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What You Must Know About Software and Robotics Operations
Automation's speed, efficiency and consistent reliability enable companies to make high quality products with lower costs and greater profits. Robots are visible players, driven by a software system that gives operators the ability to fine tune their movements.
Today's software lets robots be flexible and adapt to changing conditions. Having the proper software for the equipment isn't a "no brainer." Understand the role that software plays and how it impacts the outcome of your operations.
Software First
A company acquires a robot and tries to deploy it for a machining operation, only to realize that they don’t have the proper software for the job. How can that happen? Think of buying a personal computer (PC). You've got the hardware. When you get ready to use it, you find the program you want for a specific task like accounting or publishing isn't on the system.
Not having the right software is a "typical problem" according to a case study by Jabez Technologies. In the write-up Intuitive Robot Programming for Flexible Aerospace Manufacturing, the focus is on aerospace providers facing challenges in a CAD/CAM environment.
Jabez' president, Chahe Bakmazjian, says, “A robot can be a difficult device to manage … It consists of six rotary joints stacked one on top of the other, so it’s very difficult to anticipate errors."
Companies are advised to work closely with the integrator or manufacturer's representative and to ensure the correct programming software is ready for use. This should be done either at the time of robot system acquisition, or even prior to the purchase.
Same Looks, Different Outcomes
The software architecture of industrial robots, the “brains” of an automated work cell, enables the robot to perform assigned tasks quickly, repeatedly and accurately.
The software may look the same for different needs, but that's where caution is needed. Just like different professionals on a PC may use a common operating system, the software like Excel, Word, or Outlook is made for different tasks.
In the article Robot Design, Integrated Controls and Software Architectures of Industrial Robots, an example is given where software for a palletizing application and spot welding may look the same. The difference is in the graphical user interface.
"Both applications might use the same software controlling the robot’s actual motion, but the graphical user interface must be application-specific," said Erik Nieves, Technology Director with the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America Inc.
"The application layer for a painting system will be all about spray rates, nozzles and speed. The robot in the next work cell might be dispensing adhesive so it will have a different graphical user interface even if the software is identical to the painting work cell."
Customers are calling for standardized industrial robots, but the demand for application-specific machines is on the rise.
Software to Maximize a Robot's Benefits
Software helps robots move as efficiently as possible, allows operators to make pattern changes without downtime, and maximizes a robot's capabilities. Here are three examples of software programs driving robots.
FANUC, named one of Forbes' most innovative companies in 2013, has patented software to improve robot motion. The Genkotsu Learning Control software was first received well in the spot welding market and is now being applied to pick and place robots.
It actually learns the characteristics of the [robot's] program path and smooths it out. This reduces the cycle time and increases throughput to save money. This and other innovations are noted in Robotics in 2014: Market Diversity, Cobots, and Global Investment.
Manufacturing's challenge is confronting an array of packaging and product sizes on the production line. PalletSolver allows for the setup of pallet patterns and robot motion on a PC so that the robot does not have to be taken offline for teaching. There's no need to halt production. Get the details in PalletSolver Software Enables Offline Setup of Robotic Palletizing Patterns.
Natural learning has a common pattern that’s demonstrated by all creatures. This is replicated in the program Neocortex from Universal Robots. When combined with Motoman Robots, there are new capabilities achieved in logistics with applications for bin picking, kitting, and random and unstructured depalletizing as written up in Yaskawa Motoman Features Universal Robotics Neocortex – Software with an IQ.
A flexible robot with an advanced software solution will give you the freedom to use a robot's full capabilities. This may open up new ways to envision your overall automation strategy. Stay on top of industry trends and news like this with regular visits to A3.
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