Transforming how you program your robots

James Schnarr, Product Manager

Today we're kicking off the new year in a big way with a new update to OCTOPUZ! In this update, we concentrated on improving one of our most popular feature sets introduced last year: Transform.

We've had such a positive response to Transform since we released it, as so many of our users shared with us how it has significantly reduced robot programming time when it comes to repeated robot operations. Based on your incredible feedback, this is our next step in the evolution of Transform.

Simplified programming between multiple robots
To start, we wanted to simplify the steps needed to program two or more robots in a single work cell. So now, path statements can be transformed from one robot to any other robot in the cell.

Built directly into our existing Transform tools, simply select the robot on which you want your transformed statements to be created. Then, select where you want to transform your statements (say you want to mirror all your statements performed by your first robot onto the other side of your part to be performed by your second robot), and you're done. Those transformed paths now belong to a subprogram on your other robot, and you're ready to simulate the two robots moving together.

Transform statements via rotation
There are three common ways to move an object in space. Typically referred to as transformations, it can be translated, mirrored, or rotated. We could already transform your statements in two of these ways, via translating (we called this Copy), and mirroring. And now we can do all three.

We've designed a new Transform Type, aptly called Rotate, which can quickly transform one or more original statements by creating multiple copies of these statements around an axis.

Select your axis (consisting of an Origin selection and a Normal selection), set a rotation angle, and watch as up to 25 statement copies are created in different locations around that axis.

Model process and production flows
But (of course), we didn't stop our improvements at Transform.

In another big improvement, we've added an entirely new ribbon tab, Process, which enhances how we model and manage products, processes, and production flow in simulation environments. With Process Modeling, several modeling tasks can now be completed as visual workflows, minimizing the need for manual programming.

With the Product Type Editor, you can define and organize your production products and product groups; these are the actual products moving through your assembly.

Next, the Process Editor manages the behaviours of your production steps and other processes. For example, your product may be moved off a conveyor by a robot, and loading into a CNC machine for milling.

Finally, the Process Flow Editor (or interaction directly in the 3D world) defines the flow or sequence of how your product groups will follow through your assembly processes.

All the rest
In addition to everything above, here's a short roundup of some other changes we've made:

• Translate Transform Type: as mentioned above, our Transform Type previously called Copy is now called Translate, to reflect the exact transformation it is performing to your path and search statements. Otherwise, it works exactly the same.
• Keep Originals Transform Option: we've reimagined our Move Transform Type into an optional setting which, if enabled, keeps your original statements (in addition to your new transformed copies); if not enabled, your original statements are deleted upon transformed, effectively moving them. This works for all Transform Types.
• Transform Panel Remembers your Choices: now when you open the Transform Statements panel, it will remember your choices from the last time you used Transform, so you don't need to set everything again and again.
• Quick Create Buttons: when a robot is selected in the 3D world, four buttons appear below its tool frame. Use these buttons to quickly create some common robot motions.
• New shortcut keys: we've added a bunch of new shortcut keys that enable even more efficient robot programming. Check out the OCTOPUZ Academy for a full list of new shortcuts and how to use them.
• Improved Program Editor Statement Selection: a simple UI usability improvement, selecting and moving statements in the Program Editor is much easier now.
• Create Path Auto Corner Dynamic Ratio: when Auto Corner is enabled on path statements, we've added a slider which allows you to adjust the relationship between flare and distance of corner points.
• Create Path Tool Offset: when creating a path statement, you can now set an offset to the path to account for your tool dimensions.
• Import from Mastercam APlus: additive paths and related point and path process variables can be now imported from Mastercam APlus directly into OCTOPUZ.
• Did you know?: we've added some fun octopus facts (yes I mean octopus, as in the eight-limbed water creature) to our Product tab in the backstage. Check them out!

This OCTOPUZ update is now available to download for all customers with an active OCTOPUZ software plan.