How to program a robot using cloud-to-factory floor robot path planning
October 04, 2021
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Vivian Cheung
Robot programming, both offline and online, are extremely complex. Moreover, the transition from the offline to the online world is cumbersome, and still requires numerous in-field adjustments. This is limiting the widespread adoption of robot arms on factory floors.
There is two ways to get started: Using a pre-configured MachineApp or create your own custom MachineLogic program, leverage the new toolkit for robot path planning.This new addition to MachineLogic, Vention’s code-free programming environment, includes waypoints and path programmation, array definition, reference frames configuration, and much more.
The following post will take a closer look at robot path programming, the new feature set and a breadth of applications you can now easily build.
What is robot path programming?
Robot path programming lets you program your robot cell in the cloud and deploy problem-free on the manufacturing floor, using the digital calibration tool. Offline programming lets the operator quickly evaluate the feasibility of a given robot cell before committing to an investment, and online programming makes it easy for any manufacturing professional to deploy robotic arms.
Overview of robot path programming tools
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Waypoints Waypoints are the different positions a robot can hold. Teach waypoints using:
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Robot Paths Robot paths allow you to create a series of robot waypoints and robot commands. This is the path of motion the robot and end-of-arm tool will execute. |
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Robot Arrays Robot arrays, also known as reference frames, allow you to create a grid of execution points where the robot can execute a single “robot path” over each execution point. |
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Robot Loops Robot loops allow you to repeat a robot path, each having their own execution point, which is a combination of robot paths and robot arrays. |
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Gripper open/close Open or close your end-of-arm-tool, utilizing the pins you previously configured. |
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Wait for digital input Wait for the input of a device connected to your robot controller. Select the input pin and trigger level you are waiting for. |
Designs programmed with robot path programming:
Want to see the Robot planning toolkit in action? Below are 3 designs each using a certain feature of robot path planning. Those designs can be saved as another copy for anyone to run or modify the demo program previously developed.
Large Cobot Palletizer - 20kg Payload
Capable of palletizing up to 20 Kg boxes, this heavy-duty design is suitable for a variety of pallet heights.
Components:
- Doosan H-series (20 kg payload)
- OnRobot VGP20 Vacuum Gripper
- Laser area scanner
- Heavy duty fixed robot stand
- Dorner belt conveyor
Robot programing features used:
- Waypoints
- Robot arrays
- Robot loops
- Gripper open/close
Start programming your large cobot palletizer »
FANUC CRX10iaL machine tending
Capable of automating the infeed of raw materials to your CNC machine, this machine tending solution supports large volume production with minimal intervention from the operator.
Components:
- Fanuc CRX10iaL
- Machine tending cart
- Vention panels to be used as trays
- Round extrusions for tray handles
- Vention Digital calibration tool
- OnRobot 3FG15 3-finger gripper
Robot programing features used:
- Waypoints
- Robot arrays
- Robot loops
- Gripper open/close
- Wait for digital input
Start programming your FANUC machine tending cell »
UR5e Bin picking station
Equipped with a vision system and UR5e, this bin picking solution is capable of picking, inspecting and placing parts into a dedicated ‘inspected’ bin.
Components:
- UR5e
- Bin picking cart
- PhoXi 3D scanner
- OnRobot RG6 2-finger underactuated gripper
Robot programming features used:
- Waypoints
- Robot arrays
- Robot loops
- Gripper open/close
Start programming your UR5e Bin picking station »
