Software makes it easier to program several robots
An
ABB Robotics product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 15, 2006
Offline programming software increases the capability to run several virtual robots at the same time, and provides support for technology for running up to four robots from one controller.
ABB has launched version five of its offline programming software, Robot Studio.
The software increases the versatility of ABB's Virtual Robot technology with its capability to run several virtual robots at the same time, and provides support for Multimove, the IRC5 technology for running up to four robots from one controller.
By programming robots offline, virtual trials and development can take place in parallel to system build, so that production can start earlier and thus reduce product time to market.
Version five contains a suite of features to optimise and fine tune robot operations before production starts.
These features include: Multimove support; CAD import; Autopath; Autoreach; collision detection; virtual Flexpendant; and true upload and download.
From the possible methods available for a given task, it automatically generates a path for each robot that results in the shortest combined joint motion, taking into consideration restrictions such as joint or tool orientation limits.
Multiple robots, both coordinated and uncoordinated, can be programmed as part of a Multimove cell.
CAD data can be imported in all major formats including IGES, Step, VRML, VDafs, Acis, and Catia, by using the CAD import feature.
By working with this data, the robot programmer can generate accurate robot programs, giving improved product quality.
By using CAD data for the part to be processed, Autopath automatically generates the precise robot path required in minutes, even when working with multi-robot, Multimove cells.
Autoreach automatically analyses reachability - letting the user move the robot or workpiece around the virtual workspace to ensure all elements are reachable, thereby verifying and optimising work cell layout.
Collision detection prevents costly damage to equipment by letting the user select the objects concerned so that Robot Studio automatically monitors and indicates if and when they collide when a robot program is executed.
To create actual production conditions, virtual Flexpendant is an exact graphical representation of a real Flexpendant, powered by Virtual Robot.
Essentially, everything that can be done on the real Flexpendant can be done on virtual Flexpendant, making it useful as a teaching and training tool.
To save time, the whole robot program can be downloaded from Robot Studio to the real system without translation, using the true upload and download feature.
Launched at the same time as v5 is an industrial software add-on, Arcweld Powerpac, which is a dedicated programming tool for generating arc weld programs.
It gives precise control of weld torch angles, resulting in increased weld quality.
Users benefit from robot reachability, collision detection and full support of the Multimove function.
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Contact ABB Robotics
Tel +44 1908 350300
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