Big Trends in Offline Programming Software for Robot

As technology advances, the industry is seeing many changes and enhancements to OLP. Let’s take a look at some of the future trends.

Versatility?

When manufacturing facilities first started to use robots, the robots were massive, cumbersome, and task-specific. One robot did the?welding, another the?grinding, and another the assembly. Repairing, updating, and resetting required significant production downtime, and the robots needed a large footprint to operate safely. They were costly, required skilled technicians to operate them, and were often out of reach for small and mid-sized manufacturing operations. Robots were chosen for the task, and it was not uncommon to have several different robot brands within the same manufacturing operation. That required programmers to be versed in several different programming languages, which complicated training, parts management, maintenance, and software updates.

Companies wanted an all-in-one solution that could integrate with existing hardware. Rather than a series of piecemealed solutions to get the ideal setup, manufacturers and integrators sought out an integrated solution that works with various applications, especially in a high-mix, low-volume operation. This is where Offline Programming (OLP) software originated. When properly designed, OLP software can communicate to any robot brand, even older models, making the robot cell more flexible, and able to switch tasks without production downtime. As advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) continue to push the capabilities of manufacturing technology, OLP software will continue to simplify and integrate robotic solutions. Companies that want to expand into new product areas can use OLP for programming, path creation, simulation, optimization, and validation.?

Flexible OLP software allows companies to customize a solution that incorporates specific elements unique to the manufacturing facility, while taking advantage of the knowledge of others who have come before. This trend of collective wisdom is likely to continue.?

Smart machines

As IIoT and machine learning become more sophisticated and user-friendly, users want robots with machine and robot intelligence embedded into the operating systems. Programming?a robot using a?conventional teach pendant is time-consuming, cumbersome, and subject to user error. Depending on the robot cell configuration, reaching all the points with the robot arm in teach mode can be?impractical, or even dangerous.

When using an OLP, all the programming can be completed?before the robot’s installation. The operation can be tested and issues resolved, so that installation and setup can be completed in a few hours or days rather than weeks. Program edits can be performed within the OLP software, rather than shutting down production to change points in teach mode on the pendant. The next function can be queued up while a current task is already in progress. With the right OLP and minimal training, anyone can program a robot, which is advantageous given skilled labor shortages.?

Another advantage of OLP is the ability to troubleshoot, upload, and program from anywhere through the IIoT using a computer or tablet. Rather than shutting down the production line to determine what is wrong, advanced troubleshooting data and reporting can help programmers solve the problem quickly without an in-person trip.?

Simple and Accessible

There are a few OLP solutions in the market, each with varying strengths. Robotmaster? Offline Robot Programming Software has always strived to create a powerful robot programming solution while being as user-friendly as possible. Each software element needs a purpose, and users should be able to approach and use it confidently, regardless of their robotics experience level. Users do not need to be a robotic or CAD/CAM expert to utilize OLP software.

One way to provide a positive user experience has been through the use of open/flexible architecture, which allows users to have the best of both worlds, providing the advantage of the standard features, while allowing some of the functionality to be customized to meet their unique challenges.?

Simulation?

One of the advantages of OLP and CAD is building, testing, tweaking, and training a robot virtually, before it is installed in the factory. Advances in augmented and virtual reality will continue to push the envelope, and OLP will need to keep pace. Singularities and joint limits can be identified and solved in the simulation environment before the robot is installed. Areas prone to kinematic errors can be anticipated and optimized in engineering the robot cell prior to installation.

For more info: https://www.roboticstomorrow.com/article/2021/11/big-trends-in-offline-programming-software-for-robot/17846