and the user can go back and adapt the settings, so the setup perfectly suits all their requirements.

Brouillard adds “Anyone using a robot to simulate or program palletizing applications should take a look at this feature. This one is a real time saver.”

Future plans

Palletizing is just one of several high-impact applications that RoboDK is working to support, though they don’t want to reveal too much yet.

Cachera explains that these additions are driven by user feedback. She says “We don’t create robot simulation software for ourselves, we create it for our users. We will continue to listen to them and offer new features that really fit their needs. Most importantly, we will keep the “RoboDK touch”: remaining flexible, easy-to-use, and supporting the largest range of robot arms.”

What robotic application are you interested in? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.

The post RoboDK releases intuitive palletizing plugin for any robot brand appeared first on RoboDK blog.

Industrial Robot Brief

More good news for the industrial robot sector in November, with new research from Precedence Research predicting that the global industrial automation and control system market size will reach around USD290 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2021 to 2030. CNN reported on record-breaking North American robot hires. And Bloomberg explored how labor shortages are driving automation adoption.

One of the largest industrial robots in the world was showcased in San Antonio Texas in November. The 72-foot tall, 67-ton ‘Xyrec’ robot is designed to strip paint from airplanes, work that was previously carried out manually.

Meanwhile, in other industrial robot news, Industrial robot maker Haber raised USD20 million in Series B funding with one of the company’s goals being to save over 400 billion litres of water in the next two years; OMRON unveiled what it says is the world’s fastest CT-type X-ray inspection device; a new report from the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre highlighted the need to speed up robotics adoption to provide a productivity boost; ATI Industrial Automation unveiled its QC-29 Robotic Tool Changer, designed for robots in the 25 to 35kg payload class; Trio Motion Technology launched a new line of SCARA robots; and Robotics & Automation News revealed its 2021 Award Winners.

‘Ikea Bot’ Updates Human Touch-Like Capabilities

In 2018, researchers at NTU Singapore unveiled ‘Ikea Bot’, a remarkable automation system designed to assemble IKEA furniture. In a widely shared video (see below), the system was shown assembling a flat pack chair in under 10 minutes.

In November 2021, Eureka Robotics, a spinoff from NTU Singapore unveiled ‘Dynamis,’ a major upgrade that adds advanced force feedback features to the system.

According to the team at Eureka Robotics, the new AI-based force control algorithm paves the way “for industrial applications that were previously very difficult or impossible to implement, such as handling and assembly of delicate, fragile objects such as optical lenses, electronics components, or engine gears.”

Living Robots Can Now Reproduce

While we’re on the topic of major upgrades, remember the Xenobots, the robotics research sensation of 2020? Dubbed the world’s first ‘living robots,’ the tiny (<1 mm, 0.04 inches) Xenobots, which are made from frog stem cells, were shown to be able to move, work together in groups and self-heal.

In November, the research team behind the radically new type of robot, unveiled Xenobots 3.0, with one particularly noteworthy new functionality – Xenobots can now reproduce.

Robots As Trusted Dancing Partners

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have been exploring trust paradigms in human-robot interaction with the aim of developing the human-robot collaborations of the future. In November, the team unveiled FOREST a powerful showcase of dancer-robot collaboration, in which industrial robot arms respond to the dancer’s movements through expressive motions of their own.

“There’s real potential for changing the way we interact with robots much more broadly than just at a musical level but also emotionally by rethinking the dynamic and how robots communicate,” Richard Savery, one of the research team, commented.

Old MacDonald Had An AMR (& An Autonomous Tractor)

Also in November, Silicon Valley-based startup Iron Ox unveiled ‘Grover’ — a squat, sensor-packed autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that can handle payloads of over 1,000 lb (454 kg).

When Grover identifies a target 1,000-lb, 6 by 6-foot (1.8 m) hydroponically irrigated module (background and sides in the above pic), it positions itself underneath and uses a motorized lift system to raise the module off the floor, ready for transportation to another location.

Elsewhere, smart farms operations management company Fieldin announced in November that it has acquired Midnight Robotics, a company that specializes in autonomous driving technology for agricultural robotics. While the value of the deal has not been disclosed, it comes just months after Bear Flag Robotics — a company that also specializes in making retrofit kits that bring autonomous capabilities to tractors — was acquired by John Deere for USD250 million.

RoboDK’s November Reading

Five more robotics news from November that grabbed our attention.

• Percepto launches drone with advanced AI analytics (GPS World)

• 3 ways robots won in 2021 (ZDNet)
  
• Rise of the Robots Speeds Up in Pandemic With U.S. Labor Scarce (Bloomberg)

• Learn How Industry 4.0 And Robots Strengthen Warehouse Logistics (Forbes)

• Non-automotive industries driving record robot sales (The Robot Report)

What was the robotics news from the past month that most interested you? Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Forum.

The post Monthly Robotics News – November 2021 appeared first on RoboDK blog.