Offline software has been one of the biggest advancements of robotic technology. Offline software options for industrial robots fall under two categories, offline programming and offline simulation. Both of these allow for maximum productivity as they enable the planning, programming, and testing of a robotic system outside of the production environment. There are many offline software options available for industrial robots. Most robotic manufacturers have now developed their own offline software that is specifically designed for their articulated robots.
ABB’s RobotStudio is their offline software option designed to optimize the operation of their robots. RobotStudio combines both offline programming and offline simulation for the ultimate robotic implementation tool. This software enables users to program ABB robots through a PC outside of the production environment. Productivity and ROI are maximized by not disrupting operations during the planning and programming process. Users can complete training, programming, and testing without involving the actual six axis robot. Users can program the ABB IRB 2400 for an automated material handling application with RobotStudio without any downtime for productions.
Users can model, program, and simulate ABB robotic workcells with RobotStudio. This software features the ABB virtual controller, which is a virtual copy of their IRC5 controller. Users can program the ABB 4600-40/2.55 using an exact copy of the software used for ABB robots in production through their PC. This enables incredibly realistic simulation for the complete optimization of an ABB robot’s operation.
ABB’s RobotStudio provides several features including:
- • Virtual Meetings - This feature of RobotStudio allows for the sharing of virtual robot systems. Users can review designs and sales proposals all within a virtual web meeting.
- • Digital Twin - This feature allows for real-time simulation of the robotic system. Users can monitor, adjust, and optimize their robotic system through the creation of a virtual representation of their production environment. Users can test out different modifications for an automated welding application, creating the most efficient program before uploading to the ABB 1600.
- • Stop Position Simulation - Stop position simulation creates the optimal breaking distance for a robot. Featuring millisecond precision of robot stop positions for safer operation and reduced workcell footprints.
- • Augmented Reality - The augmented reality feature is a visualization tool that allows for the comparison between modelled robotic systems and real-life work environments through a holographic. A hologram is created by overlaying the modelled solution over a virtual representation of the production environment for the most realistic simulation.
- • Virtual Commissioning - This feature is beneficial for resolving technical issues before installation of the actual robotic workcell. The logic and safety of the workcell are fully tested virtually through connections to PLCs and other external devices.
Incorporating RobotStudio with your ABB robotic system can enhance your manufacturing process. Being able to plan your automation process prior to implementation reduces risk. Programming bugs can be resolved prior to going live with your robot. The installation and implementation of your ABB workcell will be streamlined, allowing for faster startups. Programming downtime is decreased since all programming, testing, and troubleshooting can be done outside of the production environment, increasing robot uptimes and productivity. Optimizing programming with RobotStudio will lead to increased robot accuracy and better product quality overall.