Robot system design and commissioning times get driven down by new simulation package

Citation

(2007), "Robot system design and commissioning times get driven down by new simulation package", Industrial Robot, Vol. 34 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2007.04934ead.003

Robot system design and commissioning times get driven down by new simulation package

Robot system design and commissioning times get driven down by new simulation package

Robot system integrators and end-users can now make significant reductions in design and programming time by using a new simulation package from FANUC Robotics. ROBOGUIDE is a cost effective solution for engineers to design, prove and programme robot systems either concurrently with new product design or for making modifications to existing equipment and programmes (Figure 2).

Figure 2 ROBOGUIDE the new cost effective solution to designing and programming robot systems

A FANUC Robotics virtual robot controller and programming capability operates within the 3D feature rich simulation tool. Designers can choose from a wide range of “drag and drop” customisable objects such as conveyors or machine tools to simulate system layouts. Alternatively CAD models of existing parts, fixtures and grippers can be imported in IGES format.

Enabling a virtual environment, the package allows the user to programme the robot using familiar FANUC TP programming commands. In addition to recording mid-air tool locations, ROBOGUIDE can generate a robot trajectory along virtual objects such as moving across the face of a table, following an edge or contouring a curve. A virtual pendant ensures engineers are able to work with a familiar interface.

The virtual controller provides accurate positioning and path following, allowing cells to be designed and locations programmed even before a prototype has been produced. Provided cells are modelled correctly and programmed around clearly defined datum points, the transition time from virtual to real world for a robot cell can be dramatically reduced with cycle time accuracy within 2 per cent.

ROBOGUIDE offers a range of application specific plug-ins to further aid the system design engineer. FANUC PROcess software includes HandlingPRO, PalletPRO, WeldPRO and PaintPRO that provides application specific commands and routines to speed up programming.

MotionPRO is a plug-in which provides optimisation of programme cycle time, allowing further time savings when commissioning systems. In addition MotionPRO can be used to optimise existing programmes.

For further information, please visit the web site: www.fruk.co.uk