Yaskawa Motoman Introduces Injection Molding Machine Software

Dayton, OH — SPI Pendant is an easy-to-use graphical interface for Motoman® robots utilized in the plastic injection molding industry. It provides the ability to quickly create and modify programs without knowledge of Yaskawa Motoman’s proprietary INFORM robot programming language. A “Setup Wizard” leads users through a series of configuration options for robots, conveyors, de-gating stations and more. The icon-driven interface allows users to develop program flow without robot programming.

Operators can interact and control the robot by using an event-driven paradigm and language that is familiar to them. By looking at the robot program as a series of events, the operators are better able to understand and modify it as needed. It is no longer about how to program a robot; it becomes how to improve the tending operation.

Programs are created by defining a sequence of easy-to-understand job actions. For actions requiring robot motion, the robot is jogged into position and the location is recorded. Once a list of program actions is complete, the SPI Pendant Interface generates a robot program in Yaskawa Motoman’s native INFORM language. The robot program can be started and controlled from the SPI Pendant Interface without navigating to other pendant screens. Its I/O interface uses standard EuroMap 67 or EuroMap 12 format (optional hardware interface available). Customization is available.

The interface supports multiple robots, external axes, grippers, conveyor/drop locations and de-gating stations. Features include a production data screen, built-in mold warm-up option, part stacking option and three levels of security.

The SPI Pendant Interface may be used with select DX200 robots. The DX100 controller is also compatible with a pendant upgrade to .NET 3.5 compact framework.

About Yaskawa Motoman
Founded in 1989, the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. is a leading robotics company in the Americas. With over 300,000 Motoman^® robots installed globally, Yaskawa provides automation products and solutions for virtually every industry and robotic application; including arc welding, assembly, coating, dispensing, material handling, material cutting, material removal, packaging, palletizing and spot welding.