Date of Publication :8th January 2024

Abstract: Robotics virtual commissioning uses an automation simulation environment, rather than the physical robotics system, to test the system’s behaviour based on the actual control software. Robotics virtual commissioning is performed ahead of production-floor deployment and commissioning Intelligent robotic manufacturing cells must adapt to constantly changing running conditions, autonomously developing the best manufacturing strategies to achieve superior quality and productivity. This is carried out using distributed controllers, where complex control logic must interact and process various input/output signals. Specifically, coordination and integration between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and robot controllers are essential. To ease this, it is necessary to simulate the behaviour of robotic cells for performance verification and optimization, evaluating the impact of both PLC and robot control codes. This work proposes a method and its implementation into an inte grated tool that uses FANUC Roboguide software as a virtual prototyping platform for robotic cells. In this setup, real robot control codes are executed on a virtual controller and integrated with the PLC environment.
A PLC Smart Component was developed as an extension of Roboguide functionalities to enable signal exchange with a PLC. This new module allows for the virtual commissioning of an entire robotic cell, assessing the effects of control logic on overall productivity. The solution is shown in a robotic Welding cell, highlighting its feasibility and effectiveness in improving final performance.

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