Understanding Offline Programming of Industrial Robots

Offline programming (OLP) has been an important technological advancement for industrial robots, allowing for quicker deployment at a lower initial cost. OLP has become an essential part of planning and designing an industrial robot system to eliminate the time it takes to program a robot point by point.

OLP software is used by a wide range of manufacturers when implementing industrial robot systems, helping contribute to more productive processes.

Misconceptions About Industrial Robot Offline Programming

OLP software, while inextricably linked to robot simulation software, is not the same thing. In fact, there are many different misconceptions surrounding the purpose and benefits of OLP software, particularly in the welding industry where much of the robot programming is still completed manually.

Others say the OLP software is too complicated, that it requires highly trained personnel, that only companies with deep pockets can afford it, or even that OLP software couldn’t possibly handle the requirements of their applications.

These misconceptions could not be further from the truth, however. OLP software is a scalable, powerful tool that can be used for almost any industrial robot system.

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When Using Offline Programming for Industrial Robots Makes Sense

Typically, OLP software is most profitable in highly complex applications that would require extensive time for manual programming. This may include for large parts or in environments with high part mixes but low volumes. It can be useful in almost any type of industrial robot integration, except for when programming requirements are minimal because the application is simple.

Essentially, OLP software can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to program a robot to perform a certain function. This benefit is compounded when the robot must perform several different complex functions. OLP reduces the time and cost of robot integration, reducing the overall cost of the industrial robot system.

OLP software, contrary to common misconceptions, is a profitable tool in most types of industrial robot systems. Manufacturers all around the world rely on this software to minimize their robotic investments.