3HAC032104-001_revD_en

ABB Robotics

Operating manual

RobotStudio

Operating manual

RobotStudio

5.13

Document ID: 3HAC032104-001

Revision: D

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and should not be

construed as a commitment by ABB. ABB assumes no responsibility for any errors that

may appear in this manual.

Except as may be expressly stated anywhere in this manual, nothing herein shall be

construed as any kind of guarantee or warranty by ABB for losses, damages to persons

or property, fitness for a specific purpose or the like.

In no event shall ABB be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from

use of this manual and products described herein.

This manual and parts thereof must not be reproduced or copied without ABB's written

permission, and contents thereof must not be imparted to a third party nor be used for

any unauthorized purpose. Contravention will be prosecuted.

Additional copies of this manual may be obtained from ABB at its then current charge.

ABB AB

Robotics Products

SE-721 68 Västerås

Sweden

Table of Contents

33HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Product documentation, M2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1 Introduction 15

1.1 Terms and Concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.1.1 Hardware concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.1.2 RobotWare concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1.1.3 RAPID concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

1.1.4 Concepts of programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

1.1.5 Targets and paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

1.1.6 Coordinate systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

1.1.7 Robot axis configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

1.1.8 Libraries, geometries and CAD files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

1.1.9 VSTA as the IDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

1.2 Installing and Licensing RobotStudio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

1.3 The Graphical User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

1.3.1 The Graphical User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

1.3.2 The Getting Started window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

1.3.3 The Layout browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

1.3.4 The Paths & Targets browser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

1.3.5 The Modeling browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

1.3.6 The Offline and Online browsers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

1.3.7 The Output window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

1.3.8 The Operator Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

1.3.9 The Document Manager window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

1.3.10 Using a mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

1.3.11 Selecting an item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

1.3.12 Attaching and detaching objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

1.3.13 Keyboard shortcuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

2 How to build stations 61

2.1 Workflow for building a new station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

2.2 Setting up a conveyor tracking station with two robots working on the same conveyor . . . . . . . . 63

2.2.1 Two robot systems sharing the same task frame position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

2.2.2 Two robot systems having different task frame positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

2.3 Creating a system with external axes automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

2.4 Manually setting up a system with track motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

2.4.1 Setting up a system with track motion of type RTT or IRBTx003 manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

2.4.2 Setting up a system with track motion of type IRBTx004 manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

2.5 The VC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

2.5.1 Starting a VC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

2.5.2 Restarting a VC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

2.6 Station components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

2.6.1 Importing a station component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

2.6.2 Converting CAD formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

2.6.3 Troubleshooting and optimizing geometries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

2.7 Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

2.7.1 Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

2.7.2 Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

2.7.3 Tools and tooldata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

2.7.4 Setting the local origin of an object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

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4 3HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.8 Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

2.8.1 Placing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

2.8.2 Placing external axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

2.8.3 Placing robots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

3 How to program robots 91

3.1 Workflow for programming a robot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

3.2 Workobjects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

3.3 Jogging mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

3.4 Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

3.5 Paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

3.6 Orientations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

3.7 RAPID Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

3.8 Testing positions and motions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

3.9 Programming MultiMove systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

3.9.1 About programming MultiMove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

3.9.2 Setting up the MultiMove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

3.9.3 Testing the MultiMove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

3.9.4 Tuning the motion behavior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

3.9.5 Creating paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

3.9.6 Programming external axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

3.10 Loading and saving programs and modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

3.11 Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

3.12 Using the RAPID editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

4 How to simulate programs 125

4.1 Simulation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

4.2 Detecting collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

4.3 Creating an event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

4.4 Simulating I/O signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

4.5 Enabling simulation monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

4.6 Measuring process time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

5 Deployment and distribution 135

5.1 Copying programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

5.2 Pack & Go / Unpack & Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

5.3 Screen Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

6 Working online 139

6.1 Connecting a PC to the service port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

6.2 Network settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

6.3 User Authorization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

6.4 The System Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

6.4.1 System Builder Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

6.4.2 Viewing system properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

6.4.3 Building a new system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

6.4.4 Modifying a system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

6.4.5 Copying a system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

6.4.6 Creating a system from backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

6.4.7 Downloading a system to a controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

6.4.8 Creating boot media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

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53HAC032104-001 Revision: D

6.4.9 Examples using the System Builder Offline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

6.4.9.1 A MultiMove system with two coordinated robots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

6.4.9.2 A system with support for one robot and one positioner external axis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

6.4.9.3 Options settings for systems with positioners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

6.5 Handle I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

6.6 Configure systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

6.7 Handle events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

6.8 RAPID Watch Online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

7 The Application Menu 175

7.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

7.2 New Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

7.3 Screenshot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

7.4 Pack & Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

7.5 Unpack & Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

7.6 Station Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

7.7 RobotStudio Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

8 The Home Tab 189

8.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

8.2 ABB Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

8.3 Import Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

8.4 Robot System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

8.5 Import Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

8.6 Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

8.6.1 Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

8.6.2 Frame from Three Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

8.7 Workobject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

8.8 Tooldata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

8.9 Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

8.9.1 Teach Target. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

8.9.2 Create Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

8.9.3 Create Jointtarget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

8.9.4 Create Targets on Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

8.10 Empty Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

8.11 Path from Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

8.12 MultiMove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

8.13 Teach Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

8.14 Move Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

8.15 Action Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

8.16 Instruction Template Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

8.17 The Freehand Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

8.17.1 Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

8.17.2 Rotate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

8.17.3 Jog Joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

8.17.4 Jog Linear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

8.17.5 MultiRobot Jog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

8.18 Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

9 The Modeling Tab 233

9.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

9.2 Component Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

9.3 Empty Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

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9.4 Smart Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

9.4.1 Smart Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

9.4.2 Smart Component Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

9.4.3 The Compose tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

9.4.4 The Properties and Bindings tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

9.4.5 The Signals and Connections tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

9.4.6 The View tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

9.4.7 Basic Smart Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

9.4.8 Property Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

9.4.9 The Simulation Watch window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

9.5 Solid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

9.6 Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

9.7 Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

9.8 Border. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279

9.9 Intersect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

9.10 Subtract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282

9.11 Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

9.12 Extrude Surface or Curve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

9.13 Line from Normal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

9.14 The Measure Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

9.15 Create Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

9.16 Create Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

10 The Simulation Tab 295

10.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

10.2 Create Collision Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

10.3 Simulation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

10.4 Event Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

10.5 Station Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

10.6 Activate Mechanical Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

10.7 Simulation Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306

10.8 I/O Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

10.9 Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

10.10 Record Movie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310

10.11 Conveyor Tracking Mechanism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

10.11.1 Conveyor Tracking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

10.11.2 Conveyor Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312

11 The Online and Offline Tabs 313

11.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

11.2 Common features in Online and Offline tabs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

11.2.1 Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

11.2.2 RAPID editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

11.2.3 RAPID File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

11.2.3.1 New Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

11.2.3.2 Load Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

11.2.3.3 Save Module As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

11.2.3.4 Load Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321

11.2.3.5 Save Program As. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

11.2.4 Rapid Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

11.2.5 Inputs / Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

11.2.6 ScreenMaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

11.2.7 Restart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330

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11.2.8 Backup and Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

11.2.8.1 Backing up a system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

11.2.8.2 Restoring a system from backup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332

11.2.9 System Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

11.2.10 Configuration editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

11.2.11 Load Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

11.2.12 Save Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

11.2.13 Safety Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

11.3 Online specific features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

11.3.1 Add Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

11.3.2 Request Write Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

11.3.3 Release Write Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344

11.3.4 Authenticate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

11.3.5 File transfer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346

11.3.6 FlexPendant Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

11.3.7 Import Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

11.3.8 Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350

11.3.9 Go Offline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

11.3.10 User Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354

11.3.11 UAS Grant Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

11.4 Offline specific features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

11.4.1 Synchronize to Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

11.4.2 Synchronize to VC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364

11.4.3 Virtual FlexPendant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

11.4.4 Run Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

11.4.5 Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367

11.4.6 Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368

11.4.7 Set Task Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

11.4.8 System Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370

11.4.9 Encoder Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372

12 The Add-Ins Tab 373

12.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373

12.2 Visual Studio Tools for Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374

13 The Context Menus 375

13.1 Add to Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

13.2 Align Frame Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376

13.3 Align Target Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

13.4 Attach to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

13.5 Auto Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

13.6 Check Reachability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380

13.7 Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

13.8 Convert Frame to Workobject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

13.9 Convert to Move Circular. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383

13.10 Copy / Apply Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384

13.11 Detach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

13.12 Execute Move Instruction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

13.13 Graphic Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

13.14 Interpolate Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

13.15 Invert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

13.16 Jump to Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

13.17 Linked Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392

13.18 The Library Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

Table of Contents

8 3HAC032104-001 Revision: D

13.19 Mechanism Joint Jog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394

13.20 Mechanism Linear Jog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

13.21 Mirror Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

13.22 Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

13.23 Modify Curve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

13.24 Modify External Axis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

13.25 Modify Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

13.26 Modify Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

13.27 Modify Tooldata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

13.28 Modify Workobject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

13.29 Move Along Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409

13.30 Move to Pose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410

13.31 Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

13.32 Remove Unused Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414

13.33 Rename Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415

13.34 Reverse Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416

13.35 Rotate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417

13.36 Rotate Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418

13.37 Set Local Origin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419

13.38 Set Normal to Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420

13.39 Set Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

13.40 Tool Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422

13.41 Translate Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423

13.42 View Robot at Target. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424

13.43 View Tool at Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

14 The ScreenMaker tab 427

14.1 Introduction to ScreenMaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427

14.1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427

14.1.2 Development environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

14.2 Managing ScreenMaker projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441

14.2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441

14.2.2 Managing ScreenMaker projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442

14.2.3 Application variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452

14.2.4 Form designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

14.2.5 Data binding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459

14.2.6 Screen navigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464

14.3 Tutorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465

14.3.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465

14.3.2 Designing the FlexArc operator panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466

14.3.3 Designing the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469

14.3.4 Building and deploying the project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475

14.4 Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476

Index 483

Overview

93HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Overview

About this manual

This manual describes how to create, program and simulate robot cells and stations using

RobotStudio. For online programming, this manual describes how to supervise, install,

configure and program a real robot controller. Terms and concepts related to offline and

online programming are also explained.

RobotStudio offers the following installation options:

• Complete

• Custom, allowing user-customized contents and paths

• Minimal, running RobotStudio in Online mode only

Usage

This manual should be used when working with either the offline or online functions of

RobotStudio.

Who should read this manual?

This manual is intended for RobotStudio users, proposal engineers, mechanical designers,

offline programmers, robot technicians, service technicians, PLC programmers, Robot

programmers, and Robot System integrators.

Prerequisites

The reader should have basic knowledge of:

• Robot programming

• Generic Windows handling

• 3D CAD programs

Organization of chapters

The operating manual is structured in the following chapters:

Chapter Contents

1. Introduction Contains installation instructions, basic explanations of the

terms and concepts related to robotics and programming, and a

description of the GUI.

2. How to build

stations

Describes how to build stations in RobotStudio. This includes

importing and configuring the equipment to be simulated, as

well as testing the reachability for finding the optimal station

layout.

3. How to program

robots

Describes how to create robot movements, I/O signals, process

instructions and logics in a RAPID program for the robots. It also

describes how to run and test the program.

4. How to simulate

programs

Describes how to simulate and validate robot programs.

5. Deployment and

distribution

Describes how to transfer systems between RobotStudio’s

virtual controllers and real IRC5 controllers, how to copy

programs, how to package an active station for moving between

RobotStudio PCs, and how to capture a screen.

Continues on next page

Overview

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D10

References

6. Working online Covers the functionality of the Minimal Installation, describing

such online functions as building systems (with offline

examples), handling I/O and events, and configuring systems.

7. The Application

Describes the controls that can be accessed from the

RobotStudio button in the upper left corner of the GUI.

8. The Home Tab Describes the controls required for building stations, creating

systems, programming paths and placing items.

9. The Modeling Tab Describes the controls for creating and grouping components,

creating bodies, measurements and CAD operations.

10. The Simulation Tab Describes the controls for setting up, configuring, controlling,

monitoring, and recording simulations.

11. The Online and

Offline Tabs

Describes the controls in Online tab and Offline tab.

Online tab contains the controls for managing the real

controllers

Offline tab contains the controls for synchronization, configura-

tion and tasks assigned to the virtual controller (VC).

12. The Add-Ins Tab Describes the control for PowerPacs and the Visual Studio

Tools for Applications (VSTA).

13. The Context Menus Describes the options available from the context menus.

14. The ScreenMaker

tab

Describes the ScreenMaker development tool, how to manage

projects in ScreenMaker and the various menus and commands

used in the application.

Chapter Contents

Reference Document Id

Product manual - IRC5 3HAC021313-001

Operating manual - IRC5 with FlexPendant 3HAC16590-1

Technical reference manual - RAPID overview 3HAC16580-1

Technical reference manual - System parameters 3HAC17076-1

Application manual - MultiMove 3HAC021272-001

Application manual - Conveyor tracking 3HAC16587-1

Continued

Continues on next page

Overview

113HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Revisions

Revision Description

A First revision, called RobotStudio 2008, released for Partner Days. Tne

entire manual has been adapted to the new GUI, in which RobotStudio

On-

line

has been integrated.

B Released with RobotStudio 5.12.

The following updates were made in the manual:

• Conveyor Tracking on page 311

• Create Conveyor mechanism on page 287

• Conveyor Simulation on page 312

• Two robot systems sharing the same task frame position on page

• Two robot systems having different task frame positions on page

• Creating a system with external axes automatically on page 67

• Setting up a system with track motion of type RTT or IRBTx003

manually on page 69

• Setting up a system with track motion of type IRBTx004 manually

on page 70

• The Operator Window on page 45

• Station Viewer on page 180

• Recording the simulation on page 310

• Viewpoint on page 230

• Linked Geometry on page 392

C Released with RobotStudio 5.13.

• Merged chapters The Offline tab and The Online tab

• Added the missing information from RobotStudio Online manual.

• Integrated ScreenMaker. See ScreenMaker on page 328.

Added the following new sections:

• Smart Component on page 236

• The Simulation Watch window on page 266

• The Document Manager window on page 47

• Station Logic on page 304

• Simulation Setup on page 297

Updated the changes related to handling Task Frames.

• Updated Modifying Task frame on page 369.

• Added Placing robots on page 88.

• Updated Creating a system from layout on page 192.

D Released with RobotStudio 5.13.02

The ScreenMaker tutorial was updated. See Tutorial on page 465 .

Continued

Product documentation, M2004

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D12

Product documentation, M2004

Categories for manipulator documentation

The manipulator documentation is divided into a number of categories. This listing is based

on the type of information in the documents, regardless of whether the products are standard

or optional.

All documents listed can be ordered from ABB on a DVD. The documents listed are valid for

M2004 manipulator systems.

Product manuals

Manipulators, controllers, DressPack/SpotPack, and most other hardware will be delivered

with a Product manual that generally contains:

• Safety information.

• Installation and commissioning (descriptions of mechanical installation or electrical

connections).

• Maintenance (descriptions of all required preventive maintenance procedures

including intervals and expected life time of parts).

• Repair (descriptions of all recommended repair procedures including spare parts).

• Calibration.

• Decommissioning.

• Reference information (safety standards, unit conversions, screw joints, lists of tools ).

• Spare parts list with exploded views (or references to separate spare parts lists).

• Circuit diagrams (or references to circuit diagrams).

Technical reference manuals

The technical reference manuals describe the manipulator software in general and contain

relevant reference information.

• RAPID Overview: An overview of the RAPID programming language.

• RAPID Instructions, Functions and Data types: Description and syntax for all

RAPID instructions, functions, and data types.

• RAPID Kernel: A formal description of the RAPID programming language.

• System parameters: Description of system parameters and configuration workflows.

Continues on next page

Product documentation, M2004

133HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Application manuals

Specific applications (for example software or hardware options) are described in

Application manuals. An application manual can describe one or several applications.

An application manual generally contains information about:

• The purpose of the application (what it does and when it is useful).

• What is included (for example cables, I/O boards, RAPID instructions, system

parameters, CD with PC software).

• How to install included or required hardware.

• How to use the application.

• Examples of how to use the application.

Operating manuals

The operating manuals describe hands-on handling of the products. The manuals are aimed

at those having first-hand operational contact with the product, that is production cell

operators, programmers, and trouble shooters.

The group of manuals includes (among others):

• Emergency safety information

• General safety information

• Getting started, IRC5 and RobotStudio

• Introduction to RAPID

• IRC5 with FlexPendant

• RobotStudio

• Trouble shooting, for the controller and manipulator.

Continued

Safety

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D14

Safety

Safety of personnel

A robot is heavy and extremely powerful regardless of its speed. A pause or long stop in

movement can be followed by a fast hazardous movement. Even if a pattern of movement is

predicted, a change in operation can be triggered by an external signal resulting in an

unexpected movement.

Therefore, it is important that all safety regulations are followed when entering safeguarded

space.

Safety regulations

Before beginning work with the robot, make sure you are familiar with the safety regulations

described in the manual Operating manual - General safety information.

1 Introduction

1.1.1. Hardware concepts

153HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1 Introduction

1.1 Terms and Concepts

1.1.1. Hardware concepts

Overview

This section introduces the hardware in a typical IRC5 robot cell. For detailed explanations,

see the manuals related to IRC5 robots specified in References on page 10.

Standard hardware

The table below describes the standard hardware in an IRC5 robot cell.

Optional hardware

The table below describes the optional hardware for an IRC5 robot cell.

Hardware Explanation

Robot manipulator An ABB industrial robot.

Control module Contains the main computer that controls the motion of the

manipulator. This includes RAPID execution and signal

handling. One control module can be connected to 1 – 4 drive

modules.

Drive module A module containing the electronics that power the motors of a

manipulator. The drive module can contain up to nine drive

units, each controlling one manipulator joint. Since the standard

robot manipulators have six joints, you usually use one drive

module per robot manipulator.

FlexController The controller cabinet for the IRC5 robots. It consists of one

control module and one drive module for each robot manipulator

in the system.

FlexPendant The programming pendant, connected to the control module.

Programming on the FlexPendant is referred to as “online pro-

gramming”.

Tool A device usually mounted on the robot manipulator to allow it to

perform specific tasks, such as gripping, cutting or welding.

The tool can also be stationary, see below for more information.

Hardware Explanation

Track manipulator A moving stand holding the robot manipulator to give it a larger

work space. When the control module controls the motion of a

track manipulator, it is referred to as a “Track External Axis”.

Positioner manipulator A moving stand normally holding a work piece or a fixture. When

the control module controls the motion of a positioner manipula-

tor, it is referred to as an “External Axis”.

FlexPositioner A second robot manipulator acting as a positioner manipulator.

It is controlled by the same control module as the positioner

manipulator.

Stationary tool A device that stands in a fixed location. The robot manipulator

picks up the work piece and brings it to the device to perform

specific tasks, such as gluing, grinding or welding.

Work piece The product being worked on.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.1.1. Hardware concepts

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D16

Fixture A construction holding the work piece in a specific position so

that the repeatability of the production can be maintained.

Hardware Explanation

Continued

1 Introduction

1.1.2. RobotWare concepts

173HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.1.2. RobotWare concepts

Overview

This section introduces terminology regarding RobotWare. For detailed explanations, see the

manuals related to IRC5 robots specified in References on page 10.

RobotWare

The table below describes the RobotWare terminology and concepts that can be useful when

working with RobotStudio.

Concept Explanation

RobotWare As a concept, refers to both the software used to create a

RobotWare System and the RobotWare systems themselves.

RobotWare DVD Delivered with each control module. On the DVD you will find

the RobotWare installation and some other useful software.

Check the Release Notes on your DVD for specifications.

RobotWare installation When installing RobotWare on a PC, you install into the

mediapool the specific versions of the files from which

RobotStudio uses to create the RobotWare system.

When installing RobotStudio, only one version of RobotWare

will be installed. To simulate a specific RobotWare system, the

RobotWare version used for this particular RobotWare system

must be installed on your PC.

RobotWare Key Used when you create a new RobotWare system or upgrade an

existing system. The RobotWare keys unlock the RobotWare

options included in the system, and determine the RobotWare

version from which the RobotWare system will be built.

For IRC5 systems there are three types of RobotWare keys:

• The controller key, which specifies the controller and

software options.

• The drive keys, which specify the robots in the system.

The system has one drive key for each robot it uses.

• Additional option keys, which specify additional options,

like positioner external axes.

A virtual key allows you to select any RobotWare options you

wish, but a RobotWare system created from a virtual key can

only be used in a virtual environment such as RobotStudio.

RobotWare system A set of software files that, when loaded into a controller,

enables all functions, configurations, data and programs

controlling the robot system.

RobotWare systems are created in the RobotStudio software.

The systems can be stored and saved on a PC, as well as on

the control module.

RobotWare systems can be edited by RobotStudio or the Flex-

Pendant.

RobotWare version Each RobotWare is released with a major and a minor version

number, separated by a dot. The RobotWare version for IRC5 is

5.xx, where xx identifies the minor version.

When ABB releases a new robot model, a new RobotWare

version will be released with support for the new robot.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.1.2. RobotWare concepts

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D18

Mediapool The mediapool is a folder on the PC in which each RobotWare

version is stored in a folder of its own.

The files of the mediapool are used to create and implement all

the different RobotWare options. Therefore, the correct

RobotWare version must be installed in the mediapool when

creating RobotWare systems or running them on virtual control-

lers.

Concept Explanation

Continued

1 Introduction

1.1.3. RAPID concepts

193HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.1.3. RAPID concepts

Overview

This section introduces the basic terminology of RAPID. For detailed explanations, see the

manuals related to RAPID and programming specified in References on page 10.

Terminology of the RAPID structure

The table below describes the RAPID terminology that you may come across when working

with RobotStudio. The concepts are listed by size, from most basic to increasingly large.

Concept Explanation

Data declaration Used to create instances of variables or data types, like num or

tooldata.

Instruction The actual code commands that make something happen, for

example, setting data to a specific value or a robot motion.

Instructions can only be created inside a routine.

Move instructions Create the robot motions. They consist of a reference to a target

specified in a data declaration along with parameters that set

motion and process behavior. If inline targets are used, the

position is declared in the move instructions.

Action instruction Instructions that perform other actions than moving the robot,

such as setting data or sync properties.

Routine Usually a set of data declarations followed by a set of instruc-

tions implementing a task. Routines can be divided into three

categories: procedures, functions and trap routines.

Procedure A set of instructions that does not return a value.

Function A set of instructions that returns a value.

Trap A set of instructions that is triggered by an interrupt.

Module A set of data declarations followed by a set of routines. Modules

can be saved, loaded and copied as files. Modules are divided

into program modules and system modules.

Program module (.mod) Can be loaded and unloaded during execution.

System module (.sys) Used mainly for common system-specific data and routines, for

example, an arcware system module that is common for all arc

robots.

Program files (.pgf) In IRC5 a RAPID program is a collection of module files (.mod)

and the program file (.pgf.) that references all the module files.

When loading a program file, all old program modules are

replaced by those referenced in the .pgf file. System modules

are unaffected by program load.

1 Introduction

1.1.4. Concepts of programming

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D20

1.1.4. Concepts of programming

Overview

This section introduces the terminology regarding programming. For detailed explanations,

see the manuals related to programming and IRC5 Robots specified in References on page 10.

Programming concepts

The table below describes the terminology and concepts that are used in robot programming.

Concept Explanation

Online programming Programming connected to the control module. This expression

also implies using the robot to create positions and motion.

Offline programming Programming without being connected to the robot or the

control module.

True offline

programming

Refers to the ABB Robotics concept of connecting a simulation

environment to a virtual controller. This enables not only

program creation, but also program testing and optimizing

offline.

Virtual controller A software that emulates a FlexController to allow the same

software (the RobotWare system) that is controlling the robots

to run on a PC. This gives the same behavior of the robots

offline as you get online.

MultiMove Running multiple robot manipulators with the same control

module.

Coordinate systems Used to define positions and orientations. When programming a

robot, you can take advantage of using different coordinate

systems to more easily position objects relative to each other.

Frame A synonym for coordinate system.

Workobject calibration If all your targets refer to workobjects, you only need to calibrate

the workobjects when deploying offline programs.

1 Introduction

1.1.5. Targets and paths

213HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.1.5. Targets and paths

Overview

Targets (positions) and paths (sequences of move instructions to targets) are used when

programming robot motions in RobotStudio.

When you synchronize the RobotStudio station to the virtual controller, RAPID programs are

created from the paths.

Targets

A target is a coordinate that the robot shall reach. It contains the following information:

Targets are converted to instances of the data type robtarget when synchronized to the virtual

controller.

Paths

A sequence of move instructions, paths are used to make the robot move along a sequence of

targets.

Paths are converted to procedures when synchronized to the virtual controller.

Move instructions

A move instruction consists of:

• a reference to a target

• motion data, such as motion type, speed and zone

• a reference to a tooldata

• a workobject reference

Action instructions

An action instruction is a RAPID string that can be used for setting and changing parameters.

Action instructions can be inserted before, after or between instruction targets in paths.

Information Description

Position The position of the target, defined in a workobject coordinate

system, see Coordinate systems on page 22.

Orientation The orientation of the target, relative to the orientation of the

workobject. When the robot reaches the target, it will align the

TCP’s orientation with the target’s orientation, see Coordinate

systems on page 22.

Configuration Configuration values that specify how the robot shall reach the

target. For more information, see Robot axis configurations on

page 24.

1 Introduction

1.1.6. Coordinate systems

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D22

1.1.6. Coordinate systems

Overview

This section gives a short introduction to coordinate systems that are often used for offline

programming. In RobotStudio, you can use all coordinate systems described below, as well

as user-defined coordinate systems, for relating objects and elements to each other.

Hierarchy

The coordinate systems relate to each other hierarchically, where the origin of each

coordinate system is defined as a position in one of its ancestries. Below are descriptions of

commonly used coordinate systems, starting at the top of the hierarchy.

World coordinate system

The world coordinate system represents the entire station or robot cell. This is the top of the

hierarchy to which all other coordinate systems are related.

Task frame coordinate system

The task frame coordinate system is useful to define within a station or robot cell, in particular

with multiple robots or mechanisms. One task frame can coordinate the placement of several

mechanisms, whereas several task frames are suitable when working with MultiMove

Independent.

Base coordinate system

Each robot in the station has a base coordinate system, which is always located at the base of

the robot.

Tool Center Point coordinate system

The tool center point coordinate system, also called TCP, is the center point of the tool.

Several different TCPs may be defined for one robot. All robots have one predefined TCP at

the robot’s tool mounting point, called tool0.

When a program runs, the robot moves the TCP to the programed position.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.1.6. Coordinate systems

233HAC032104-001 Revision: D

WorkObject coordinate system

The workobject normally represents the physical work piece. It is composed of two

coordinate systems: the User frame and the Object frame, where the latter is a child to the

former. When programming a robot, all targets (positions) are related to the object frame of

a workobject. If no other workobject is specified, the targets will be related to the default

Wobj0, which always coincides with the base frame of the robot.

Using workobjects provides the chance to easily adjust robot programs with an offset, if the

location of the work piece has been changed. Thus, workobjects can be used for calibrating

offline programs. If the placement of the fixture/work piece relative to the robot in the real

station does not completely match the placement in the offline station, you simply adjust the

position of the workobject.

Workobjects are also used for coordinated motions. If a workobject is attached to a

mechanical unit (and the system uses the option for coordinated motions), the robot will find

the targets in the workobject even when the mechanical unit moves the workobject.

In the picture below the grey coordinate system is the world coordinate system, and the black

ones are the object frame and the user frame of the workobject. Here the user frame is

positioned at the table/fixture and the object frame at the workpiece.

xx0500001519

User Coordinate Systems

User Coordinate Systems (UCSs) are used for creating reference points of your choice. For

example, you can create UCSs at strategic points in the work piece to facilitate programming.

Continued

1 Introduction

1.1.7. Robot axis configurations

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D24

1.1.7. Robot axis configurations

Axis configurations

Targets are defined and stored as coordinates in a WorkObject coordinate system. When the

controller calculates the position of the robot axes for reaching the target, it will often find

more than one possible solution to configuring the robot axes.

xx0500002365

To distinguish between the different configurations, all targets have a configuration value that

specifies the quadrant in which each axis shall be located.

Storing axis configurations in targets

For targets that are taught after jogging the robot to the position, the used configuration will

be stored in the target.

Targets created by specifying or calculating positions and orientations get a default

configuration value (0,0,0,0), which might not be valid for reaching the target.

Common problems related to robot axis configurations

It is most likely that targets created by other ways than jogging cannot be reached at their

default configuration.

Even if all targets in a path have validated configurations, you might encounter problems

when running the path if the robot cannot move from one configuration to the other. This is

likely to occur where an axis shifts greater than 90 degrees during linear movements.

Repositioned targets keep their configuration, but the configurations are no longer validated.

As a result, the problems described above might occur when moving targets.

Common solutions for configuration problems

To resolve the problems described above, you can assign a valid configuration to each target

and verify that the robot can move along each path. You can also turn configuration

monitoring off, which means that you ignore the stored configurations and let the robot find

working configurations at runtime. If this is not done the proper way, you might get

unexpected results.

In some cases there might not be any working configurations. Possible solutions might then

be to reposition the work piece, reorient targets (if acceptable for the process) or add an

external axis that either moves the work piece or the robot for increasing reachability.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.1.7. Robot axis configurations

253HAC032104-001 Revision: D

How configurations are denoted

The robot’s axis configurations are denoted by a series of four integers, specifying in which

quadrant of a full revolution significant axes are located. The quadrants are numbered from

zero for positive (counterclockwise) rotation and from -1 for negative (clockwise) rotation.

For a linear axis, the integer specifies the range (in meters) from the neutral position in which

the axis is located.

A configuration for a six-axis industrial robot (like IRB 140) may look like:

[0 -1 2 1]

The first integer (0) specifies the position of axis 1: somewhere in the first positive quadrant

(between 0 and 90 degrees rotation).

The second integer (-1) specifies the position of axis 4: somewhere in the first negative

quadrant (between 0 and -90 degrees rotation).

The third integer (2) specifies the position of axis 6: somewhere in the third positive quadrant

(between 180 and 270 degrees rotation).

The fourth integer (1) specifies the position of axis x, a virtual axis used for specifying the

wrist center in relation to other axes.

Configuration monitoring

When executing a robot program, you can choose whether to monitor configuration values.

If configuration monitoring is turned off, configuration values stored with the targets are

ignored, and the robot will use the configuration closest its current configuration for reaching

the target. If turned on, it will only use the specified configuration for reaching the targets.

Configuration monitoring can be turned off and on for joint and linear movements

independently and is controlled by the ConfJ and ConfL action instructions.

Turning configuration monitoring off

Running a program without configuration monitoring may result in different configurations

each time a cycle is executed: When the robot returns to the start position after completing a

cycle, it may choose a different configuration then the original.

For programs with linear move instructions this might cause a situation where the robot gets

closer and closer its joint limits and eventually will not be able to reach the target.

For programs with joint move instructions this might cause sweeping, unpredictable

movements.

Turning configuration monitoring on

Running a program with configuration monitoring forces the robot to use the configurations

stored with the targets. This results in predictable cycles and predictable motions. In some

situations, however, like when the robot moves to a target from an unknown position, using

configuration monitoring may limit the robot’s reachability.

When programming offline, you must assign a configuration to each target if the program

shall be executed with configuration monitoring.

Continued

1 Introduction

1.1.8. Libraries, geometries and CAD files

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D26

1.1.8. Libraries, geometries and CAD files

Overview

For programming or simulating in RobotStudio, you need models of your work pieces and

equipment. Models for some standard equipment are installed as libraries or geometries with

RobotStudio. If you have CAD models of your work pieces and custom equipment, these can

be imported as geometries to RobotStudio. If you do not have CAD models, you can create

them in RobotStudio.

Difference between geometries and libraries

The objects you import to a station can be either geometries or libraries.

Geometries are basically CAD files, which, when imported, are copied to the RobotStudio

station.

Libraries are objects that have been saved in RobotStudio as external files. When you import

a library, a link from the station to the library file is created. Accordingly, the station file does

not grow in the same way as when importing geometries. Furthermore, besides the

geometrical data, library files can contain RobotStudio-specific data. For example, if a tool is

saved as a library, the tool data is saved together with the CAD data.

How geometries are constructed

An imported geometry is displayed as one part in the Objects browser. From RobotStudio’s

Modeling tab, you can see the components of the geometry.

The top node of the geometry is called a Part. The part contains Bodies, which can be of the

types solid, surface or curve.

Solid bodies are 3D objects, made up of Faces. You recognize a true 3D solid by this one

body containing multiple faces.

Surface bodies are 2D objects of just one face. A part that contains several bodies with one

face each that together constitute a 3D object is created from 2D surfaces, and is therefore not

a true 3D solid. If these parts are not created correctly, they might cause problems both in their

display and graphical programming. see Troubleshooting and optimizing geometries on page

78.

Curved bodies, represented by the body node alone in the Modeling browser, do not contain

any child nodes.

From the Modeling tab, you can edit the parts by adding, moving, rearranging or deleting

bodies. Thus, you can optimize existing parts by removing unnecessary bodies, as well as

create new parts by grouping bodies.

Importing and converting CAD files

For importing geometries from single CAD files, you use RobotStudio’s import function, see

Importing a station component on page 75.

If you need to convert CAD files to other formats or want to change the default settings for

the conversion before making the import, you can use the CAD converter installed with

RobotStudio before making the import, see Converting CAD formats on page 77.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.1.8. Libraries, geometries and CAD files

273HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Supported CAD formats

Some of the CAD formats require a separate license for being imported or converted by

RobotStudio. The table below shows the supported CAD formats and whether a license is

required:

You need licenses for both the source format and the target format when converting licensed

formats.

Format File extensions

License require-

ment

Default target

formats

Acis, reads/writes

versions v6 to R20

sat No Iges, Step, Vdafs

Iges, reads to version

5.3, writes version 5.3

igs, iges Yes Acis, Step, Vdafs

Step, reads versions

AP203 and AP214

(geometry only),

writes version AP 214

stp, step, p21 Yes Acis, Step, Vdafs

Vdafs, reads to 2.0,

writes 2.0

vda, vdafs Yes Acis, Iges, Step

Catia V4, reads

versions 4.1.9 to

4.2.4

model, exp Yes Acis, Iges, Step,

Vdafs

Catia V5, reads

versions R2 - R19

CATPart,

CATProduct

Yes Acis, Iges, Step,

Vdafs

Pro/Engineer, reads

versions 16 to

Wildfire3

prt, asm Yes Acis, Iges, Step,

Vdafs

Inventor, reads

versions 6 to 2010

ipt Yes Acis, Iges, Step,

Vdafs

Vrml wrl, vrml,vrml1, vrml2 No RsGfx

Jupiter, up to 6.4 jt No RsGfx

STL stl No RsGfx

PLY ply No RsGfx

3DStudio 3ds No RsGfx

Continued

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.1.8. Libraries, geometries and CAD files

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D28

Mathematical versus graphical geometries

A geometry in a CAD file always has an underlying mathematical representation. Its

graphical representation, displayed in the graphics window, is generated from the

mathematical representation when the geometry is imported to RobotStudio, after which the

geometry is referred to as a part.

For this kind of geometry, you can set the detail level of the graphical representation, thus

reducing the file size and rendering time for large models and improving the visual display

for small models you might want to zoom in on. The detail level only affects the visual

display; paths and curves created from the model will be accurate both with coarse and fine

settings.

A part can also be imported from a file that simply defines its graphical representation; in this

case, there is no underlying mathematical representation. Some of the functions in

RobotStudio,such as snap mode and creation of curves from the geometry, will not work with

this kind of part.

To customize the detail level settings, see RobotStudio Options on page 182.

Continued

1 Introduction

1.1.9. VSTA as the IDE

293HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.1.9. VSTA as the IDE

Overview

RobotStudio uses Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications (VSTA) as its Integrated

Development Environment (IDE), enabling advanced users to extend and customize its

functionality. You can, for example, write an add-in in C# or VB.Net to create a toolbar or

macro, debug code or inspect variable values during execution.

In addition, the Add-In browser acts as a single window for both VSTA add-ins and non-

VSTA, RobotStudio-specific add-ins known as PowerPacs.

For a procedure, see Visual Studio Tools for Applications on page 374.

Types of add-ins

The following add-ins may be available in the Add-In browser:

Using the shortcut menus of the Add-In browser, PowerPacs may be loaded or autoloaded,

while VSTA add-ins may be added, loaded, unloaded, reloaded, autoloaded, edited, deleted,

or removed from the station.

Object Description

PowerPac An add-in that accords with RobotStudio specifications, but is

not part of the VSTA system itself.

VSTA Station Add-In A VSTA add-in that has been attached to a station, and saved

to the station file.

VSTA User Add-In A VSTA add-in that has not been attached to a station and is

active only on the current user’s computer.

1 Introduction

1.2. Installing and Licensing RobotStudio

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D30

1.2. Installing and Licensing RobotStudio

Installing RobotStudio

NOTE! You should have administrator privileges on the PC before installing RobotStudio.

RobotStudio is categorized into the following two feature levels:

• Basic - Offers selected RobotStudio functionality to configure, program, and run a

virtual controller. It also includes online features for programming, configuring, and

monitoring a real controller connected over Ethernet.

• Premium - Offers full RobotStudio functionality for offline programming and

simulation of multiple robots. The Premium level includes the features of the Basic

level and requires activation.

In addition to the Premium functionality, there are add-ins like PowerPacs and options for

CAD converters available.

• PowerPacs provides enhanced features for selected applications.

• Options for CAD converters allows import of different CAD formats.

RobotStudio offers the following installation options:

• Minimal - Installs only the features required to program, configure, and monitor a real

controller connected over Ethernet. If installed with this option, only the Online tab is

available.

• Complete - Installs all the features required to run the complete RobotStudio. If

installed with this option, additional features of Basic and Premium functionality are

available.

• Custom - Installs user-customized features. This option allows excluding unwanted

robot libraries and CAD converters.

How to install RobotStudio on a PC

Action

1. Insert the robot software DVD in the PC.

• If a menu for the DVD is opened automatically, continue with step 5.

• If no menu for the DVD is opened, continue with step 2.

2. On the Start menu, click Run.

3. In the Open box, type the drive letter for your DVD drive followed by:

:\launch.exe

If your DVD drive has the letter D, then type: D:\launch.exe

4. Click OK.

5. Select language for the DVD menu.

6. On the DVD menu, click Install.

7. On the installation menu, click RobotStudio. This opens the installation wizard, which

guides you through the rest of the software installation.

8. Select the options Minimal, Complete, or Custom and follow the instructions in the

installation wizard.

9. Now, install RobotWare.

On the installation menu, click RobotWare. This opens an installation wizard, which

guides you through the rest of the RobotWare installation.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.2. Installing and Licensing RobotStudio

313HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Activate RobotStudio

To continue using the product with all of its features, you must activate it. RobotStudio

Product Activation is based on Microsoft anti-piracy technology and designed to verify that

software products are legitimately licensed.

Activation works by verifying that the Activation Key is not in use on more personal

computers than are permitted by the software license.

How do I activate RobotStudio?

When you start RobotStudio for the first time after installation, you are prompted to enter

your 25-digit Activation Key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx).

Trial period

Before entering a valid Activation Key, you can run the software, in Premium functionality

mode, with all the features enabled, for a trial period of up to 30 days.

NOTE! Trial period starts immediately after installation.

After entering a valid Activation Key, you will see only the features you have purchased.

NOTE ! If installed during the trial period, you will lose the trial period.

Basic Functionality mode

After the trial period, the software reverts to Reduced Functionality mode unless you have

entered a valid Activation Key. In Basic functionality mode, RobotStudio allows only the use

of the Online and basic Virtual Controller features. No existing files or stations are harmed in

Reduced Functionality mode. After activating your software, you will have full functionality

for the features you have purchased.

NOTE!

Activation is not required for the Online features for programming, configuring, and

monitoring a real controller connected over Ethernet.

10. NOTE! Steps 10 and 11 are optional. Proceed with installing the Track mediapool.

On the Install products menu, click Additional Options. This opens a file browser that

displays the Track mediapool installation and other available options.

11. Double-click the TrackMotion folder and then the file setup.exe to start the installation

wizard and proceed.

12. After installing RobotStudio, proceed with activating RobotStudio.

NOTE! RobotStudio works with Premium functionality without activation during a 30

days trial period. Activation is not required for Minimal installation, or for Basic function-

ality of the Complete or Custom installation.

Action

Continued

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.2. Installing and Licensing RobotStudio

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D32

Activate automatically over the Internet or manually

The Activation Wizard gives you two choices on how to proceed.

Automatic activation by using the Internet (recommended)

Once you have selected the option I want to activate RobotStudio over the Internet, the

Activation Wizard automatically contacts the ABB licensing servers over your Internet

connection. If you are using a valid Activation Key that has not exceeded the number of

installations allowed, your product is activated immediately.

When you activate over the Internet, your activation request is sent to ABB. Your license will

then be automatically installed and your product ready for use. If you choose to activate over

the Internet but are not currently connected, the wizard alerts you that there is no connection.

Manual activation

If the computer does not have an Internet connection, you must create a license file by

selecting the option Create a license request file. Proceed through the wizard, enter your

Activation Key and save the License Request File to your computer. Use a removable

medium, such as a USB stick or floppy disk, to transfer the file to a computer with an Internet

connection. Open a web browser, go to http://www101.abb.com/manualactivation/and follow

the instructions. The result will be a License File that should be saved and transferred back to

the computer holding your product. Relaunch the Activation Wizard and select the option

Install a license file. Proceed through the wizard, selecting the License File when requested.

Upon completion, RobotStudio is activated and ready for use.

How do I activate later?

If you do not want to activate your copy of the software at installation, you can do so later.

The following steps will launch the Activation Wizard.

If you have a problem with your activation, contact your local ABB customer support

representative at the e-mail address or telephone number provided at www.abb.com/robotics.

Which RobotStudio version is installed?

The version number of RobotStudio is displayed on the start page that appears when

RobotStudio is started.

How can I tell if my RobotStudio installation is activated?

Action

1. Click the RobotStudio Button, and then click RobotStudio Options and select

Licensing.

2. Click Activation wizard to launch the activation wizard.

3. If the RobotStudio installation is activated, you will have valid licenses for the features

covered by your subscription.

Action

1. Click the RobotStudio Button, and then click RobotStudio Options and select

Licensing.

2. Click View Installed License Keys to see the status of your current license.

3. If the RobotStudio installation is activated, you will have valid licenses for the features

covered by your subscription.

Continued

1 Introduction

1.3.1. The Graphical User Interface

333HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.3 The Graphical User Interface

1.3.1. The Graphical User Interface

Overview

This section provides an introduction to the diffrent parts of the Graphical User Interface.

en0900000215

Parts Description

1 Application menu Accessed from the RobotStudio button in the upper left

corner of the GUI. For more information, see The

Application Menu on page 175.

2 Home tab Contains the controls required for building stations, creating

systems, programming paths and placing items. For more

information, see The Home Tab on page 189.

3 Modeling tab Contains the controls for creating and grouping

components, creating bodies, measurements and CAD

operations. For more information, see The Modeling Tab on

page 233.

4 Simulation tab Contains the controls for setting up, configuring, controlling,

monitoring and recording simulations. For more informa-

tion, see The Simulation Tab on page 295.

5 Offline tab Contains the controls for synchronization, configuration and

tasks assigned to the Virtual Controller (VC). For more infor-

mation, see The Online and Offline Tabs on page 313.

6 Online tab Contains the controls for managing the real controller. For

more information, see The Online and Offline Tabs on page

313.

7 Add-Ins tab Contains the control for PowerPacs and the VSTA. For

more information, see The Add-Ins Tab on page 373.

1 Introduction

1.3.2. The Getting Started window

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D34

1.3.2. The Getting Started window

Overview

The Getting Started window contains the following tabs:

Tab Description

Recent Stations

Offline

Use this tab to open recent stations (which are previewed), a

new station or any saved station.

Recent Controllers

Online

Use this tab to open a recent controller, connect to a controller

with one click or add a controller.

Information Use this tab to access help files, browse tutorials, connect to the

online community, manage your licenses or browse

RobotStudio news.

1 Introduction

1.3.3. The Layout browser

353HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.3.3. The Layout browser

Overview

The layout browser is a hierarchical display of physical items, such as robots and tools.

Icons

Icon Node Description

xx0500001364

Robot The robot in the station. The red lock in the lower

right corner of the icon indicates that the object is

connected to a library.

xx0500001365

Tool A tool.

xx0500001366

Link collection Contains all the links of the objects.

xx0500001367

Link A physical object in a joint connection. Each link

is made up of one or several parts.

xx0500001478

Frames Contains all the frames for an object.

xx0500001368

Component group A grouping of parts or other assemblies, carrying

its own coordinate systems. It is used to structure

a station.

xx0500001369

Part A physical object in RobotStudio. Parts with

geometric information are made up of one or

more 2D or 3D entities. Parts without geometric

information (such as imported .jt files) are empty.

xx0500001370

Collision set Contains all collision sets. Each collision set

includes two groups of objects.

xx0500001371

Objects group Contains references to the objects that are

subject to collision detection.

xx0500001479

Collision set

mechanisms

The objects in the collision set.

xx0500001372

Frame The frames in the station.

1 Introduction

1.3.4. The Paths & Targets browser

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D36

1.3.4. The Paths & Targets browser

Overview

The paths & targets browser is a hierarchical display of non-physical items.

Icons

Icon Node Description

xx0500001373

Station Your station in RobotStudio.

xx0500001374

Virtual Controller The system for controlling the robots, just like a

real IRC5 controller.

xx0500001375

Task Contains all logical elements in the station, such

as targets, paths, workobjects, tooldata and

instructions.

xx0500001376

Tooldata Collection Contains all tooldata.

xx0500001471

Tooldata A tooldata for a robot or a task.

xx0500001377

Workobjects & Targets Contains all workobjects and targets for the task

or robot.

xx0500001477

Jointtarget Collection

and Jointtarget

A specified position of the robot axes.

xx0500001378

Workobject Collection

and Workobject

The workobject collection node and the

workobjects it contains.

xx0500001379

Target A defined position and rotation for a robot. A

target equals a RobTarget in a RAPID program.

xx0500001849

Target without assigned

configuration

A target for which no axis configuration has been

assigned, for example, a repositioned target or a

new target created by means other than

teaching.

xx0500001850

Target without found con-

figuration

An unreachable target, that is, for which no axis

configuration has been found.

xx0500001380

Path Collection Contains all paths in the station.

Continues on next page

1 Introduction

1.3.4. The Paths & Targets browser

373HAC032104-001 Revision: D

xx0500001381

Path Contains the instructions for the robot

movements.

xx0500001474

Linear Move Instruction A linear TCP motion to a target. If the target has

no valid configuration assigned, the move

instruction gets the same warning symbols as the

target.

xx0500001851

Joint Move Instruction A joint motion to a target. If the target has no valid

configuration assigned, the move instruction gets

the same warning symbols as the target.

xx0500001475

Action Instruction Defines an action for the robot to perform at a

specified location in a path.

Icon Node Description

Continued

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1.3.5. The Modeling browser

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1.3.5. The Modeling browser

Overview

The modeling browser is a display of editable objects and their building blocks.

Icons

Icon Node Description

xx0600002704

Part Geometric items corresponding to the objects in

the Layout browser.

xx0600002705

Body Geometric building blocks that comprise the

parts. 3D bodies contain several faces, 2D bodies

one face, and curves no faces.

xx0600002706

Face The faces of the bodies.

1 Introduction

1.3.6. The Offline and Online browsers

393HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.3.6. The Offline and Online browsers

Overview

The offline and online browsers is a hierarchical display of controller and configuration

elements.

Icons

Icon Node Description

xx0300000026

Controllers Contains the controllers that are connected to the Robot

View.

xx0300000027

Connected Controller Represents a controller with a working connection.

xx0400000677

Connecting Controller Represents a controller which is currently being connected.

xx0300000028

Disconnected Controller Represents a controller that has lost its connection. It might

have been turned off or disconnected from the network.

xx0600003287

Denied login Represent a controller that denies you access to login.

Possible reasons for denied access:

• The user lacks grant to login

• Too many clients connected to the controller

• The RobotWare version of the system running on the

controller is newer than the version of RobotStudio

Online

xx0300000029

Configuration Contains the configuration topics.

xx0300000030

Topic Each parameter topic is represented by a node:

• Communication

• Controller

• I/O

• Man-machine communication

• Motion

xx0300000037

Event Log With the Event Log you can view and save controller events.

xx0300000434

I/O System Represents the controller I/O system. The I/O system

consists of I/O buses and units.

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1 Introduction

1.3.6. The Offline and Online browsers

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D40

xx0300000433

I/O Bus An I/O bus is a connector for one or several I/O units.

xx0300000432

I/O Unit An I/O Unit is a board, panel or any other device with ports

through which the I/O signals are sent.

xx0300000031

RAPID Tasks Contains the active tasks (programs) of the controller.

xx0300000032

Task A task is a robot program, which executes alone or together

with other programs. A program is composed of a set of

modules.

xx0300000431

Modules A container for either program modules or system modules.

xx0300000430

Program Module A program module contains a set of data declarations and

routines for a specific task. Program modules contains data

specific for this program.

xx0300000428

System Module A system module contains a set of type definitions, data dec-

larations and routines. System modules contains data that

applies to the robot system, regardless which program

modules that are loaded.

Encrypted Module A module that is locked for editing and viewing.

Nostepin Module A module that cannot be entered during step-by-step

execution. That is all instructions in the module are treated

as one if the program is executed step-by-step.

xx0300000429

Procedure A routine that does not return any value. Procedures are

used as subprograms.

xx0300000034

Function A routine that returns a value of a specific type.

xx0300000036

Trap A routine that provides a means of responding to interrupts.

xx0300000039

Documents Folder Folder for links to documents and files.

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1 Introduction

1.3.6. The Offline and Online browsers

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xx0300000038

Document Link Link to a document. The icon for the document is the same

as the Window icon for the document type.

Continued

1 Introduction

1.3.7. The Output window

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D42

1.3.7. The Output window

Overview

The output window displays information about events that occur in the station, such as when

simulations are started or stopped. This information is useful when troubleshooting stations.

Layout of the Output tab

The Output tab contains two columns: the first states the event, the second the time the

message was generated. Each row is a message.

Event types

The three event types indicate the severity of the event:

Some of the events are active. These are linked to an action for resolving the problem that

generated the event. To activate the linked action, double-click the message.

Handling messages in the Output window

Event type Description

Information An information message is a normal system event, for example,

starting and stopping programs, changing the operational

mode, and turning motors on and off.

Information messages never require an action from you. They

can be useful for tracking errors, collecting statistics or

monitoring user-triggered event routines.

Warning A warning is an event of which you should be aware, but it is not

so severe that the process or RAPID program needs to be

stopped.

Warnings must occasionally be acknowledged. Warnings often

indicate underlying problems that at some point will need to be

resolved.

Error An error is an event that prevents the robot system from

proceeding. The running process or RAPID program cannot

continue and will be stopped.

An error must occasionally be acknowledged. Some errors

require some immediate action from you in order to be resolved.

Double-click an error to display a detailed information box.

Goal Procedure

To filter messages... Right-click in the Output window and then click Show

messages. From the options All Errors, information,

Warningsand Warnings and Errors, select the type of

messages you want to display.

To save a message to file... Select it, right-click and then click Save to file. Choose a name

and location in the dialog box. Multiple messages can be

selected by pressing SHIFT while clicking each.

To clear the Output

window...

Right-click in the Output window and then click Clear.

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1 Introduction

1.3.7. The Output window

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The Controller tab

The controller status window shows the operational status of the controllers in your robot

view.

1. The System Name column

This column shows the name of the system that is running on the controller.

2. The Controller Name column

This column shows the name of the controller.

3. The Controller State column

This column shows the state of the controller:

4. The Program Execution State column

This column shows if the robot is running any program or not:

5. The Operating Mode column

This column shows the operating mode of the controller:

When the controller is

in state...

the robot is...

Initializing starting up. It will shift to state motors off when it has started.

Motors off in a standby state where there is no power to the robot's

motors. The state has to be shifted to motors on before the robot

can move.

Motors on ready to move, either by jogging or by running programs.

Guard Stop stopped because the safety runchain is opened. For instance, a

door to the robot's cell might be open.

Emergency Stop stopped because emergency stop was activated.

Waiting for motors on after

e-stop

ready to leave emergency stop state. The emergency stop is no

longer activated, but the state transition isn't yet confirmed.

System Failure in a system failure state. A warm start is required.

When the controller is

in state...

the robot...

Running is running a program.

Ready has a program loaded and is ready to run it when a PP (starting

point in the program) has been set.

Stopped has a program loaded, with a PP, and is ready to run it.

Uninitialized has not initialized the program memory. This indicates an error

condition.

When the controller

is in mode...

the robot is...

Initializing starting up. It will shift to the mode selected on the controllers

cabinet when it has started.

Auto ready to run programs in production.

In Auto mode it is possible to get remote Write access to the

controller, which is necessary for editing programs, configurations

and other things with RobotStudio Online.

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1.3.7. The Output window

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D44

6. The Logged on as column

This column shows the user name the PC is logged on to the controller with.

7. The Access column

This column shows who has write access to the controller, or if it is available.

Manual only able to move if the enabling device on the FlexPendant is

activated. Furthermore, the robot can only moved with reduced

speed in manual mode.

In manual mode it is not possible to get remote Write access to

the controller, unless it is configured for this and the remote Write

access granted on the FlexPendant.

Manual full speed only able to move if the enabling device on the FlexPendant is

activated.

In manual mode it is not possible to get remote Write access to the

controller, unless it is configured for this and the remote Write

access granted on the FlexPendant.

Waiting for acknowledge about to enter Auto mode, but the mode transition has not yet been

acknowledged.

When the controller

is in mode...

the robot is...

Continued

1 Introduction

1.3.8. The Operator Window

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1.3.8. The Operator Window

Overview

Operator Window is an alternative to the corresponding feature in the Virtual FlexPendant for

communicating with the user during RAPID program execution. It displays the same output

as displayed on the Virtual FlexPendant Operator Window.

When running in a Virtual Controller, the RAPID program communicates with the operator

via messages on the FlexPendant screen. The Operator Window integrates this functionality

and allows the user to run interactive RAPID programs without starting the Virtual

FlexPendant.

Enabling Operator Window

To enable an operator window:

1. On the Application menu, click RobotStudio Options.

2. On the Navigation pane to the left, select Robotics:Virtual Controller.

3. On the Virtual Controller page to the right, select Show virtual Operator Window

option.

4. Click Apply.

NOTE!

When the Show virtual Operator Window feature is enabled, an Operator Window is

automatically created for each controller in the station. By default, the window is located in

the tab area below the graphics window.

RAPID Instructions

List of RAPID instructions supported by the Operator Window:

• TPErase

• TPReadFK

• TPReadNum

• TPWrite

• UIAlphaEntry

• UIMsgBox

• UINumEntry

NOTE! When these instructions are executed, the behavior is similar to that of Virtual

FlexPendant.

List of RAPID instructions not supported by the Operator Window:

• TPShow

• UIShow

• UINumTune

• UIListView

NOTE! When these instructions are executed, an error message is displayed in the Operator

Window prompting you to use the Virtual Flexpendant instead.

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1.3.8. The Operator Window

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NOTE!

You should not run both the Virtual Flexpendant and Operator Window simultaneously.

Continued

1 Introduction

1.3.9. The Document Manager window

473HAC032104-001 Revision: D

1.3.9. The Document Manager window

Overview

The Document Manager window allows you to search and browse the RobotStudio

documents like libraries, geometry and so on in large numbers and from different locations.

Opening a Document Manager window

1. On the Home tab, click Import Library and select Documents from the dropdown

menu.

The Documents window appears.

Layout of the Document Manager window

The Documents window is a docked area that by default takes the right-hand corner. The

upper part of the window contains controls for searching and browsing the document

locations. The lower part consists of a list view that displays the documents and folders and

a status area.

Control Description

Search Allows to search for keywords or query. See Using the Search

mode on page 48.

Browse Displays a folder structure of the document locations. See Using

the Browse mode on page 50.

Location Allows to configure the document location. See Document

Locations window on page 52.

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1.3.9. The Document Manager window

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D48

Using the Search mode

1. Select Search and enter a query or syntax in the text box.

For more information about the available syntaxes, see Search syntax on page 48.

NOTE!

The dropdown list contains the search history of the previous ten queries between

sessions.

2. Click the Expand button to access additional controls.

This allows you to specify if the search should cover all the enabled locations or one

specific location.

3. Select Search in results check box to search for the resulting documents of the previous

search.

NOTE!

The search is performed automatically, after you stop typing in the text box or manually,

by clicking the glass icon. During the search, this icon is changed to a cross and clicking

this cancels the search operation.

Search syntax

The search field supports certain keywords and operators which allows you to specify an

advanced search query.

NOTE! Keywords are not localised.

The following table displays the keywords that specifies an advanced search query:

Keywords Description

filename matches the filename of the documents.

title matches the title field of the document metadata.

type matches the type field of the document metadata.

For library (.rslib) files, this is a user-defined string. For

example, Robot.

For other files, this is the Windows description of the file type.

For example, Text Document.

author matches the author field of the document metadata.

comments matches the comment field of the document metadata.

revision matches the revision field of the document metadata.

date matches the last time the file was modified.

For the colon operator, the match is done against a string repre-

sentation of the modified date.

For other operators, the search string should interpret as a date

according to .NET standards.

size matches the file size (in KB).

and, or, parentheses (), not used to group or invert queries.

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The following table displays the operators that specifies an advanced search query

NOTE!

• Quotation marks can be used to specify a string with whitespace. An empty string is

specified by "".

• All search strings are case insensitive.

• Text without a preceding keyword is matched against the filename and all metadata.

• If queries are specified without a grouping keyword, "and" is implied.

• Some metadata (title, author, comments and revision) is not available for all file types.

Examples

• 1400 - Matches documents with the string 1400 in the filename or any metadata.

• not author:ABB - Matches documents where the author field does not contain the

string ABB.

• size>1000 and date<1/2009 - Matches documents larger than 1000KB and modified

before 1/1/2009.

• IRBP comments="ABB Internal" - Matches documents with the string IRBP in the

filename or any metadata, and where the comment field equals ABB Internal.

Operator Description

: matches if the field contains the search string.

= matches if the field equals the search string.

< matches if the field is smaller than the search string.

> matches if the field is greater than the search string.

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1.3.9. The Document Manager window

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D50

Using the Browse mode

1. Select Browse from the Document Manager window.

A folder structure of the document location is displayed.

NOTE!

The top level of the folder structure lists the configured locations. If a location is

unavailable (for example, an offline network path) it is marked as Unavailable and cannot

be opened. The text box displays the path of the current folder relative to the location root.

2. You can open a folder in either of the two ways:

• Double-click the document location.

• Right-click the document location and select Open from the context menu.

3. You can navigate through the folders in either of the two ways:

• Click the folder icon at the top-right corner.

• Select the parent folder from the dropdown list.

4. Click Refresh icon in the text box to manually refresh the contents of the folder.

NOTE!

The refresh operation can be time consuming, if a folder resides in a network location or

contains many documents. During this time, the refresh icon changes to a cross icon

allowing you to cancel the operation.

Results view

In the Browse mode, items are grouped into folders and documents. The resulting folders and

documents are displayed in a list view.

The search result appears in the status bar at the bottom, displaying the number of items

found, and progress made during the search. The Search results are grouped beneath headers

according to their location.

Each document is represented by an image, the document title or filename in black text, and

the metadata and file information in grey text. For library files, the image can be a screenshot

or other custom image. For other document types, the image is the icon associated with the

file type.

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1.3.9. The Document Manager window

513HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Using the Context menu

In the results view, right-click a document or folder. The following context menu items

appears:

NOTE! Double-click an item to import the library and geometry files and open the other

documents.

In the results view, right-click an empty area. The following context menu appears that

controls how the documents are grouped and sorted:

Using the drag and drop feature

You can import a library or a geometry file into the station by dragging it from the results view

into either the graphics window, or onto a object node in the Layout browser.

• When dragging into the Layout browser, the component will be placed as a child

object under the station, component group or smart component.

• When dragging into the graphics window, the component will be positioned at the

point on the station floor where you drop it. You can snap the point to the UCS grid by

enabling the Snap Grid or by holding down the ALT key while dragging.

Item Description

Open Opens the selected folder, library or geometry files, station files,

and document.

• For folders, browses into the selected folder.

• For library or geometry files, imports the file into the

station. (If no station is open ,a new empty station is first

created.)

• For station files, opens the station.

• For other documents, attempts to open the selected

document according to its file association. For example,

Microsoft Word starts when a .doc file is opened.

Open containing folder Opens the folder containing the document or the folder in the

Windows Explorer.

Properties Opens a dialog that displays complete metadata and file

information about the selected document.

NOTE! This is disabled for folders.

Items Description

Group by: Controls how the documents are arranged in groups.

The following options are available:

•Location

• Folder

• Type

Sort by: Controls how the documents are sorted within the group.

The following options are available:

•Name

•Date

•Size

Ascending and

Descending

Items are sorted in the ascending and descending order.

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1.3.9. The Document Manager window

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D52

Document Locations window

You can launch the Document Locations window in any one of the following ways:

1. Select Locations from the Documents window.

2. Click RobotStudio Button and then click RobotStudio Options, select

Files&Folders under General. Click Document Locations on the right side.

3. On the Home tab, click Import Library and select Locations from the dropdown

menu.

Layout of the Document Locations window

It consists of a menu bar and a list displaying the configured locations. The list displays

general information about the locations. The menu bar contains the following controls:

File System location

1. Click Add Locations and select File System from the dropdown menu. The File

System dialog box appears.

The File System dialog box contains the following controls:

Controls Description

Locations The following options are available from the dropdown menu:

• Import : Opens a dialog box to import document

locations from an xml file. If a location with the same URL

already exists, you have the option to retain or delete the

existing location.

• Export : Opens a dialog box to export all the configured

locations to an xml file.

• Reset to Default : Loads the default locations (ABB

Library, User Library, and User Geometry).

Add Location Opens a dialog box to add a document location. By default,

there is one location type available.

For more information, see File System location on page 52.

Remove Deletes the selected location.

Edit Opens a dialog box to modify the selected location. For more

information, see File System location on page 52.

Control Description

Location Name Specifies a name associated with the location.

Path Specifies the file system directory that corresponds to the root

folder of the location. This can be on a local or network disk.

Filter Specifies a filename filter to include only certain files when

searching and browsing. Multiple filters are separated by a

semicolon. If the filter is empty all files are included.

Cache files from network Specifies that the library and geometry files from a network

location should be copied to a local directory and imported from

there, rather than directly from the network path.

This will ensure that a station containing such files can be

opened even if the network location is unavailable. This option

is only available for network locations.

Directory Specifies the directory where to store the local copies. This must

be on a local disk.

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1.3.9. The Document Manager window

533HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Show as gallery Specifies that the contents of the location should be displayed

as a gallery in the specified ribbon menu.

Style • Flat - Specifies that all documents are displayed in a

single gallery with subfolder names as headers.

• Recursive - Specifies that the documents are displayed

in submenus corresponding to the folder structure.

Include when searching all

locations

Specifies if the search should cover all the enabled locations.

Control Description

Continued

1 Introduction

1.3.10. Using a mouse

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1.3.10. Using a mouse

Navigating the graphics window using the mouse

The table below shows how to navigate the graphics window using the mouse:

Use the keyboard /

mouse combination

Description

Select items

xx0500002417 xx0500002421

Just click the item to select. To select

multiple items, press CTRL key while

clicking new items.

Rotate the station

xx0500002424

CTRL + SHIFT +

xx0500002421

Press CTRL + SHIFT + the left mouse

button while dragging the mouse to rotate

the station.

With a 3-button mouse you can use the

middle and right buttons, instead of the

keyboard combination.

Pan the station

xx0500002422

CTRL +

xx0500002421

Press CTRL + the left mouse button while

dragging the mouse to pan the station.

Zoom the station

xx0500002426

CTRL +

xx0500002423

Press CTRL + the right mouse button while

dragging the mouse to the left to zoom out.

Dragging to the right zooms in.

With a 3-button mouse you can also use

the middle button, instead of the keyboard

combination.

Zoom using window

xx0500002425

SHIFT +

xx0500002423

Press SHIFT + the right mouse button

while dragging the mouse across the area

to zoom into.

Select using window

xx0500002428

SHIFT +

xx0500002421

Press SHIFT + the left mouse button while

dragging the mouse across the area to

select all items that match the current

selection level.

1 Introduction

1.3.11. Selecting an item

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1.3.11. Selecting an item

Overview

Each item in a station can be moved to achieve the required layout, so you first have to

determine its selection level. The selection level makes it possible to select only specific types

of items, or specified parts of objects.

The selection levels are curve, surface, entity, part, mechanism, group, target/frame and path.

The target/frame and path selection can be combined with any of the other selection levels.

Objects may also be grouped together as component groups, see Component Group on page

234.

Selecting an item in the graphics window

To select items in the graphics window, follow these steps:

1. At the top of the graphics window, click the desired selection level icon.

2. Optionally, click the desired snap mode icon for the part of the item you wish to select.

3. In the graphics window, click the item. The selected item will be highlighted.

Multiple selection of items in the graphics window

To select multiple items in the graphics window, do the following:

1. Press the SHIFT key, and in the graphics window drag the mouse diagonally over the

objects to select.

Selecting an item in the browsers

To select items in a browser, do the following:

1. Click the item. The selected item will be highlighted in the browser.

Multiple selection of items in the browsers

To select multiple items in a browser, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that all the items to be selected are of the same type and located in the same

branch of the hierarchical structure; otherwise, the items will not be operable.

2. Do one of the following:

• To select adjacent items: In the browser, hold down the SHIFT key and click the first

and then the last item. The list of items will be highlighted.

• To select separate items: In the browser, hold down the CTRL key and click the items

you want to select. The items will be highlighted.

1 Introduction

1.3.12. Attaching and detaching objects

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1.3.12. Attaching and detaching objects

Overview

You can attach an object (child) to another object (parent). Attachments can be created on part

level and on mechanism level. When an object has been attached to a parent, moving the

parent also moves the child.

One of the most common attachments is to attach a tool to a robot. For procedures, see Attach

to on page 378 and Detach on page 385.

1 Introduction

1.3.13. Keyboard shortcuts

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1.3.13. Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts

The following table lists the keyboard shortcuts.:

Command Key Combination

General

Activate menu bar F10

Open API Help ALT + F1

Open Help F1

Open Virtual FlexPendant CTRL + F5

Switch between windows CTRL + TAB

General Commands

Add Controller System F4

Open Station CTRL + O

Take Screenshot CTRL + B

Teach Move Instruction CTRL + SHIFT + R

Teach Target CTRL + R

Toggle View Representation F7

General Editing

Copy CTRL + C

Cut CTRL + X

Paste CTRL + V

Redo CTRL + Y

Refresh F5

Rename F2

Select All CTRL + A

Undo CTRL + Z

Import Geometry CTRL + G

Import Library CTRL + J

New Station CTRL + N

Save Station CTRL + S

Program Editor Intellisense

Complete Word CTRL + SPACEBAR

Parameter Info CTRL + I

PickList CTRL + SHIFT + SPACEBAR

Program Editor Commands

Start Program Execution F8

Step In F11

Step Out SHIFT + F11

Step Over F12

Stop SHIFT + F8

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1.3.13. Keyboard shortcuts

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Toggle Breakpoint F9

Apply Changes CTRL + SHIFT + S

Print CTRL + P

Program Editor Hotkeys

Copy CTRL + Insert

Cut SHIFT + Delete

Cut marked lines CTRL + L

Delete marked lines CTRL + SHIFT + L

Delete to beginning of word CTRL + BACKSPACE

Delete to end of word CTRL + Delete

Indent Tab

Make the selected text lowercase CTRL + U

Make the selected text uppercase CTRL + SHIFT + U

Move to beginning of document CTRL + Home

Move to beginning of line Home

Move to end of document CTRL + End

Move to end of line End

Move to next word CTRL + Right

Move to previous word CTRL + Left

Move to visible bottom CTRL + Page Down

Move to visible top CTRL + Page Up

Open line above CTRL + Enter

Open line below CTRL + SHIFT + Enter

Outdent SHIFT + TAB

Paste SHIFT + Insert

Redo CTRL + SHIFT + Z

Scroll down CTRL + Down

Scroll up CTRL + Up

Select block down ALT + SHIFT + Down

Select block left ALT + SHIFT + Left

Select block right ALT + SHIFT + Right

Select block to next word CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Right

Select block to previous word CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Left

Select block up ALT + SHIFT + Up

Select down SHIFT + Down

Select left SHIFT + Left

Select page down SHIFT + Page Down

Select page up SHIFT + Page Up

Select right SHIFT + Right

Select to beginning of document CTRL + SHIFT + Home

Select to beginning of line SHIFT + Home

Select to end of document CTRL + SHIFT + End

Command Key Combination

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Select to end of line SHIFT + End

Select to next word CTRL + SHIFT + Right

Select to previous word CTRL + SHIFT + Left

Select to visible bottom CTRL + SHIFT + Page Down

Select to visible top CTRL + SHIFT + Page Up

Select up SHIFT + Up

Select word CTRL + SHIFT + W

Toggle overwrite mode Insert

Transpose characters CTRL + T

Transpose lines CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + T

Transpose words CTRL + SHIFT + T

Command Key Combination

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1.3.13. Keyboard shortcuts

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How

2.1. Workflow for building a new station

613HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2 How to build stations

2.1. Workflow for building a new station

Overview

This is an overview of how to build a station by including the equipment necessary to create

and simulate robot programs.

The first part of this overview describes the alternatives for creating a station with a system.

The second part describes importing or creating the objects to work with. The third part

describes the workflow for optimizing the station layout by finding the best placement of

robots and other equipment.

In most cases, following the workflows from start to finish is recommended, even if other

sequences are also possible.

Creating a station with a system

The table below shows the alternatives for creating a station with a system.

For procedures, see New Station on page 176.

Manually starting the VC

The table below shows the alternatives for manually starting with a system. Perform only

those steps applicable to your station.

Activity Description

Create a station with a

template system

This is the simplest way to create a new station containing a

robot and a link to a rudimentary system template.

Create a station with an

existing system

This creates a new station containing one or more robots in

accordance with an existing, built system.

Create a station with no

system

An advanced user can build a station from scratch and then add

a new or existing system to it.

Activity Description

Manually connecting a

library to the VC

See Starting a VC on page 71.

Restarting the VC See Restarting a VC on page 73.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.1. Workflow for building a new station

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D62

Importing station components

The table below shows the workflow for importing station components. Perform only those

steps applicable to your station.

For procedures, see Importing a station component on page 75.

Placing objects and mechanisms

The table below shows the workflow for placing the objects in the station.

Activity Description

Import a robot model See Robot System on page 192.

Import a tool See Import Library on page 191.

Import a positioner See ABB Library on page 190.

Import a track See Import Library on page 191.

Import other equipment If you have CAD models of the equipment, you can import them,

see Import Library on page 191. Otherwise, you can create

models in RobotStudio, see Mechanisms on page 82.

Add work piece If you have CAD models of the work piece, you can import them,

see Workobject on page 199. Otherwise, you can create models

in RobotStudio, see Objects on page 80.

Activity Description

Place objects If you are building a model of a real station, start by placing all

objects with known positions. For objects without known

positions, find a suitable placement, see Placing objects on

page 85 and Placing external axes on page 86.

Attach tools Attach the tools to the robot, see Attach to on page 378.

Attach robots to tracks If track external axes are used, attach the robots to the tracks,

see Attach to on page 378.

Attach work pieces to

positioners

If positioner external axes are used, attach the work pieces to

the positioners, see Attach to on page 378.

Test reachability Test if the robot can reach critical positions on the work piece. If

you are satisfied with how the robot reaches the positions, your

station is ready for programming. Otherwise, continue adjusting

the placement or trying other equipment as described below,

see Testing positions and motions on page 108.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.2.1. Two robot systems sharing the same task frame position

633HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.2 Setting up a conveyor tracking station with two robots working on the same

conveyor

2.2.1. Two robot systems sharing the same task frame position

Overview

This section describes what happens when both the robot systems share the same task frame

position. The baseframes of the mechanical units in both the robot systems have the same task

frame position.

Prerequisite

• Two robot systems with conveyor tracking option (system 1 and system 2)

• A conveyor mechanism saved as library

NOTE! See Create Conveyor mechanism on page 287 to create conveyor tracking systems.

Setting up the conveyor tracking station

1. Add the existing system (system 1) to the station. See Robot System on page 192.

NOTE! After starting the system, when asked to select the library, browse and select the

already saved conveyor mechanism library.

2. Modify the baseframe positions of conveyor and robot.

1. Move the mechanical unit (conveyor/robot) to its new location.

2. See Updating the baseframe position on page 370 to update the baseframe position of

the conveyor/robot.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2to modify the baseframe position of the robot.

4. In the System Configuration window, click OK. When asked if you want to restart

the system, answer Ye s. Close the System Configuration window.

3. Add the existing system (system 2) to the station. See Robot System on page 192.

NOTE! After starting the system, when asked to select the library, browse and select the

same library as the one selected for system 1 or any other library. Later, this conveyor

library will be removed from the station since system 2 shall use the same conveyor

library as system 1.

4. Refer both systems (system 1 and system 2) to the same conveyor library.

1. In the Offline browser, click System Configuration to bring up a dialog box for

system 2.

2. Select the library node in the hierarchical tree.

3. Select the option Select from Station. Click Change. The Select Library dialog box

appears.

4. Select the same conveyor library as the one selected for system 1. Click OK.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.2.1. Two robot systems sharing the same task frame position

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D64

NOTE! Now both systems (system 1 and system 2) use the same conveyor library and the

library previously referenced by system 2 is removed from the station.

5. Modify the baseframe positions of robot (system 2).

1. Move the mechanical unit (robot) to its new location.

2. See Updating the baseframe position on page 370to update the baseframe position of

the robot.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to modify the baseframe position of the robot.

4. In the System Configuration window, click OK. When asked if you want to restart

the system, answer Yes . Close the System Configuration window.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.2.2. Two robot systems having different task frame positions

653HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.2.2. Two robot systems having different task frame positions

Overview

This section describes what happens when two robot systems have different task frame

positions but uses the same sync switch. This means the Baseframes of the conveyor

mechanical units in both the robot systems have different values.

Prerequisites

Two robot systems with conveyor tracking option (system 1 and system 2)

NOTE! See Create Conveyor mechanism on page 287 to create conveyor tracking systems.

Setting up the conveyor tracking station

1. Add the existing system (system 1) to the station. See Robot System on page 192.

NOTE! After starting the system, when asked to select the library, browse and select the

already saved conveyor mechanism library.

2. Modify the baseframe positions of conveyor and robot.

1. Move the mechanical unit (conveyor/robot) to its new location.

2. See Updating the baseframe position on page 370 to update the baseframe position of

the conveyor/robot.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to modify the baseframe position of the robot.

4. In the System Configuration window, click OK. When asked if you want to restart

the system, answer Ye s. Close the System Configuration window.

3. Add the existing system (system 2) to the station. See Robot System on page 192.

NOTE! After starting the system, when asked to select the library, browse and select the

same library as the one selected for system 1 or any other library. Later, this conveyor

library will be removed from the station since system 2 shall use the same conveyor

library as system 1.

4. Update both systems (system 1 and system 2) to use the same conveyor library.

1. In the Offline browser, click System Configuration to bring up a dialog box for

system 2.

2. Select the library node in the hierarchical tree.

3. Select the option Select from Station. Click Change. The Select Library dialog box

appears.

4. Select the same conveyor library as the one selected for system 1. Click OK.

NOTE! Now both systems (system 1 and system 2) use the same conveyor library and the

library previously referenced by system 2 is removed from the station.

5. Modify the task frame position of the conveyor mechanism. See Set Task Frames on page

369.

NOTE! Before modifying the task frame, make a note of the current conveyor position in

world coordinates. After modifying the task frame, move the conveyor back to the

position it was before modifying the task frame.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.2.2. Two robot systems having different task frame positions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D66

6. Modify the baseframe positions of robot (system 2).

Repeat step 2 to modify the baseframe position of the robot (system 2)

1. Move the mechanical unit (robot) to its new location.

2. See Updating the baseframe position on page 370 to update the baseframe position of

the robot.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to modify the baseframe position of the robot.

4. In the System Configuration window, click OK. When asked if you want to restart

the system, answer Yes . Close the System Configuration window.

7. Modify the baseframe position of the conveyor (system 2).

1. In the Offline browser, click System Configuration to bring up a dialog box for

system 2.

2. Select the conveyor in the hierarchical tree. The BaseFrame property list for the

conveyor is now displayed.

3. Select the option Use Current Station Values to update the baseframe value of the

robot in the controller.

4. Deselect the option Check BaseFrame on Startup.

5. In the System Configuration window, click OK. When asked if you want to restart

the system, answer Yes .

NOTE! By deselecting the option Check BaseFrame on Startup, RobotStudio will not

compare the BaseFrame values in the station and the controller every time the controller

is started. This avoids repositioning the conveyor library.

NOTE! If the two robot systems use the same part on the conveyor, the relation between

the part and the two conveyor workobjects should be the same.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.3. Creating a system with external axes automatically

673HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.3. Creating a system with external axes automatically

Automatically create a system with external axes

1. Import the desired robots, positioners, and track libraries into the RobotStudio station. See

Import Library on page 191.

NOTE! If a robot and track are selected, attach the robot to the track. See Attach to on

page 378.

NOTE!

Robot system supports the following tracks with lengths 1.7 m to 19.7 m in a separate task

or same robot task. Depending on the manipulator type, the system allows one to three

tracks per task. However with IRBTx004, only one track of this type can be used per

system.

• IRBT4003

• IRBT4004

• IRBT6003

• IRBT6004

• IRBT7003

• IRBT7004

• RTT_Bobin

• RTT_Marathon

• Paint Rail

2. Create a robot system from layout. See Robot System on page 192.

NOTE!

To create a robot system with IRBT4004, IRBT6004, or IRBT7004, the TrackMotion

mediapool must be installed. For more information, see Installing and Licensing

RobotStudio on page 30.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.3. Creating a system with external axes automatically

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D68

Supported external axes configuration

The following table shows a combination of different external axes configurations:

• Y - Combination is supported

• N - Combination is not supported

• YX - Combination is supported and manual mapping of mechanical units and joints

required

NOTE!

Creating a system from layout only supports tracks of type RTT and IRBTx003 in

combination with positioners. i.e. IRBTx004 is not supported in combination with the

positioners.

Manual mapping of mechanical units and joints

If the system contains more than one mechanical unit, the number of tasks and base frame

positions of the mechanism should be verified in the System Configuration.

1. In the Offline browser, click System Configuration to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select the robot from the node in the hierarchical tree.

The property page of this node contains controls for mapping and setting axes and joints.

3. Click Change to open a dialog box.

4. Manually map the mechanical unit and mechanism joints. Click Apply.

5. Modify the baseframe positions of the mechanical unit. See Updating the baseframe

position on page 370.

Combination

Positioner type

A B C D K L 2xL R

One IRB (Positioner in

same task)

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

One IRB (Positioner in

separate task)

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Two IRB (Positioner in

separate task)

Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

One IRB on Track Motion

(Positioner in same task)

Y N N N YX Y Y N

One IRB on Track Motion

(Positioner in separate task)

Y N N N YX Y Y N

Two IRB on Track Motion

(Positioner in separate task)

Y N N N YX Y N N

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.4.1. Setting up a system with track motion of type RTT or IRBTx003 manually

693HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.4 Manually setting up a system with track motion

2.4.1. Setting up a system with track motion of type RTT or IRBTx003 manually

Manually set up a system with track motion of type RTT or IRBTx003

Use this procedure to manually set up a system with track motion type RTT Bobin, RTT

Marathon or IRBT4003, IRBT6003, or IRBT7003.

1. Build and start a new system. See Building a new system on page 148.

2. Add the system to the station. See Adding a system on page 72

3. Add the corresponding track configuration file of the desired robot variant (IRB 6600) and

the desired track model to the station. See Adding the track to the system on page 75.

NOTE! In the Select Library group, select either the existing track or import a different

track.

NOTE! The system may fail unless the correct additional axes configuration is selected.

4. Specify whether the baseframe is moved by another mechanism.

1. In the Offline browser, click System Configuration to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select ROB_1 node from the hierarchical tree.

3. Select the option Track from the BaseFrame moved by list.

4. Click OK. When asked if you want to restart the system, answer Ye s. Close the

System Configuration window.

Action Description

1 Select the desired robot variant

(IRB6600).

In the New Controller System wizard of the

System Builder, naviagte to Modify Options

page and scroll down to Drive Module 1 > Drive

module application group and expand ABB

Standard manipulator option and select

Manipulator type (IRB6600).

2 Select the Additional axes

configuration.

In the New Controller System wizard of the

System Builder, naviagte to Modify Options

page of the System Builder, scroll down to Drive

Module 1> Additional axes configuration group

and expand the Add axes IRB/drive module

6600 option and select the 770-4 Drive W in pos

Y2 option.

NOTE! The option 770-4 Drive W in pos Y2, the

Drive module, and the Position varies depending

on the Additional axes configuration selected.

Make sure to select at least one drive in any

position.

3 Click Finish. Close the Modify Options page.

2 How to build stations

2.4.2. Setting up a system with track motion of type IRBTx004 manually

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D70

2.4.2. Setting up a system with track motion of type IRBTx004 manually

Overview

For configuration of tracks of type IRBT4004, IRBT6004, or IRBT7004, the TrackMotion

mediapool must be installed. For more information, see Installing and Licensing RobotStudio

on page 30.

Manually set up a system with track motion of type IRBTx004

1. Build and start a new system. See Building a new system on page 148.

2. Add the system to the station. See Adding a system on page 72.

3. Add the desired track model to the station. See Adding the track to the system on page 75.

NOTE!

1. In the Select Library group, click Other to import a different track motion library.

2. Click OK. When asked if you want to restart the system, answer Ye s. Close the

System Configuration window.

Action Description

1 Add additional options for

IRBTx004.

See Adding additional options on page 149.

NOTE! Browse and select the key file (.kxt)

located in the mediapool Track 5.XX.YYYY where

5.XX indicates the latest RobotWare version being

used.

2 Select the desired robot variant

(IRB6600).

On the Modify Options page of the System

Builder, scroll down to Drive Module 1 > Drive

module application group and expand ABB

Standard manipulator option and select

Manipulator type (IRB6600).

3 Select Additional axes configura-

tion.

On the Modify Options page of the System

Builder, scroll down to Drive Module 1>

Additional axes configuratin group and expand

the Add axes IRB/drive module 6600 option and

select the 770-4 Drive W in pos Y2 option.

NOTE! The option 770-4 Drive W in pos Y2, the

Drive module, and the Position varies

depending on the Additional axes configuration

selected. Make sure to select at least one drive in

any position.

4 Select the desired track motion

(IRBT 6004).

On the Modify Options page of the System

Builder, scroll down to the TRACK and expand

the Drive module for Track motion group. Select

Drive Module 1 >Track Motion type > IRBT

6004 > Irb Orientation on Track > Standard

carriage In Line > Select Track Motion Length

> 1.7m (or any other variant).

5 Click Finish. Close the Modify Options page.

2 How to build stations

2.5.1. Starting a VC

713HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.5 The VC

2.5.1. Starting a VC

Overview

RobotStudio uses virtual controllers for running the robots. Virtual controllers can run both

systems for real robots and specific virtual systems for testing and evaluation purposes. A

virtual controller uses the same software as the controller to execute the RAPID program, to

calculate robot motions and to handle I/O signals.

When starting a virtual controller, point out which system to run on it. Since the system

contains information about the robots to use and important data such as robot programs and

configurations, it is important to select the right system for the station.

Starting a VC

The table below describes the different ways a virtual controller may start:

Startup Description

Automatic, when creating a

station

In most cases, a VC is automatically started when you create a

new station. Library files for the robots used by the system are

then imported to the station.

Automatic, when adding a

system to an existing

station

If your station uses several systems or if you started with an

empty station, you can add systems to an open station. Library

files for the robots used by the the systems are then imported to

the station.

Manually, when connecting

to an imported library

If you have manually imported a robot library you want to use

with a system, instead of importing a new library at startup, you

can connect this library to a controller.

If you have manually imported a robot library you want to use

with a system, instead of importing a new library at startup, you

can connect this library to a controller.

A library may only be connected to a single-robot system and

may not be already connected to another VC.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.5.1. Starting a VC

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D72

Adding a system

To start a system in a new virtual controller and automatically import the robots used by the

system, follow these steps:

1. • If you have the Select system dialog box open, continue with the next step.

• If you do not have the Select system dialog box open, go to the Controller menu and

click Add System.

2. Depending on whether the system to start on the virtual controller is ready or not, do one

of the following:

3. From the Systems Found list, select the system to use and click Start.

Activity Description

Create and start a copy of an existing

system

This is recommended when you plan to add

station-specific configurations or programs.

From the Select system pool list, select the

folder on your PC that contains the system to

use. Select the system to copy from the

Systems Found list and click Copy. In the

Copy System dialog box, enter a name for

the system and click OK.

Start an existing system as is

This is useful when you already have created

a specific system for the station.

It is also useful if you do not plan to create

station-specific configurations or programs

and want a quick start.

From the Select system pool list, select the

folder on your PC that contains the system to

use.

Modify and start an existing system

This is the way to add or change options in

the systems, for example, adding or replacing

robots and external axes.

From the Select system pool list, select the

folder on your PC that contains the system to

modify. Select the system to modify from the

Systems Found list and click Modify. This

starts the System Builder from which you

make the modifications. For detailed informa-

tion, see Modifying a system on page 152.

Build and start a new system

This option is used for building and starting a

completely new system, either from

RobotWare keys or from virtual keys.

Click Create to start the System Builder

from which you build the new system. For

detailed information about creating the

system, see Building a new system on page

148.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.5.2. Restarting a VC

733HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.5.2. Restarting a VC

Overview

This section describes when and how to restart a VC in RobotStudio. See also Restart on page

330.

Prerequisites

The following are the prerequisites for restarting a controller:

• You must have Write access to the controller you are restarting.

• For the advanced restart methods X-start and C-start, you must have access to the

controller's FlexPendant.

When to restart a virtual controller

Some operations require a restart of the controller to take effect. When working in

RobotStudio, you will be notified when a restart is necessary.

Warm restart

Typically, you need to make an ordinary warm restart of a virtual controller when:

• you have changed the baseframe of any of the robots belonging to that virtual

controller.

• you have changed the robot's configuration, either with the Configuration Editor or by

loading new configuration files.

• you have added new options or hardware to the system.

• A system failure has occurred.

Cold restart

A cold restart is useful for restoring the system running on a virtual controller to the state it

was created in. The cold restart deletes all RAPID programs, data and custom configurations

that have been added to the system.

Advanced restarts

In addition to warm and cold restarts, several advanced restarts are available. See Advanced

restart options on page 74.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.5.2. Restarting a VC

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D74

Advanced restart options

The controller can be restarted with the following advanced restart options:

Option Description

I-Start Restarts the controller with the current system and the default

settings.

This method discards the changes made to the robot's configu-

ration. It reverts the current system to the state it had when it

was installed on the controller (an empty system).

P-Start Restart the controller with the current system and reinstall

RAPID.

This method deletes all RAPID program modules. It can be

useful if the system has changed in such a way that the

programs no longer are valid, for instance if system parameters

used by the program are changed.

X-Start Saves the current system and starts the boot application.

This method saves the current system, with the current settings,

and starts the boot application from which you can choose a

new system to start with. You can also configure the controller's

network settings from the boot application.

C-Start Deletes current system and starts the boot application.

This method deletes the current system and starts the boot

application from which you can choose a new system to start

with. You can also configure the controller's network settings

from the boot application.

B-Start Restarts the controller with the current system and the last

known good settings.This method restores changes made to

the robot's configuration to a previously good state.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.6.1. Importing a station component

753HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.6 Station components

2.6.1. Importing a station component

Importing a robot model

This is how to import a robot model without a controller to your station.

A robot which is not connected to a controller cannot be programed. To import a robot

connected to a virtual controller, configure a system for the robot and start it in a virtual

controller, see Building a new system on page 148 and Starting a VC on page 71, respectively.

To import a robot model, in the Home tab, click Robot System and then select a robot model

from the gallery.

Importing a tool

A tool is a special object, for example, an arc weld gun or a gripper, that operates on the work

piece. For achieving correct motions in robot programs, the parameters of the tool have to be

specified in the tool data. The most essential part of the tool data is the TCP, which is the

position of the tool center point relative to the wrist of the robot (which is the same as the

default tool, tool0).

When imported, the tool will not be related to the robot. So in order for the tool to move with

the robot, you must attach it to the robot.

To import a tool, in the Home tab, click Tool and then select a tool from the gallery.

Importing a positioner

To import a tool, in the Home tab, click Positioner and then select a positioner from the

gallery.

Adding the track to the system

To select the model of the external axis to use, follow these steps:

NOTE!

This procedure is not applicable for a robot system with track motions IRBT4004, IRBT6004,

or IRBT7004. They are configured by the TrackMotion mediapool and not by adding

separate configuration files. For information on installation instructions, see Installing and

Licensing RobotStudio on page 30.

1. Start the system in a virtual controller, either in a new empty station or in an existing

station, see Robot System on page 192.

2. In the Layout browser, select the system to add the track to.

3. On the Offline tab, click System Configuration.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.6.1. Importing a station component

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D76

4. Click Add to add parameters for the track to the system. Browse to the parameter file

(.cfg) for the track to add and click Open.

If you have a specific parameter file for you track, use that one. Otherwise, parameter files

for some standard tracks are delivered with the RobotStudio installation. These can be

found in the folder ABB Library/ Tracks in RobotStudio’s installation folder. The ABB

Library folder can also be opened from the Quick access pane at the left of the Open

dialog box used for adding parameter files.

The file name of each parameter file tells which tracks it supports. The first part tells the

length of the track and the second the number of tasks.

For example, the file TRACK_1_7.cfg supports all tracks with the length 1.7 meters in

systems with one single task. For Multimove systems or other systems with several tasks,

use the configuration file with the matching number of tasks.

For example, if the track length is 19.9 m and the robot attached to the track is connected

to task 4 of the MultiMove system, then select TRACK_19_9_Task4.cfg file.

5. In the System Configuration window, click OK. When asked if you want to restart the

system, answer Yes .

6. During the restart a list of all tracks compatible with the configuration file is displayed.

Select the one to use and click OK.

After the restart the track appears in the station. Continue with attaching the robot to the

track.

Importing a library, geometry or piece of equipment

A library component is a RobotStudio object that has been saved separately. Normally,

components in a library are locked for editing.

A geometry is CAD data which you can import to use in RobotStudio. For a list of importable

CAD formats, see Libraries, geometries and CAD files on page 26.

To import a library, geometry or piece of equipment, see Import Library on page 191.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.6.2. Converting CAD formats

773HAC032104-001 Revision: D

2.6.2. Converting CAD formats

Overview

A CAD converter is installed together with RobotStudio by default. In most cases you do not

have to convert CAD files before importing them to RobotStudio, but the CAD converter

might be useful for converting several files at once, or for converting with custom settings.

Prerequisites

Most of the file formats require separate licenses, see Libraries, geometries and CAD files on

page 26 for more information.

Starting the CAD converter

Click Start menu, point to Programs, ABB Industrial IT, Robotics IT and click CAD

Converter.

Converting CAD files

To convert CAD files, follow these steps:

1. Click Add files and select the files to convert. Optionally, click Add files, again to add

more files from another location.

Each file is now added to a row in the grid.

2. Optionally, change the suggested file name or target format by clicking that column for

the file to change.

3. In the Target directory box, specify the folder in which to save the new files.

4. Optionally, click Settings and change the settings for the conversion. For details about the

conversion settings, see Conversion settings on page 77.

5. Click Convert Files.

Conversion settings

The table below describes the settings for the conversion:

Setting Description

Acis save file format Select which version of ACIS to save to when using ACIS as

target format.

Enable Healing Controls whether the conversion engine attempts to heal

geometric entities. Only supported for specified formats.

Translate hidden/no-

show entities

Controls whether the hidden entities are translated or

discarded. Only supported for specified formats.

VRML/STL Scale factors VRML and STL are often created in units that RobotStudio does

not expect; they thus need to be resized.

Delete all generated log

files on exit

Makes the CAD converter delete log files when exiting.

2 How to build stations

2.6.3. Troubleshooting and optimizing geometries

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D78

2.6.3. Troubleshooting and optimizing geometries

Overview

The characteristics of the geometries and CAD models in the station may have great effect on

your work in RobotStudio, both in aspects of making the objects easier to program as well as

enhancing simulation performance.

Below are some guidelines for troubleshooting geometries.

Trouble Information

The pointer snaps to the

wrong parts of the objects

when selecting in the

graphics window

This problem might be caused by wrong snap mode settings,

imprecise selecting, hidden or lack of geometrical information.

To resolve these problems, do the following:

• Check the selection level and snap mode settings. For

more information, see Selecting an item on page 55.

• When making the selection, zoom and rotate the object

so that you are sure to click inside the object.

• Check if the object has hidden details that might affect

the snapping. Remove details that are not necessary for

your programming or simulation. For more information,

see Modifying a part on page 81.

• Some file formats only contain a graphical representa-

tion and no geometrical data. Import the geometry from

a file format that also contains geometrical data. For

more information, see Libraries, geometries and CAD

files on page 26.

The graphics window

redraws or updates slowly

This might be due to the performance of your computer not

being high enough for the size of the geometry files in your

station.

To reduce the size of the geometry files, do any of the following:

• Use a lower detail level for rendering the geometry. For

more information, see Graphic Appearance on page

387.

• Blends, chamfers and holes can be automatically

simplified by using the Defeature function. This can

greatly reduce graphic complexity, speed up simulations

and reduce memory usage.

• Check if the object has unnecessary details. Remove

details that are not necessary for your programming or

simulation. For more information, see Modifying a part

on page 81.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.6.3. Troubleshooting and optimizing geometries

793HAC032104-001 Revision: D

To invert the direction of all faces of a part

To invert the direction of all faces of a part, follow these steps:

1. Select the part on which faces you want to invert the directions.

2. On the Modify menu, click Graphic Appearance.

3. On the Rendering tab, click Flip normals and then click OK.

To deactivate backface culling for a single object

To change the backface culling setting for a single object, follow these steps:

1. Select the part for which you want to change the backface culling setting.

2. On the Modify menu, click Graphic Appearance.

3. On the Rendering tab, clear the Backface culling check box and then click OK. The

faces of the object will now be displayed even if the generic setting for backface culling

is on.

To change the generic setting for backface culling

The generic setting for backface culling affects all new objects and existing objects that do

not have backface culling specifically deactivated.

1. On the Application menu, click RobotStudio Options.

2. On the Navigation pane to the left, select Graphics: Performance.

3. On the Performance page, select or clear the Cull back-facing triangles check box and

then click OK.

Parts of the geometry are

not visible

If parts of the geometry are not visible from some views, a

probable cause is that the object is made up of 2D surfaces and

the option Backface culling is on.

Backface culling means that the faces of the object are only

visible from the front, and if the object (or any of its faces) is

oriented differently, they will not be visible.

To correct the problem, do one of the following:

• Switch to modeling mode and invert the direction of the

face that is not displayed correctly. This not only corrects

the display, it also decreases the chance of faulty orien-

tations during graphical programming. For more informa-

tion, see Invert on page 390 or To invert the direction of

all faces of a part on page 79.

• Turn backface culling off for the specific object. This

makes the object display correctly, but does not affect

the direction of the face, which might cause problems if

the face will be used for graphical programming. For

more information, see To deactivate backface culling for

a single object on page 79.

• Turn backface culling off for all objects in the station. This

makes the objects display correctly, but does not affect

the direction of the face, which might cause problems if

the face will be used for graphical programming. It also

decreases the performance of the graphic handling. For

more information, see To change the generic setting for

backface culling on page 79.

Trouble Information

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.7.1. Objects

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2.7 Modeling

2.7.1. Objects

Overview

This section describes how to create or modify geometrical objects.

Creating a frame

A frame is a generic coordinate system that you can use as reference when positioning

objects. Generic frames can also be converted to special kinds of coordinate systesm, like

workobjects or tool center points.

For procedures, see Frame on page 196 and Frame from Three Points on page 197.

Creating a solid

With the create solids commands you can create and build models of objects you do not have

CAD files or libraries for. With the create solids commands you create primitve solid bodies;

these can later be combined to more complex bodies.

For procedures, see Solid on page 268.

Creating a surface

For procedures, see Surface on page 272.

Creating a curve

When creating paths with targets based on the object geometries, curves are the geometrical

objects that RobotStudio uses. For example, if you want the robot to run along the edge of an

object, you can first create a curve along the border and then generate a complete path along

that curve, instead of manually finding and creating the necessary targets.

If the CAD model/geometry of the work piece does not already contain curves, you can create

the curves i RobotStudio.

For procedures, see Curve on page 274.

Modifying a curve

When creating paths with targets based on the objects geometries, curves are the geometrical

objects that RobotStudio uses. By optimizing the curves before starting programming, you

reduce the touch-up of the generated paths.

For procedures, see Modify Curve on page 399.

Creating a border

For procedures, see Border on page 279.

Creating a line from normal

A line can be created as a new part and body perpendicular to a surface.

For a procedure, see Line from Normal on page 285.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.7.1. Objects

813HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Extruding a surface or curve

Curves and surfaces and curves can also be extruded to 3D objects, which may then be

converted to solids. You can extrude along either a vector or a curve.

For procedures, see Extrude Surface or Curve on page 284.

Modifying a part

When you import a geometry or create an object, it will be one part. A part can, however,

contain several bodies. In RobotStudio’s modeling mode you can modify the parts by adding,

moving and deleting the bodies.

To modify a part, follow this step:

1. In the Modeling browser, expand the node for the part to modify. Then modify the part

by doing any of the following:

Modifying a library component

As external files, libraries are merely linked from a station. Therefore, to modify an imported

library component, the link must first be broken and later reestablished. For procedures, see

The Library Group on page 393.

To Do this

Delete a body Select the body and press the DEL key.

Move a body from one part

to another

Drag the body or use the Copy and Paste commands on the

Edit menu.

Move one body relative to

the others

Select the body and then move it using any of the ordinary

commands for moving objects, see Placing objects on page 85.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.7.2. Mechanisms

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2.7.2. Mechanisms

Workflow

This information topic describes how to create a new mechanism, that is, a graphical

representation of a robot, tool, external axis or device. The various parts of a mechanism

move along or around axes.

Creating a mechanism is dependent upon skillful construction of the main nodes of the tree

structure. Four of these—links, joints, frames/tools and calibration—are initially marked red.

As each node is configured with enough subnodes to make it valid, the marking turns to

green. As soon as all nodes have become valid, the mechanism will be considered compilable

and can be created. For additional validity criteria, see the table below.

The modify mode of the Mechanism Modeler has two purposes: to enable modification of an

editable mechanism in its tree structure, and to complete the modeling of a new or modified

mechanism.

It is recommended to configure each main node in the tree structure from the top down.

Depending on its current status, right-click or double-click a node or subnode to add, edit or

remove it.

For procedures, see Create Mechanism on page 287.

Node Validity critera

Links • It contains more than one subnode.

• The BaseLink is set.

• All link parts are still in the station.

Joints • At least one joint must be active and valid.

Frame/tool Data • At least one frame/tool data exists.

• For a device, no frames are needed.

Calibration • For a robot, exactly one calibration is required.

• For an external axis, one calibration is required for each

joint.

• For a tool or device, calibrations are accepted, but not

required.

Dependencies • None.

2 How to build stations

2.7.3. Tools and tooldata

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2.7.3. Tools and tooldata

Overview

To simulate the robot tool, you need tooldata for the tool. If you import a predefined tool or

if you create a tool using the Create Tool Wizard, the tooldata is automatically created;

otherwise, you have to create the tooldata yourself.

The tooldata simplifies the programming work with respect to the different tools that may

come in use. Defining separate sets of tooldata for different tools makes it possible to run the

same robot program with different tools: only the new tooldata has to be defined. The tooldata

contains the information required for moving and simulating the tool.

Two methods for manipulating tooldata in RobotStudio are as follows:

• Create or modify tooldata, see Tooldata on page 200 and Modify Tooldata on page

407, respectively. This will create all data necessary for programming, but there will

be no visual tool during the simulation.

• Create tooldata for an existing geometry, Create Tool on page 293.

Creating and setting up a stationary tool

This information topic describes how to create a stationary tool. For information about

creating a robot hold tool, see Create Tool on page 293.

Using a stationary tool, the robot holds and moves the work piece in relation to the tool. Thus,

both the tooldata and the workobject must be set up correctly.

To create the tooldata for a stationary tool, follow these steps:

1. Import the geometry or library that represents the tool, see Import Geometry on page 195.

If you do not have the geometry or library at hand but know the position, you can skip this

step. The tool will be programable, but not visible in the station.

2. Create the tooldata for the tool, see Tooldata on page 200.

Make sure to set the Robot holds tool option to false.

3. Create a workobject that is moved by the robot. see Workobject on page 199.

Make sure to set the Robot holds workobject option to true.

4. If you have a geometry or library component for the work piece, attach it to the robot, see

Attach to on page 378.

2 How to build stations

2.7.4. Setting the local origin of an object

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2.7.4. Setting the local origin of an object

Overview

Each object has a coordinate system of its own called local coordinate system in which the

object dimensions are defined. When the object’s position is referred from other coordinate

system, it is the origin of this coordinate system that is used.

With the Set Local Origin command you reposition the object’s local coordinate system, not

the object itself.

For a procedure, see Set Local Origin on page 419.

2 How to build stations

2.8.1. Placing objects

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2.8 Placement

2.8.1. Placing objects

Overview

To achieve the required layout of your station, you need to import or create objects, place

them accordingly and, if applicable, attach them to other objects.

Placing objects means setting their position and rotation. If the objects are to be attached to

robots or other mechanisms, they will be placed at their attachment point automatically.

The following table describes the actions relating to placement:

Actions Description

Placing an object To place an object is to put the object in the required position in

the station, see Place on page 411 and Set Position on page

421.

Rotating an object The objects in the station can be rotated to achieve the required

layout, see Rotate on page 417.

Measuring distance or

amgles

The measurement functions calculates distances, angles and

diameters between points you select from the graphics window.

When using measurements, results and instructions on how to

proceed are displayed in the Output window, see The Measure

Group on page 286.

Creating a component

group

A component group groups related object in the browser, see

Component Group on page 234.

Attaching or detaching

an object

Objects that are to be used by the robots in any way, such as

tools, need to be attached to the robot, see Attach to on page

378 and Detach on page 385.

Jogging a robot Robots can be placed by jogging. The robot axes can also be

postioned by jogging, see Jogging mechanisms on page 93.

Modifying the task frame Modifying the task frame repositions a controller and all its

robots and equipment in the station.

By default the controller world and the station world coordinate

system coincide. This is convenient when building a station with

one single controller. For a procedure, see Set Task Frames on

page 369.

However, when you have several controllers in one station, or

need to reposition a controller in an existing station, you need to

modify the System Configuration on page 370.

Modifying the baseframe

position

Modifying the baseframe position sets an offset between the

controller’s world coordinate system and the baseframe of the

mechanical unit.This is necessary when having several

mechanical units belonging to one controller, for example,

several robots in MultiMove systems or when using positioner

external axes. For a procedure, see System Configuration on

page 370.

2 How to build stations

2.8.2. Placing external axes

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2.8.2. Placing external axes

Overview

When starting a system with a track or positioner external axis in a RobotStudio station, you

have to set up the system to load a model for the track or positioner and get the motions to

work properly.

Prerequisites

The system shall be created with support for track or positioner external axes, see A system

with support for one robot and one positioner external axis on page 162.

Attaching the robot to the track

To attach the robot to the track, follow these steps:

1. In the Layout browser, drag the robot icon and drop it on the track icon.

2. To the question Should the robot be coordinated with the track?, answer Ye s to be able

to coordinate the track’s position with that of the robot in robot programs. To program the

track and the robot independently, answer No.

3. When asked if you want to restart the system, answer Yes.

The track is now added to the system and ready to be programmed, see Programming

external axes on page 117 for more information on how to program the track.

CAUTION!

If the system is cold started , the setup is deleted and the procedures described here must be

performed again.

Placing the positioner in the station

To place the positioner in the station, follow these steps:

1. Move the positioner to the desired position using any of the ordinary functions for placing

and moving objects, see Placing objects on page 85.

2. Modify the baseframe position of each mechanical unit of the positioner except the

INTERCH unit, if it exists. When asked if you want to restart the system, answer Ye s.

After the restart the system is updated with the positioner’s new location. Continue

attaching fixtures and workobjects to the positioner.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.8.2. Placing external axes

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Attaching objects to the positioner

To program robot motions on an object that is held by the positioner, the targets must be

created in a workobject that is attached to the positioner. For a complete visual simulation,

CAD models that are moved by the positioner should also be attached. To attach the objects,

follow these steps:

1. Import the models of the fixture and the work piece if you do not have them in the station

already, see Importing a station component on page 75.

2. Attach the fixture to the positioner, see Attaching and detaching objects on page 56. When

asked whether to keep the current position, answer No.

If the positioner has several stations, you will be asked which one to attach the object to.

3. Attach the work piece to the fixture. When asked whether to keep the current position,

answer No.

4. Attach the workobject in which you will program the work piece to either the fixture, the

work piece or the positioner. If you have defined calibration positions on either the work

piece or the fixture, it is a good practice to use that object. When asked whether to keep

the current position, answer No.

The positioner is now set up and ready to be programed, see Programming external axes

on page 117 for more information.

TIP!

If the positioner is of an interchangeable type with several stations, you can either attach

individual fixtures, work pieces and workobjects to each station flange, or you can use one

set of objects that you attach and detach to the different flanges by events.

CAUTION!

If the system is cold started, the setup is deleted and the procedures described here must be

performed again.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.8.3. Placing robots

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2.8.3. Placing robots

Overview

When modifying the position of a robot connected to a VC there is a possibility to modify the

related task frame or any stationary RAPID objects (tooldata, workobjects) connected to the

robot.

Prerequisites

A robot library must be present in the station and connected to a VC, see Creating a station

with a system on page 61.

Modifying the robot position using a positioning tool

1. Modify the baseframe position of a robot connected to a VC using any of the following

options:

• Set Position. See Positioning an item on page 421.

• Place object by One Point, Two Points, Three Points, Frame, and Two Frames. See

Placing an item on page 411.

• Rotate. See Rotating an item on page 417.

2. Click Apply.

To the question, Do you also want to move the Task Frame?. Click Yes or No.

• Click Yes to move the task frame, but the base frame keeps its relative placement to

the task frame.

• Click No to move the base frame and the placement relative to the task frame will

change.

NOTE!

If there are any stationary RAPID objects (tooldata, workobjects) in the corresponding task,

the following question appears Do you want to keep the positioning of all stationary

RAPID objects?

• Click Yes to keep all the stationary RAPID objects in their global coordinates.

• Click No to move all the stationary RAPID objects along with the base frame (same

coordinates relative to base frame). Workobjects attached to any other object in the

station will not be affected. Workobjects attached to any other object in the station will

not be affected.

If the base frame configuration of the VC is updated, the VC has to be restarted for the

changes to take effect. i.e. if the base frame changes its placement relative to task frame, the

following question appears Do you want to update the controller configuration and

restart?

• Click Yes to restart the controller and update the base frame configuration of the

connected VC.

• Click No if the base frame is not in accordance with the controller.

Continues on next page

2 How to build stations

2.8.3. Placing robots

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Modifying the robot position using Freehand move or rotate

1. Modify the baseframe position of a robot connected to a VC using the following Freehand

options:

• Move. See Moving an item on page 225.

• Rotate. See Rotating an item on page 226.

For information on updating the robot baseframe, see Updating the baseframe position on

page 370.

2. A warning message is displayed in the Output window.

Continued

2 How to build stations

2.8.3. Placing robots

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3 How to program robots

3.1. Workflow for programming a robot

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3 How to program robots

3.1. Workflow for programming a robot

Overview

In most cases, going through the workflow from start to finish is recommended, even if it

possible to work in other sequences as well.

Synchronizing will save and load text files containing RAPID modules, and create RAPID

programs from your station.

Prerequisites

Before creating a program for your robot, you should set up the station, including robots,

work pieces and fixtures, in which your robot will work.

Programming a robot

The table below describes the workflow for programming a robot to perform the task you

require.

Task Description

Create targets and paths Create the targets and paths the robot requires to perform the

work tasks.

To create targets and paths, do one of the following:

• Create a curve to match your required shape. Then use

the Create path from curve command to generate a

path, complete with targets, along the shape you have

created. See Curve on page 274 and Path from Curve on

page 208.

• Create targets at the requested positions, then create a

path and insert the created targets into it. See Create

Target on page 202, Teach Target on page 201 and

Empty Path on page 207.

Check the target orienta-

tions

Make sure that the targets are oriented in the most efficient way

for the tasks to be performed. If not, reorient the targets until you

are satisfied. See Orientations on page 99.

Check reachability Check that the robot and tool reach all targets in the path. See

Testing positions and motions on page 108.

Synchronize the program

to the virtual controller

Generates RAPID code from the RobotStudio items and

enables the program to be simulated.

Perform text-based

editing

If you need to edit the instructions or data created by RobotStu-

dio, you can start the Program Editor. See Using the RAPID

editor on page 121.

Collision detection Check that the robot or tool does not collide with the

surrounding equipment or the fixtures. If it does, adjust the

placements or orientations until no collisions occur. See

Detecting collisions on page 127.

Test the program Test the program by moving along the paths. See Testing

positions and motions on page 108.

3 How to program robots

3.2. Workobjects

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3.2. Workobjects

Creating a workobject

A workobject is a coordinate system used to describe the position of a work piece. The

workobject consists of two frames: a user frame and an object frame. All programed positions

will be related to the object frame, which is related to the user frame, which is related to the

world coordinate system.

xx0500001519

For a procedure, see Workobject on page 199.

Modifying a workobject

For a procedure, see Modify Workobject on page 408.

Converting a frame to a workobject

You can create a new workobject from an existing frame. The converted workobject gets the

same name and position as the selected frame.

For a procedure, see Convert Frame to Workobject on page 382.

Creating a frame by points

You can create a frame by specfiying points on the axes of the coordinate system and letting

RobotStudio calulate the placement and orientation of the frame’s origin.

For a procedure, see Frame from Three Points on page 197.

3 How to program robots

3.3. Jogging mechanisms

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3.3. Jogging mechanisms

Jogging a robot

To check if the robot can reach all positions on the work piece, you can jog the TCP or the

joints of the robot, either with the freehand commands of through dialog boxes. Jogging the

robot close to its boudaries is best done with the latter method.

Prerequisites

To jog the TCP of a robot, the robot’s VC must be running.

Jogging several mechanisms

To Procedure

Jog the joints of a robot For freehand, see Jog Joint on page 227. For a dialog box, see

Mechanism Joint Jog on page 394.

Jog the TCP of a robot For freehand, see Jog Linear on page 228. For a dialog box, see

Mechanism Linear Jog on page 396.

Function Description

Mutlirobot jog When using multirobot jog, all selected mechanisms will follow

the TCP of the one being jogged.

Multirobot jog is available for all kinds of jogging.

See MultiRobot Jog on page 229.

Jogging with locked TCP When jogging a mechanism that moves a robot (like a track

external axis) with locked TCP, the robot will reposition so that

the position of the TCP does not change, even though its

baseframe is moved.

When jogging an external axis that moves the work object with

locked TCP, the robot will reposition so that its TCP follows the

work object in the same way as when using multirobot jog.

Locked TCP is available when jogging a mechanism that

belongs to the same task as a robot.

See Mechanism Joint Jog on page 394.

3 How to program robots

3.4. Targets

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3.4. Targets

Creating a target

You can create a new target manually either by entering the position for the target in the

Create Target dialog box or by clicking in the graphics window.

The target will be created in the active workobject.

For a procedure, see Create Target on page 202.

Creating a jointtarget

A jointtarget is a specification of the position for the robot axes.

For a procedure, see Create Jointtarget on page 204.

Teaching targets

You can create a new target by jogging the robot and teaching a target at the active TCP.

Taught targets will be created with the axis configuration used when jogged to the target.

The target will be created in the active workobject.

For a procedure, see Teach Target on page 201.

Modifying a target position

By using the modify position command you can modify the position and rotation of a target.

For procedures, see Set Position on page 421 and Rotate on page 417, respectively.

Modifying a target with ModPos

The position of an existing target can be modified by jogging the robot to a new, preferred

position. By selecting a move instruction for the target in a path, the ModPos command can

be used to move the target to the TCP of the active tool.

When ModPos is executed, the target, referenced to by the move instruction, will be updated

with the following information:

• position and orientation corresponding to the TCP of the active tool

• the current configuration of the active robot

• the current position and orientation values of all active external axes for the active

robot

NOTE: To jog a robot linearly, a virtual controller must be running for that robot. For detailed

information, see Starting a VC on page 71.

Continues on next page

3 How to program robots

3.4. Targets

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Renaming targets

With this command you can change the name of several targets at once. You can either rename

targets individually, or you can rename all targets in one or several paths at once.

The new target names will consist of an optional prefix, an incremental number and an

optional suffix.

For a precedure, see Rename Targets on page 415.

When renaming targets, make sure that the new targets conform to the naming rules. The

target names must:

• start with an alphabetical character in the ISO 8859-1 encoding (that is, an ordinary

letter from the English alphabet)

• be shorter than 16 characters

• not be empty strings

• not contain any characters illegal in RAPID. See the RAPID reference manual for

details.

Removing unused targets

If deleting or changing paths or move instructions during programming, you might end up

with large numbers of targets that are no longer used in any instructions. To make the

workobjects and their targets easier to grasp, you can delete all unused targets.

For a procedure, see Remove Unused Targets on page 414.

Continued

3 How to program robots

3.5. Paths

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3.5. Paths

Creating an empty path

A path is a sequence of targets with move instructions that the robot follows. An empty path

will be created in the active task.

For a procedure, see Empty Path on page 207.

Creating a path from curve

If the work piece has curves or contours that correspond to the path to be created, you can

create the paths automatically. The create path from curve command generates paths,

complete with targets and instructions along existing curves.

The path will be created in the active task.

The orientation of the targets that will be created will be according to the settings of the

approach/travel vectors in the Options dialog box.

To create a path from a curve, the curve must have first been created in the station.

For a procedure, see Path from Curve on page 208.

Setting robot axis configuration for paths

The robot axis configuration specifies the position of the axes as the robot moves from target

to target, when multiple solutions are possible. This is necessary for executing move

instructions using configuration monitoring.

Taught targets have validated configurations, but targets created in any other way do not.

Also, targets that are repositioned lose their configuration. In RobotStudio, targets without a

valid configuration are marked with a yellow warning symbol. See Robot axis configurations

on page 24 for more information about configurations.

To set a configuration for all targets in a path, see Auto Configuration on page 379.

To set a configuration for a single target, see Configurations on page 381.

Reversing paths

The reverse path commands change the sequence of targets in the path so that the robot moves

from the last target to the first. When reversing paths, you can reverse either the target

sequence alone or the entire motion process.

For procedures, see Reverse Path on page 416.

NOTE!

When reversing paths, the original paths are deleted. If you want to keep them, make copies

before reversal.

NOTE!

When reversing paths, only move instructions are handled. Action instructions, if any exist,

have to be inserted manually after the reversal.

Continues on next page

3 How to program robots

3.5. Paths

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Rotating paths

With the rotate path command you can rotate complete paths and move the targets used by

the paths accordingly. When rotating paths, the included targets will lose their axis

configurations, if any have been assigned.

A frame or target must exist at the position to rotate around before starting the rotate path

command.

For a procedure, see Rotate Path on page 418.

Translating a path

The translate path function moves a path and all included targets.

For a procedure, see Translate Path on page 423.

Compensating paths for tool radius

You can offset a path so that it compensates for the radius of a rotating tool. Since the targets

in the path are moved, they will lose their axis configurations, if any have been assigned.

For a procedure, see Tool Compensation on page 422.

Interpolating a path

The interpolate functions reorient the targets in a path so that the difference in orientation

between the start and end targets is distributed evenly among the targets in between. The

interpolation can be either linear or absolute.

Linear interpolation distributes the difference in orientation evenly, based on the targets’

positions along the length of the path.

Absolute interpolation distributes the difference in orientation evenly, based on the targets’

sequence in the path.

Below are examples of the difference bewteen linear and absolute interpolation.

The interpolate functions reorient the targets in a path so that the difference in orientation

between the start and end targets is distributed evenly among the targets in between. The

interpolation can be either linear or absolute.

For a procedure, see Interpolate Path on page 389.

No interpolation

This is the path before any interpolation. Note that the last target is oriented differently than

the others.

xx0500002029

Continued

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3 How to program robots

3.5. Paths

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Linear interpolation

This is the same path after linear interpolation.

xx0500002030

Note that the targets are oriented based on their placement relative to the start and end targets.

If a target were moved and you reran the linear interpolation, it would be reoriented according

to its new position.

If new targets were inserted between the existing ones and you reran the linear interpolation,

it would not affect the orientation of the existing targets.

Absolute interpolation

This is the same path after absolute interpolation

xx0500002031

Note that the targets are orientated based on their sequence in the path: each target has been

reoriented equally, regardless of its place.

If a target were moved and you reran the absolute interpolation, it would not affect the

orientation.

If new targets were inserted between the existing ones and you reran the absolute

interpolation, it would change the orientation of all targets.

Mirroring a path

The mirror path function mirrors all motions instructions and their targets to a new path.

For a procedure, see Mirror Path on page 397.

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3 How to program robots

3.6. Orientations

993HAC032104-001 Revision: D

3.6. Orientations

Overview

This is an overview of the tools for automating the modification of target orientations.

When creating paths from curves in RobotStudio, the orientation of the targets depends on the

characteristics of the curves and the surrounding surfaces. Below is an example of a path with

unordered target orientations and examples of how the different tools have affected the

targets.

Unordered orientations

In the path below, the target orientations are unordered. The function View tool at target has

been used for illustrating how the targets point in different directions.

xx0500001864

Effect of target normal to surface

In the picture below, the targets, which previously were orientated randomly, have been set

normal to the flat round surface at the right side of the path. Note how the targets’ Z axis has

been orientated normal to the surface; the targets have not been rotated in the other directions.

xx0500001865

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3 How to program robots

3.6. Orientations

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Setting a target normal to surface

To set a target orientation normal to a surface is to make it perpendicular to the surface. The

target can be oriented normal to the surface in two different ways:

• The entire surface can be used as a reference for the normal. The target will be oriented

as the normal to the closest point at the surface. The entire surface is the default surface

reference.

• A specific point on the surface can be used as the reference for the normal. The target

will be orientated as the normal to this point, regardless of whether the normal to the

closest point at the surface has another orientation.

Objects imported without geometry (for example, .jt files) can only refer to specific points on

the surface.

For a procedure, see Set Normal to Surface on page 420.

Effect of align target orientation

In the picture below, the targets, which were previously orientated with the Z axis normal to

the surface but with the X and Y axes orientated randomly, have been organized by aligning

the targets’ orientation around the X axis with the Z axis locked. One of the targets in the path

has been used as reference.

xx0500001866

Aligning a target orientation

With the align target orientation command you align the rotation of selected targets around

one axis without changing the rotation around the others.

For a procedure, see Align Target Orientation on page 377.

TIP!

You can also align ordinary frames in the same way.

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3 How to program robots

3.6. Orientations

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Effects of copy and apply orientation

In the picture below, the targets, which were previously oriented randomly, have been

organized by copying the exact orientation of one target to all the others. This is a quick way

to fix workable orientations for processes where variations in approach, travel, or spin

directions either do not matter or are not affected, due to the shape of the work piece.

xx0500001867

Copying and applying an orientation for objects

To transfer an orientation from one object to another is an easy way to align different frames

for simplifying the programming of the robot. Target orientations may also be copied.

For procedures, see Copy / Apply Orientation on page 384.

Continued

3 How to program robots

3.7. RAPID Instructions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D102

3.7. RAPID Instructions

Move and action instructions

For RAPID programming, RobotStudio’s main advantage is in the area of motion

programming.

A move instruction is an instruction for the robot to move to a specified target in a specified

manner. With RobotStudio, you can create move instructions in three ways:

In addition to move instructions, you can also create and insert action instructions from

RobotStudio. An action instruction is an instruction other than a move instruction that can,

for example, set parameters, or activate or deactivate equipment and functions. The action

instructions available in RobotStudio are limited to those commonly used for affecting the

robot’s motions. For inserting other action instructions or another kind of RAPID code in the

program, use the Program Editor. For a procedure, see Action Instruction on page 221.

The table below lists the action instructions that can be created. For details, see the RAPID

Reference Manual.

Method Description

Create a move instruction

based on an existing target

Creates move instructions based on one or several targets

selected in the Paths&Targets browser. For a procedure, see

Add to Path on page 375.

Create a move instruction

and a corresponding target

Creates a move instruction and a corresponding target at

once. The position of the target can either be selected from the

graphics window or typed numerically. For a procedure, see

Move Instruction on page 220.

Teach a move instruction Teaching a move instruction creates a move instruction and a

corresponding target at the robot’s current position. Teaching

a move instruction also stores the current configuration with

the target. For a procedure, see Teach Instruction on page

219.

Action instruction Description

ConfL On/Off ConfL specifies whether to monitor the robot’s configurations

during linear movements. When ConfL is set to Off, the robot

may use another configuration than the programed one for

reaching the target during program execution.

ConfJ On/Off ConfJ specifies whether to monitor the robot’s configurations

during joint movements. When ConfJ is set to Off, the robot may

use another configuration than the programed one for reaching

the target during program execution.

Actunit UnitName Actunit activates the mechanical unit specified by UnitName.

DeactUnit UnitName Deactunit deactivates the mechanical unit specified by

UnitName.

ConfJ On/Off ConfJ specifies whether to monitor the robot’s configurations

during joint movements. When ConfJ is set to Off, the robot may

use another configuration than the programed one for reaching

the target during program execution.

Actunit UnitName Actunit activates the mechanical unit specified by UnitName.

DeactUnit UnitName Deactunit deactivates the mechanical unit specified by

UnitName.

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3 How to program robots

3.7. RAPID Instructions

1033HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Modifying an instruction

Most instructions have arguments that specify how the instruction shall be carried out. For

example, the MoveL instruction has arguments that specify the speed and accuracy with

which the robot moves to the target.

For a procedure, see Modify Instruction on page 405.

NOTE!

Some arguments are read from the virtual controller. If the virtual controller has not been

started, only the arguments stored in the station can be modified.

Converting to move circular

To create a circular motion to an instruction target, you must convert the motion type to

circular motion (that is, MoveC in RAPID).

A circular motion is defined by two motion instructions, where the first is the via-point and

the second contains the end point of the circular motion.

The circular motion can only be used for open circular arcs, not for closed circles. To create

a path for a closed circle, use two circular motions.

For a procedure, see Convert to Move Circular on page 383.

Creating RAPID instructions for setting I/O signals

For controlling I/O signals in the robot program, you use RAPID commands that set the

signals. These require that you first create instruction templates for the instructions that set

the signals. See the RAPID reference manual for details about the instructions that control I/

O signals.

To add RAPID instructions that set I/O signals, follow these steps:

1. Synchronize the system in which you want to add the instructions to the virtual controller,

see Synchronization on page 120.

2. In programming mode, select the module for editing, right-click it and then click Edit

program.

3. In the program editor, add the instructions for setting the signals.

4. When you are done adding instructions, synchronize the task and paths from the Virtual

Controller back to the station.

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3.7. RAPID Instructions

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Using cross-connections and groups for setting I/O signals

You can also create cross-connections and signal groups, which make one signal set the value

of several other signals. See the System parameters reference manual for details about cross-

connections and groups.

To make one signal set several others, follow these steps:

1. Request write access, and then open the configuration topic I/O in the configuration

editor. Add configure instances for the cross-connections and groups to create.

Instruction templates

Instruction templates contain predefined sets of argument values that are applied to the

instructions you create using the template. You can create templates for all instructions in the

system running on the virtual controller. To see which instructions are available and what

their arguments do, see the RAPID reference manual for your RobotWare version and the

reference sections in manuals for software options, if you have any installed on the system.

Move instruction templates are always part of process templates. The process templates

contain one instruction template for each type of move instruction that might be used by the

process.

The process templates are instances of process definitions, which define the types of move

instructions (move instruction definitions) that might be used by the process.

To create new move instruction templates, start by creating a new process template for a

process that uses the type move instructions you want to create templates for. If such a process

does not exist, you first have to create a new process definition.

If no move instruction definition for the type of instruction you want to create a template for

exists, you must create it first.

When creating instruction descriptions, the virtual controller must be running, since the

available instruction types are read from the system.

Method Description

Creating a process

template with move

instruction templates on

page 105

Move instructions are always related to processes.

Creating a move

instruction description on

page 106

To create templates for other instructions than the one that

already exists in the tree view, you first have to create an

instruction description that defines the arguments that belong to

the instruction.

Editing an instruction

template on page 106

XXX

Creating a process

definition on page 107

XXX

Creating an action

instruction template on

page 107

XXX

Creating an action

instruction description on

page 107

To create templates for other instructions than the one that

already exists in the tree view, you first have to create an

instruction description that defines the arguments that belong to

the instruction.

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3 How to program robots

3.7. RAPID Instructions

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Templates can be imported and exported on four levels: tasks, move instruction descriptions,

action instruction descriptions and process definitions. The default directory for imported and

exported template files is My Documents/RobotStudio. Simply choosing another directory

will then make that directory default. The default file format is .xml.

The validation procedure checks for duplicate names, incomplete process definitions and

virtual controller equality. It is performed automatically, after a template file has been

imported or a node renamed or deleted.

For procedures, see Instruction Template Manager on page 222.

Instruction Template Manager

The Instruction Template Manager is used to add support for instructions other than the

default set that comes with the RobotStudio.

For example, a robot controller system with the RobotWare Dispense option has specialized

move instructions related to glueing like DispL and DispC. You can manually define the

instruction templates for these using the Instruction Template Manager. The instruction

templates are exported to XML format and reused later.

The instruction template supports the following Robotware options:

• Cap (Continuous Application Process)

• Disp (Dispense)

• Trigg (Fixed Position Events)

• Spot Pneumatic

• Spot Servo

• Spot Servo Equalizing

• Paint

RobotStudio has pre-defined XML files that are imported and used for robot controller

systems with the appropriate RobotWare options.These XML files has both the Move and

Action instructions.

NOTE! It is recommended to use RobotStudio ArcWelding PowerPac while using

RobotWare Arc.

Creating a process template with move instruction templates

1. On the Home tab, from the active Task list, select the task for the robot for which you

want to create the instruction template.

2. On the Create menu, click Instruction Template Manager. This opens the Instruction

templates page in the work space.

3. In the Instruction Templates tree to the left, make sure there are move instruction

definitions for the types of move instructions you want to create templates for. If not,

follow the procedure in Creating a move instruction description on page 106 for creating

them.

4. Make sure there is a process definition that uses the types of move instructions you want

to create templates for. If not, follow the procedure in Creating a process definition on

page 107 for creating it.

5. Right-click the process definition for which you want to create a new templates and click

Create Process Definition.

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3.7. RAPID Instructions

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6. In the Create Process Definition dialog box, enter a name, with characters from ASCII

set, for the new template and click Create. A new process template node with a set of

move instruction templates is now created.

7. Select each new template one at a time, and in the arguments grid to the right of the tree

view, set the argument values that shall be applied when you create new instructions based

on the template. Finish for each template by clicking Apply changes at the bottom of the

grid.

For details about available arguments and what they do, see the RAPID reference manual

for ordinary RAPID instructions and the option manual for software option instructions.

Creating a move instruction description

To create the instruction description, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Move Instructions node and click Create Move Instruction

Description. This opens the Create Move Instruction Description dialog box.

2. In the Controller Description list, select the instruction you want to make a description

for. All action instructions installed on the controller, both through RobotWare and

software options, are available.

3. In the Motion type list, select the motion type for the instruction.

4. Optionally, in the Information text box, enter a comment to the instruction.

5. Click Create. The instruction description appears in the tree view and its settings are

displayed in the grid.

6. In the instruction grid, set the point type values. If necessary, also change the other

settings.

7. After changing the settings, click Apply Changes in the bottom of the grid view.

Editing an instruction template

To edit an instruction template, follow these steps:

1. In the active task list, select the task for the robot for which you want to edit the instruction

template.

2. On the Create menu, click Instruction Template Manager. This opens the Instruction

templates page in the work space.

3. In the Instruction Templates tree to the left, browse to and select the template to edit.

4. In the arguments grid to the right of the tree view, set the argument values that shall be

applied when you create new instructions based on the template. Finish by clicking Apply

changes at the bottom of the grid.

For details about available arguments and what they do, see the RAPID reference manual

for ordinary RAPID instructions and the option manual for software option instructions.

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3 How to program robots

3.7. RAPID Instructions

1073HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Creating a process definition

To create a process definition, follow these steps:

1. Make sure there are move instruction definitions for the types of move instructions you

want to create templates for. If not, follow the procedure above for creating them.

2. Right-click the Process definitions node and click Create Process Definition. This

opens the Create Process Description dialog box.

3. In the Create Process Definitions dialog box, enter a name for the process definition, a

name for its first process template and then select the move instruction types to use. Finish

by clicking Create.

Creating an action instruction template

To create a template for an action instruction, follow these steps:

1. In the active task list, select the task for the robot for which you want to create the

instruction template.

2. On the Home menu, click Instruction Template Manager.

3. In the Instruction Templates tree to the left, right-click the instruction description

(corresponding to the instructions as described in the RAPID reference manual) for which

you want to create a new template and click Create Action instruction Template.

If the instruction description does not exist in the tree, create it by following the procedure

described in Creating an action instruction description on page 107.

4. In the Create Action Instruction Template dialog box, enter a name for the new

template and click Create. The new template is now created under the instruction

description node it belongs to.

5. Select the new template and in the arguments grid to the right of the tree view, set the

argument values that shall be applied when you create new instructions based on the

template. Finish by clicking Apply changes at the bottom of the grid.

For details about available arguments and what they do, see the RAPID reference manual

for ordinary RAPID instructions and the option manual for software option instructions.

Creating an action instruction description

To create the instruction description, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Action Instructions node and click Create Action Instruction

Description. This opens the Create Instruction Description dialog box.

2. In the Controller Description list, select the instruction you want to make a description

for. All action instructions installed on the controller, both through RobotWare and

software options, are available.

3. Optionally, in the Information text box, enter a comment to the instruction.

4. Click Create. The instruction description appears in the tree view, and its settings are

displayed in the grid.

After changing the settings (if necessary), click Apply Changes in the bottom of the grid

view.

5. Continue with creating templates for the instruction description, as described in Creating

an action instruction template on page 107.

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3 How to program robots

3.8. Testing positions and motions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D108

3.8. Testing positions and motions

Overview

RobotStudio has several functions for testing how robots reach and move to targets. They are

useful both for finding the optimal layout when building a station and during programming.

Below are brief descriptions of the functions for testing reachability and motions.

Checking reachability

The check reachability function displays whether the robot can reach selected targets and

motion instructions by changing the frames’ colors in the graphic view. Reachable frames are

colored green, unreachable red, and frames with reachable positions but not with current

orientation are colored yellow.

The reachability check is useful when building the station, since the reachability of several

targets are displayed at once. For a procedure, see Check Reachability on page 380.

Jumping to target

Jump to target tests whether the robot can reach a specific position. This is useful when

building the station: by creating targets at critical positions on the work piece and jumping

the robot to them, you get an early indication of whether the items are positioned correctly or

not. For a procedure, see Jump to Target on page 391.

Viewing a robot at target

When View robot at target is activated, the robot is automatically positioned with the tool at

the target when one is selected. If several robot axis configurations are possible for reaching

the target, the robot will use the one nearest the configuration it had before jumping to the

target. For a procedure, see View Robot at Target on page 424.

Viewing tool at target

View tool at target displays the tool at target, without checking that the robot can reach it. This

test is useful both when building the station and when programming the robot, since the

orientation of targets both affects the reachability and the process performance. For a

procedure, see View Tool at Target on page 425.

Executing move instructions

Execute move instruction tests if the robot can reach a specific position with the programed

motion properties. This is useful for testing motions during programming. For detailed

information, see Execute Move Instruction on page 386.

Moving along path

Move along path executes all move instructions in a path. It is thereby a more complete test

than Execute move instructions, but not as complete as a full simulation, since it ignores

RAPID code that is not move instructions. For a procedure, see Move Along Path on page

409.

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3 How to program robots

3.8. Testing positions and motions

1093HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Moving to a pose

Moving to a pose moves a mechanism to a predefined joint value at a predefined time without

using the Virtual Controller. This is useful when movement of the external equipment (such

as a clamp or conveyer) must be simulated. For a procedure, see Move to Pose on page 410.

Simulating programs

Simulating programs involves running a program on the virtual controller as it is run on a real

controller. It is the most complete test whereby you can see how the robot interacts with

external equipment through events and I/O signals. For a procedure, see Simulation Setup on

page 297.

Improving the reachability

If the robot cannot reach the target, or if you are not satisfied with the motions, try the

following for improving the reachability:

Set ConfL or ConfJ to Off for enabling the robot to use new configurations for reaching

the target.

Change the orientation of the target.

Change the position of either the robot or the work piece.

Use a system with a track external axis for increasing the robot’s range.

Use a system with a positioner external axis for enabling different work piece positions

for different targets.

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3 How to program robots

3.9.1. About programming MultiMove

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D110

3.9 Programming MultiMove systems

3.9.1. About programming MultiMove

About MultiMove

The MultiMove functions helps you create and optimize programs for MultiMove systems

where one robot or positioner holds the work piece and other robots operate on it. Below is

an outline of the main workflow for programming MultiMove systems with RobotStudio,

with references to detailed instructions further down in the section.

Prerequisites

For using the MultiMove functions you must first have the following:

• A virtual controller running a MultiMove system started in RobotStudio, see A

MultiMove system with two coordinated robots on page 160 for an example.

• All coordinate systems and tools used by the system.

• The paths along which the tool shall move. The paths must be created in a workobject

that belongs to a tool robot and is attached to the work piece robot. A wizard will guide

you through attaching the workobjects if this has not been done before starting the

MultiMove functions.

For detailed information about MultiMove in RobotWare systems and RAPID programs, see

the MultiMove application manual.

Normal workflow

This is the typical workflow for creating MutliMove programs using the MultiMove function:

Action Description

Setting up the MultiMove Select the robots and paths to use in the program, see

Setting up the MultiMove on page 112.

Testing the MultiMove Execute the motion instructions along the paths, see

Testing the MultiMove on page 113.

Tuning the motion behavior Tune motion behavior, such as tolerances and constraints

for TCP motions, see Tuning the motion behavior on page

114.

Creating the program Generate the tasks for the robots, see Creating paths on

page 116.

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3.9.1. About programming MultiMove

1113HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Additional actions

In addition to using the functions that calculate and create optimized MulitMove paths, you

can program MulitMove manaully using a combination of the ordinary programming tools in

RobotStudio and a set of tools specific for MultiMove programming.

The main actions for programming MulitMove manually are outlined below. Not all actions

might be necessary, but the order in which they shall be carried out depends on the contents

of the station and your goals.

Action Description

Creating Tasklists and

Syncidents

This data specifies the tasks and paths that shall be syn-

chronized with each other. See The Create Tasklist tool on

page 218 and The Create Syncident tool on page 218,

respectively.

Adding and updating ID

arguments to the instructions to

synchronize

To add IDs to the intructions, you can use one of the

following methods:

Using The Recalculate ID tool on page 217 to add and

update IDs for instructions in paths that already are syn-

chronized.

Using The Convert path to MultiMove path tool on page

218 to add IDs to instructions in paths that have not yet

been synchronized.

Adding and adjusting Sync

instructions to the paths.

Add SyncMoveon/Off or WaitSyncTask instructions

to the paths to synchronize and set their tasklist and

Syncident parameters. See Creating an action instruction

on page 221.

Teaching MultiMove instructions It is also possible to jog all robots to the desired positions

and then teach instructions to new synchronized paths.

See MultiTeach tab on page 214.

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3 How to program robots

3.9.2. Setting up the MultiMove

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D112

3.9.2. Setting up the MultiMove

Selecting robots and paths

This procedure is for selecting the robots and paths in the station that shall be used for the

MutliMove program. All robots for the MultiMove program must belong to the same system.

1. On the Home tab, click MultiMove. Click the Setup tab below the MutliMove work area.

2. In the work area, click the System config bar for expanding the system config section.

3. In the Select System box, select the system that contains the robots to program.

The robots of the selected system are now displayed in the System grid below the Select

system box.

4. For each robot that shall be used in the program, select the check box in the Enable

column.

5. For each robot that shall be used in the program, specify whether it carries the tool or the

work piece using the options in the Carrier column.

6. In the work area, click the Path config bar for expanding the path config section.

7. Select the Enable check box for the tool robot and click the expand button. This displays

the paths of the robot.

8. Select the order of the paths to execute by specifying them in right order using Path name

column.

9. For each path that shall be included in the program, select the check box in the Enable

column.

10.When you have set up the robots and paths, continue testing the Multimove and then tune

the motion properties, if necessary.

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3.9.3. Testing the MultiMove

1133HAC032104-001 Revision: D

3.9.3. Testing the MultiMove

Overview

Testing the MultiMove executes the motion instructions along the paths according to the

current settings on the setup and motions properties pages.

Testing Paths

This procedure is for setting the robots start position and testing the resulting movements

along the path sequence.

1. Jog the robots to what seems to be a good start position.

2. On the Home tab, click MultiMove. Click the Test tab at the bottom of the MultiMove

work area for displaying the test area.

3. Optionally, select the Stop at end check box to make the simulation stop after moving

along the paths. Clearing this check box makes the simulation continue in a loop until you

click Pause.

4. Click Play to simulate the motions along the paths based on the current start position.

If you are satisfied with the motions, continue generating multimove paths. If the

simulation cannot complete or if you are not satisfied with the motions, pause the

simulation and perform any of the actions below to adjust the motions:

Action Description

Examine the robots’ positions

for critical targets.

Click Pause and then use the arrow buttons to move to one

target a time.

Jog the robots to new start

positions.

New start positions might result in changed motions, since the

robots will use different configurations. In most cases,

positions near the robots’ joint limits shall be avoided.

Go to the Motion Behavior

tab and remove constraints.

The default setting for the motion properties is no constraints.

If this has been changed, constraints might exist that limit

motions more than necessary.

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3.9.4. Tuning the motion behavior

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3.9.4. Tuning the motion behavior

Overview

Tuning the motion behavior means to set up rules for the robot’s motions, for example,

constraints on the position or orientation of the tool. Generally, the MultiMove program will

obtain the smoothest motions with the fastest cycle and process times with as few constraints

as possible.

For procedures, see Motion Behavior tab on page 212.

Modifying the joint influences

The joint influence controls the balance of how much the robots will use their joints.

Decreasing the weight value for one axis will restrict the motion for this axis, while increasing

it will promote motion on this axis relative to alternative axes.

1. On the Home tab, click the Motion Behavior tab.

2. Expand the Joint Influence group by clicking its title bar.

3. In the Select Robot box, select the robot whose joint influence you want to modify.

The weight values for the robot axes are now displayed in the grid.

4. For each axis whose motion you want to restric or promote, adjust the Weight value. A

lower value restricts, and a higher value promotes, motions on that axis.

Modifying the TCP constraints

The joint influence controls the balance of how much the robots will use their joints.

Decreasing the weight value for one axis will restrict the motion for this axis, while increasing

it will promote motion on this axis relative to alternative axes.

1. On the Simulation tab, click the Motion Behavior tab.

2. Expand the TCP Constraints group by clicking its title bar.

The directions and rotations in which you can constrain the TCP’s motion are now

displayed in the grid

3. For each pose you want to constrain, select the Enable check box and specify the

constraint values (location in the TCP coordinate system). To use the values from the

current TCP position, click Pick from TCP.

4. Optionally, adjust the Weight value for the constraint. A low value results in a harder

constraint, while a high value allows a larger deviation.

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3.9.4. Tuning the motion behavior

1153HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Modifying the tool tolerance

The joint influence controls the balance of how much the robots will use their joints.

Decreasing the weight value for one axis will restrict the motion for this axis, while increasing

it will promote motion on this axis relative to alternative axes.

1. On the Simulation tab, click the Motion Behavior tab.

2. Expand the Tool Tolerance group by clicking its title bar.

The directions and rotations in which you can enable tolerances are now displayed in the

grid

3. For each offset you want to set, select the Enable check box.

4. In the Value column, specify the allowed deviation.

5. Optionally, adjust the Weight value for the tolerance. A low value increases the use of the

tolerance, while a high value promotes motions that do not use the tolerance.

Modifying the tool offset

The tool offset sets a fixed distance between the tool and the paths.

1. On the Simulation tab, click the Motion Behavior tab.

2. Expand the Tool Offset group by clicking its title bar.

The directions and rotations in which you can set offsets are now displayed in the grid.

3. For each offset you want to set, select the Enable check box.

4. In the Offset column, specify the offset distance.

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3 How to program robots

3.9.5. Creating paths

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3.9.5. Creating paths

Overview

When you are satisfied with the motions displayed when testing the Multimove program, the

next step is to convert the temporary move instructions used by the MultiMove function to

ordinary paths in RobotStudio.

Creating the paths

To create paths for the MultiMove program in RobotStudio, follow these steps:

1. On the Home tab, click Create Paths tab.

2. Expand the Settings group by clicking on the its title bar.

3. Optionally, change the naming settings in the following boxes:

4. Expand the WP Robot Settings group by clicking on its title bar and then check the

settings in the following boxes:

5. Expand the Generate path group by clicking on its title bar and then click Create Paths.

Box Description

Start ID Specify the first ID number for the synchronization of the instruc-

tions for the robots.

ID step index Specify the increment between ID numbers.

Sync ident prefix Specify a prefix for the syncident variable, which connects the

sync instructions in the tasks for the tool robot and the work

piece robot with each other.

Task list prefix Specify a prefix for the tasklist variable, which identifies the tasks

for the tool robot and the work piece robot to synchronize.

Box Description

WP Workobject Specify the workobject to which the targets generated for the

workpiece robot shall belong.

WP TCP Specify which tooldata the workpiece shall use when reaching

its targets.

Path prefix Specify a prefix for the generated paths.

Target prefix Specify a prefix for the generated targets.

3 How to program robots

3.9.6. Programming external axes

1173HAC032104-001 Revision: D

3.9.6. Programming external axes

Overview

This is a brief overview of the functions and commands for programming external axes in

RobotStudio. For a more detailed description of external axes and how to program them, see

the product manual for the external axis to use and the RAPID reference manual.

Coordinated motions

Normally, external axes are used to move the workpiece, the robot or any other mechanism.

The motions of an external axis can be coordinated with those of a robot in two ways,

depending on the task in which the external axis is defined.

Task for external axis Coordination method

Same task as the robot´s If the external axis is in the same task as the robot, the current

position of active external axes is stored with each target that is

created. When the robot then moves to the target, the external

axis will move to the stored position as well.

Modifying and optimizing the position of positioner external axes

can be automated using the MultiMove function, or be

performed manually for selected targets. Positions of track

external axes can only be modifed manually.

For information about using the MultiMove function, see About

programming MultiMove on page 110. For information about

how to modify the position of external axes manually, see below.

Other task than the robot’s If the external axis is in another task than that of the robot it shall

be coordinated with, the motions of the external axis are created

by MoveExt instructions, and the coordination is made by sync

instructions.

For positioner external axes creating or optimizing MoveExt and

sync instructions can be automated way using the MultiMove

function, or be performed manually by creating a path with

MoveExt instructions for the positioner and then adding sync

instructions to the path for the robot and the external axis. Track

external axes can only be programed manually.

For information about using the MultiMove function see About

programming MultiMove on page 110. For information about

how to use the sync instructions, see the RAPID reference

manual and the MultiMove application manual.

Continues on next page

3 How to program robots

3.9.6. Programming external axes

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Modifying positions of external axes

When programming external axes, you often need to adjust the position of the external axis

for some targets. For example, if you create a path from curves on a work piece that is

attached to a positioner, the positioner will initially have the same position for all targets. By

repositioning the work piece for some of the targets you might improve process time and

reachability.

When targets are created in stations with a coordinated external axis, the position values of

the external axis are stored in the target. With the Modify External Axis function you can

reposition the external axis, thus making it possible for the robot to reach the target in new

ways. For a procedure, see Modify External Axis on page 404.

To modify the external axis values for a target, the following conditions must be met:

• The external axis must be added to the system and set up correctly. For examples of

how to add support for an external axis to a system, see A system with support for one

robot and one positioner external axis on page 162. For information about how to set

up an external axis in a RobotStudio station, see Placing external axes on page 86.

• The external axis must be defined in the same task as the robot.

• The external axis must be activated.

Activation and deactivation

Activating a mechanical unit makes it controlled and monitored by the controller.

Consequently, the mechanical unit must be activated before programming or running

programs. If a system uses several external axes or interchangeable models with several work

stations, several mechanical units might share common drive units. If this is the case, you

must make sure to set the mechanical unit as active.

For more information about activating and deactivating mechanical units, see the RAPID

reference manual on the instructions ActUnit and DeactUnit.

Activating and deactivating mechanical units can be done either manually, see Activate

Mechanical Units on page 305, or programmatically by RAPID instructions, see below.

To activate or deactivate mechanical units programmatically

To set the mechanical units to be active programmatically by RAPID instructions, follow

these steps:

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, browse down to the path in which you want to insert the

activation or deactivation instruction. To insert it as the first instruction in the path, select

the path node and to insert it between existing instructions, select the instruction before

the intended insertion point.

2. On the Home tab, click Action Instruction to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Instruction Templates list, select one of the ActUnit or DeactUnit instructions.

4. In the Instruction Arguments grid and the MechUnit list, select the unit to activate or

deactivate.

5. Click Create. When the path is executed either through the Move along path command,

or running the RAPID program, the instruction will be carried out.

Continued

3 How to program robots

3.10. Loading and saving programs and modules

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3.10. Loading and saving programs and modules

Overview

RAPID programs and modules are normally stored in the RobotWare systems, as they are

created. You can also save the programs to files on the PC, which makes it possible to load

them to other controllers, either other virtual controllers or real IRC5 controllers.

Programs are saved from the VC

When saving a program to files on the PC from RobotStudio, it is the RAPID program stored

in the system of the VC that is saved. This program is created and updated by synchronizing

the station to the VC, see Synchronize to VC on page 364.

Procedures

To create or load a module or load a program, see:

• New Module on page 318.

• Load Module on page 319.

• Load Program on page 321.

To save a module or program, see:

• Save Module As on page 320.

• Save Program As on page 322.

3 How to program robots

3.11. Synchronization

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3.11. Synchronization

Overview

To synchronize is to make sure that the RAPID program in the system running on the virtual

controller corresponds to the programs in RobotStudio. You can synchronize both from

RobotStudio to the virtual controller and from the virtual controller to RobotStudio.

In a RobotStudio station, robot positions and movements are defined by targets and move

instructions in paths. These correspond to data declarations and RAPID instructions in the

modules of the RAPID program. By synchronizing the station to the virtual controller, you

create RAPID code out of the data in the station. By synchronizing the virtual controller to

the station, you create paths and targets out of the RAPID program in the system running on

the virtual controller.

When to synchronize the station to the VC

Synchronizing the station to the VC updates the RAPID program of the virtual controller with

the latest changes in the station. This is useful to do before:

• Performing a simulation.

• Saving a program to files on the PC.

• Copying or loading RobotWare systems.

To synchronize a station to the VC, see Synchronize to VC on page 364.

When to synchronize the VC to the station

Synchronizing the VC to the station creates paths, targets and instructions that correspond to

the RAPID program in the system running on the virtual controller. This is useful to do when

you have:

• Started a new virtual controller which system contains existing programs.

• Loaded a program from a file.

• Text-edited the program.

To synchronize the VC to a station, see Synchronize to Station on page 363.

3 How to program robots

3.12. Using the RAPID editor

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3.12. Using the RAPID editor

Overview

The integrated RAPID program editor is useful for editing all robot tasks other than robot

motion. This section provides instructions on launching the editor and case examples

illustrating several useful functions, such as keyboard shortcuts, IntelliSense, code snippets

and the watch window.

Opening the program editor

To access the program editor, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Offline tab.

2. In the Program browser, select a module for editing and then click RAPID Editor.

The RAPID code of the program appears as a tabbed document window.

TIP!

The graphical layout can be consulted without closing the editor by clicking the graphics

window tab.

Searching: a case example

Assume that you have programed targets and motion instructions and sychronized them to the

controller. The number of targets is large, so you decide to distribute them among several

modules.

You may have forgotten in which module your main procedure is found.

1. Press CTRL + F to bring up the Search and Replace dialog box.

2. In the Search Pattern box, type "PROC main". Since no modules are open, in the Search

In list, select Current System, and then click Search All.

The search result is displayed in the output window.

3. Double-click the line matching your search to launch the program editor.

The entire RAPID program is then checked for errors.

Continues on next page

3 How to program robots

3.12. Using the RAPID editor

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Code Snippets

Code Snippets are pieces of code inserted in the RAPID Editor. The editor integrates these

codes with the pick list. The following are the predefined code snippets in RobotStudio:

• array2x2x4.snippet

• array2x4.snippet

• array2x4x2.snippet

• array4x2.snippet

• function with return value bool.snippet

• module header.snippet

• procedure parameters.snippet

• procedure with error handler.snippet

• robtarget.snippet

• tooldata.snippet

• TRAP routine example.snippet

• wobjdata.snippet

You can create customized code snippets and add to the existing list.

NOTE!

Code Snippets can be edited in an XML editor such as Microsoft Visual Studio. The

RobotStudio .snippet files are saved in the folder C:\<Documents and Settings>\<user

name>\RobotStudio\Code Snippets. The folder <Documents and Settings> may be

configured with different names, for example, Data. It may also be translated on localized

versions of Windows.

For information on creating customized code snippets, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/.

Editing: a case example

Assume that you wish to create an infinite loop whereby the controller receives commands

from a line PLC. The controller communicates with the PLC using digital I/O signals, but you

have forgotten the exact name of the function that reads an input signal.

1. Using code snippets, create a new procedure.

2. Press CTRL + SHIFT + SPACE to open the pick list.

3. Double-click the I/O folder, and then double-click the DOutput instruction to insert it at

the insertion position.

4. Press the spacebar to display the parameter information ToolTip. As you enter parameters,

the ToolTip is updated, displaying the current argument in bold. The ToolTip is closed

either by concluding the instruction with a semicolon (;), or by pressing ESC.

TIP!

At any time you may press CTRL + SHIFT to complete what you have begun typing. This

will either bring up a narrowed-down list of selectable parameters, or, if only one selection

remains, will automatically complete your text.

Continued

Continues on next page

3 How to program robots

3.12. Using the RAPID editor

1233HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Adding breakpoints: a case example

Now that you have finished editing, you may want to test your loop and add some

breakpoints.

1. Place the insertion on the new statement and press F9 to set a breakpoint.

The breakpoint, indicated by a grey circle, is stored in the editor until changes are applied,

whereupon it turns red.

2. Ensure that the Ignore breakpoints button in the Program editor toolbar is not clicked,

and click the Play button on the Simulation toolbar.

The program will run and then stop at the breakpoint.

3. To run the program statement by statement, click the Step over button in the Program

editor toolbar.

Applying and verifying the edits

To apply and verify your edits, follow these steps:

1. To apply your edits, click the Apply icon in the editor toolbar.

The statement is highlighted, and breakpoint locations are adjusted, if necessary.

2. To verify the syntactic and semantic correctness of the modules, click the Check

Program icon in the editor toolbar.

Executing: a case example

You might want to debug your loop or monitor a specific variable.

1. In the program editor browser, right-click the procedure you want to set as entry point,

and then click Set Entry.

The icon is marked in red.

2. In the Simulation tab, click the Play button.

The program will run and then stop at the next breakpoint.

3. Select a variable for monitoring and drag it to the watch window.

4. Restart the loop and monitor the variable at each iteration.

NOTE!

To manually refresh the variable list, click Refresh from the context menu.

Continued

3 How to program robots

3.12. Using the RAPID editor

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D124

How

4.1. Simulation Overview

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4 How to simulate programs

4.1. Simulation Overview

About this chapter

This chapter describes how to simulate and validate robot programs. Below are short

introductions to the simulation functions in RobotStudio.

Function Description

Play simulations Simulations run entire robot programs on a virtual controller.

Before you run a simulation you need to decide which paths are

to be simulated. To set up a simulation, see Simulation Setup on

page 297. To run a simulation, see Simulation Control on page

306.

Collision detection Collision detection displays and logs collisions and near-misses

for specified objects in the station. Normally used during

simulation of robot programs, it can also be used when building

the station.

For more information, see Detecting collisions on page 127.

Event handling Events can be used to connect an action to a trigger. For

example, you can attach one object to another when they collide

or a signal is set. For more information, see Creating an event

on page 130.

I/O Simulation In simulations I/O signals are normally set either by the robot

program or by events. With the I/O simulator you can set signals

manually, which provides a quick test of specific conditions. For

more information, see Simulating I/O signals on page 131.

Simulation Monitoring With the simulation monitoring functions you enhance the

simulation by adding traces along the TCP movements or alerts

triggered by defined speeds or motions. For more information,

see Enabling simulation monitoring on page 132.

Process time

measurement

With the process timer you measure the time for a process to

complete. For more information, see Measuring process time on

page 133.

Continues on next page

4 How to simulate programs

4.1. Simulation Overview

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Time handling during simulation

When simulating stations with events or several controllers, or other time managing

equipment, time can be managed in two modes: either as free runtime or as time slices.

RobotStudio uses time slice mode by default, but you can switch to free runtime, if required.

Free runtime

Since all controllers use the same computer resources, their synchronization might not be

exactly as in the real world if they run independently of each other (called free run mode).

The cycle time will be correct, but the timing for setting signals and triggering events might

be inaccurate.

Time Slice

Time slices can be used to ensure that the timing for signals and other interaction between

controllers is accurate. In this mode, RobotStudio synchronizes the controllers by dividing a

time segment into small slices and waiting for all controllers to complete a current time slice

before any controller can start anew. Thus, the controllers are synchronized, and the cycle

time will be calculated correctly. The drawbacks are that the virtual FlexPendant cannot be

open, and that the simulation might be somewhat slow and jerky, depending on the

complexity of the simulation and the performance of the computer.

NOTE!

If the simulation uses events or involves several different controllers, the virtual time mode

Time Slice shall be used to make sure that the timing between the controllers is correctly

simulated.

Continued

4 How to simulate programs

4.2. Detecting collisions

1273HAC032104-001 Revision: D

4.2. Detecting collisions

Overview

With RobotStudio you can detect and log collisions between objects in the station. The basic

concepts of collision detection are explained below.

Collision sets

A collision set contains two groups, Objects A and Objects B, in which you place the objects

to detect any collisions between them. When any object in Objects A collides with any object

in Objects B, the collision is displayed in the graphical view and logged in the output window.

You can have several collision sets in the station, but each collision set can only contain two

groups.

A common use of collision sets is to create one collision set for each robot in the station. For

each collision set you then put the robot and its tool in one group and all objects you do not

want it to collide with in the other. If a robot has several tools, or holds other objects, you can

either add these to the robot’s group as well or create specific collision sets for these setups.

Each collision set can be activated and deactivated separately.

Collisions and near-misses

In addition to collisions, the collision detection can also watch for near-misses, which is when

an object in Objects A comes within a specified distance from an object in Objects B.

Recommendations for collision detection

In general, the following principles are recommended to facilitate collision detection:

• Simplify and defeature your models by removing everything that is not necessary for

simulation purposes.

• Use as small collision sets as possible, splitting large parts and collecting in the

collision sets only relevant parts.

• Enable coarse detail level when importing geometry.

• Limit the use of near-miss.

• Enable last collision detection, if the results are acceptable.

Results of creating a collision set

After you have created a collision set, see Create Collision Set on page 296, RobotStudio will

check the positions of all objects and detect when any object in ObjectsA collides with any

object in ObjectsB.

Activation of detection and displayal of collisions depend on how the collision detection is

set up.

If the collision set is active, RobotStudio will check the positions of the objects in the groups,

and indicate any collision between them according to the current color settings.

Continues on next page

4 How to simulate programs

4.2. Detecting collisions

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Collision detection

Collision detection checks whether robots or other moving parts collide with equipment in

the station. In complex stations, you can use several collision sets for detecting collisions

between several groups of objects.

After collision detection has been set up, it does not need to be started, but automatically

detects collisions according to the setup.

Setting when to check for collisions

To set whether to detect collisions always or only during simulation, follow these steps:

1. On the Application menu, click RobotStudio Options and under Simulation, click

Collision.

2. In the Perform collision detection option, select one of the following:

Setting the objects for collision detection

To set the objects for collision detection, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the objects for collision detection are placed correctly in collision sets.

2. Make sure that the collision set for the objects is activated, which is indicated by an icon

in the Layout browser:

To activate or deactivate collision sets, continue with the following steps:

3. Right-click the collision set to change and then click Modify Collision set to bring up a

dialog box.

4. Select or clear the Active check box and then click Apply.

Setting near-miss detection

Near-misses occur when objects in collision sets are close to colliding. Each collision set has

its own near-miss settings. For setting near-miss detection, follow these steps:

1. In the Layout browser, right-click the collision set to change and then click Modify

Collision set to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Near miss box, specify the maximum distance between the objects to be considered

a near-miss and then click Apply.

Option Description

During simulation Collision detection is active only during simulation (when running

RAPID programs in the virtual controller).

Always Collision detection is always active, even when moving objects

manually or testing reachability.

Icon Description

xx0500001552

Active. Collisions between objects in this set will be detected.

xx0500001370

Not active. Collisions between objects in this set will not be detected.

Continued

Continues on next page

4 How to simulate programs

4.2. Detecting collisions

1293HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Setting logging options

In addition to the graphical display of collisions, you can also log the collisions to the output

window or a separate log file:

1. On the Application menu, click RobotStudio Options and under Simulation, click

Collision.

2. For displaying the collision log in the output window, select the Log collisions to Output

window check box.

3. For logging collisions to a separate file, select the Log collisions to file check box and

enter the name and path to the log file in the box below the check box.

Continued

4 How to simulate programs

4.3. Creating an event

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D130

4.3. Creating an event

Overview

Events enhance your simulations by defining actions that are carried out when specific trigger

conditions are fulfilled. You can use events to:

• Attach one object to another, for example, a work piece to a gripper when simulating

material handling, see Attaching and detaching objects on page 56.

• Set signals, for example, when simulating signals set by equipment other than the

controller, see Simulating I/O signals on page 131.

• Start or stop the process timer, see Measuring process time on page 133.

Used for creating new events, the Create New Event Wizard is launched from the Event

manager, see Event Manager on page 298.

Prerequisites

Before creating the event, make sure that the station contains all signals and objects that are

planned to be used as triggers or affected by the action.

4 How to simulate programs

4.4. Simulating I/O signals

1313HAC032104-001 Revision: D

4.4. Simulating I/O signals

Procedures

When simulating I/O signals you can either create events that set signal values when specified

trigger conditions are fulfilled, or you can set signal values manually.

For procedures using the event manager, see Event Manager on page 298.

For procedures using the I/O simulator, see I/O Simulator on page 307.

Related information

For information about controlling I/O signals from the RAPID program, see Creating RAPID

instructions for setting I/O signals on page 103.

4 How to simulate programs

4.5. Enabling simulation monitoring

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4.5. Enabling simulation monitoring

Overview

The simulation monitor commands are used to visually detect critical robot movements

during simulation by drawing a colored line that follows the TCP.

To enable TCP tracing

To enable TCP tracing, follow these steps:

1. On the Simulation tab, click Monitor to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the left pane, select the appropriate robot.

3. On the TCP Trace tab, select the Enable TCP Trace check box. This activates TCP

tracing for the selected robot.

4. Optionally, change the length and color of the trace. For detailed information, see Monitor

on page 309.

To enable simulation alerts

To enable simulation alerts, follow these steps:

1. On the Simulation menu, click Monitor to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the left pane, select the appropriate robot.

3. On the Alerts tab, select the Enable Simulation Alerts check box. This activates

simulation alerts for the selected robot.

4. In the threshold value boxes, specify the threshold for the alerts. Setting the threshold to

0 is equivalent to disabling the alert. For detailed information, see Monitor on page 309.

4 How to simulate programs

4.6. Measuring process time

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4.6. Measuring process time

Overview

The process timer measures the time it takes for robots to run a simulation or move along a

path. When the timer is activated, the clock will start as soon as a process is started. If two

processes are started at the same time, the timer will not stop until the last one has stopped.

To measure the process time

To measure the process time, follow these steps:

1. On the Simulation tab, click the Clock button.

2. Play the simulation or move along path.

The timer stops when the last process has stopped. If you start another process without

having deactivated the Clock button, the timer will continue.

3. To reset the clock to zero, click the Reset Process Timer.

4 How to simulate programs

4.6. Measuring process time

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5 Deployment and distribution

5.1. Copying programs

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5 Deployment and distribution

5.1. Copying programs

Overview

RAPID programs are normally stored in the systems that run on the virtual controllers of your

station. To copy programs to systems on other controllers, save the programs to file on the PC

and then load these files to the destination controllers. You can save either entire programs or

specific modules.

Copying a program

To copy a program from one controller to another, follow these steps:

1. In the Offline browser, select the controller that contains the program to copy.

2. Save the program to file on the disc. For details, see Saving a program on page 322.

3. If necessary, copy the files to a location that is accessible to the other controller.

4. For instructions on loading the program to a system on a virtual controller, a Flex-

Controller or a non-running system, see the table below.

System location Do this

Virtual controller, running

in RobotStudio

See Saving a module on page 320.

FlexController Connect to the FlexController and load the program.

A non-running system

stored on the PC

Start the system in a virtual controller, then load the program,

see Adding a system on page 72 and Saving a module on

page 320, respectively.

5 Deployment and distribution

5.2. Pack & Go / Unpack & Work

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5.2. Pack & Go / Unpack & Work

Overview

The Pack & Go / Unpack & Work feature makes it possible to create a package (zip file) of

an active station that can be unpacked on another computer. The package contains all

necessary files, except media pools, but additional, option-based media pools are included.

For procedures, see Pack & Go on page 178 and Unpack & Work on page 179.

5 Deployment and distribution

5.3. Screen Capture

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5.3. Screen Capture

Overview

Screen capture entails two functions useful for demonstrations and training purposes:

• The screenshot function allows you to capture an image of the application, see

Screenshot on page 177.

• The recorder allows you to make a recording of your work in RobotStudio, either of

the entire GUI or just the graphics window, see Record Movie on page 310.

Prerequisites

Recording a movie requires that Windows Media Encoder (WME) 9 is installed on your

computer.

5 Deployment and distribution

5.3. Screen Capture

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6 Working online

6.1. Connecting a PC to the service port

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6 Working online

6.1. Connecting a PC to the service port

NOTE!

The service port shall only be used for direct connection to a PC as described in this

procedure. It must not be connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), since it has a DHCP

server that automatically distributes IP addresses to all units connected to the LAN.

Contact your network administrator for more information.

NOTE!

The maximum number of connected network clients using robapi is:

• LAN: 3

• Service: 1

• FlexPendant: 1

The total max. number of applications using robapi running on the same PC connected to one

controller has no built-in maximum; however, UAS limits the number of logged-on users to

50.

The total max. number of concurrently connected FTP clients is 4.

Ports DSQC639

The illustration below shows the two main ports on the computer unit: the Service Port and

the LAN port. Make sure the LAN (factory network) is not connected to any of the service

ports!

xx0600002889

A Service port on the computer unit

B LAN port on computer unit (connects to factory LAN)

Continues on next page

6 Working online

6.1. Connecting a PC to the service port

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Connecting a PC to the service port

Action Illustration

1. Make sure the network setting on the PC to

be connected is correct.

Refer to the system documentation for

your PC, depending on the operative

system you are running.

The PC must be set to “Obtain an IP

address automatically” or set as described

in Service PC Information in the Boot

Application.

2. Use the delivered category 5 Ethernet

crossover boot cable with RJ45

connectors.

The cable is delivered in the RobotWare

product box.

3. Connect the boot cable to the network port

of your PC.

xx0400000844

• A: network port

The placement of the network port may

vary depending on the PC model.

4. Connect the boot cable to the service port

on the computer unit.

Continued

6 Working online

6.2. Network settings

1413HAC032104-001 Revision: D

6.2. Network settings

Overview

This topic describes the network settings for a PC connected to a controller, which is a

prerequisite for working online.

You can connect the PC to the controller through an Ethernet network in the following ways:

• Local network connection

• Service port connection

• Remote network connection

Local network connection

You can connect your PC to the same Ethernet network that the controller is connected to.

When the PC and the controller are connected correctly and to the same subnet, the controller

will be automatically detected by RobotStudio.

The network settings for the PC depend on the network configuration. For setting up the PC,

contact the network administrator.

Service port connection

When connecting to the controller's service port, you can either obtain an IP address for the

PC automatically, or you can specify a fixed IP address.

If you are not sure how to set up the service port connection, contact the network

administrator.

Automatic IP address

The controller's service port has a DHCP server that will automatically give your PC an IP

address if it is configured for this. For detailed information see Windows help on configuring

TCP/IP.

Fixed IP address

Instead of obtaining an IP address automatically, you can also specify a fixed IP address on

the PC you connect to the controller.

Use the following settings for a fixed IP address:

For detailed information about how to set up the PC network connection, see Windows help

on configuring TCP/IP.

Property Value

IP address 192.168.125.2

Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Continues on next page

6 Working online

6.2. Network settings

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NOTE!

Obtaining an IP address automatically might fail if the PC already has an IP address from

another controller or Ethernet device.

To ensure that you get a correct IP address if the PC was previously connected to an Ethernet

device, do one of the following:

• Restart the PC before connecting to the controller.

• Run the command

ipconfig /renew from the command prompt after connecting

the PC to the controller.

Remote network connection

To enable a connection to a controller on a remote subnet or over the local network, the

relevant network traffic must be allowed through any firewalls between the PC and the

controller.

The firewalls must be configured to accept the following TCP/IP traffic from the PC to the

controller:

• UDP port 5514 (unicast)

• TCP port 5515

• Passive FTP

All TCP and UPD connections to remote controllers are initiated by the PC, that is the

controller only responds on the given source port and address.

Firewall settings

The firewall settings are applicable for both the Online and Offline modes.

The following table describes the necessary firewall configurations:

en0900001008

NOTE!

RobotStudio uses the current Internet Options, HTTP, and proxy settings to retrieve latest

public information on the Robotics products and activities (RobotStudio News).

Connecting to the controller

1. Make sure the PC is connected to the controller's service port and that the controller is

running.

2. On the Application menu, point to Online and then click One Click Connect.

3. Select the controller in the Online tab

4. Click Request Write access.

If the controller is in mode Then

Auto You will now get Write Access if it is available.

Manual A message box on the FlexPendant will allow you to grant

remote Write Access to RobotStudio Online.

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6.3. User Authorization

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6.3. User Authorization

Overview

This section describes the controller's User Authorization System (UAS), which restricts

what different users are allowed to do with the robot. This is for protecting data and

functionality from unauthorized use.

The user authorization is managed by the controller, which means that the UAS settings

remain for the controller regardless of which system it is running. It also means that the UAS

settings apply to all tools for communicating with the controller, like RobotStudio Online or

the FlexPendant. The UAS settings defines the users and groups that can access the controller,

and what actions they are granted access to.

For procedures, see User Accounts on page 354.

Users

In UAS users are accounts with which persons log on to the controller. Furthermore, the users

are added to groups to which access grants are given.

The users are defined in the controller by a user name and a password. For logging on to a

controller, the user must type in a defined user name with a correct password.

A user can either have the state activated or deactivated in the UAS. When a user is

deactivated it is not possible to log on to the controller using that account. It is the UAS

administrator that activates and deactivates the users.

The Default user

All controllers have a default user named Default User, which does not have any password

and cannot be removed. Other users can be added and removed by the user having the grant

Manage UAS settings.

Groups

In UAS, groups are defined sets of grants for accessing the controller. To the groups you then

add the users who shall have the grants defined by the group.

A good practice is to create groups that resembles the professions that work with the robots

in your organization. For example, you can create groups for administrators, programmers

and operators.

The Default group

All controllers have a default group named Default Group, to which all grants are given and

to which the default user belongs. This group cannot be removed, but it can be changed by

the user having the grant Manage UAS settings.

NOTE!

There is a risk changing the group membership of the default user. If you by mistake clear the

Default User check box or any Default Group grant, you will get a warning. Make sure that

there is at least one user defined that has the grant Manage UAS settings. If the Default group

and no other group have the grant Manage UAS settings, you may lose your ability to manage

users and groups.

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Grants

Grants are permissions to perform actions or access data on the controller. You use the grants

by giving them to groups, to which you then add the users who shall have the grants.

Grants may be either controller grants or application grants. Depending on the actions that

you will perform, you may need several grants. For procedures, see UAS Grant Viewer on

page 359.

Controller grants

Controller grants are validated by the robot controller and apply to all tools and devices

accessing the controller.

Application grants

Application grants are used by a specific application, for example the FlexPendant, and will

only be valid using that application. Application grants can be added by additional options

and used in customer applications.

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6.4.1. System Builder Overview

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6.4 The System Builder

6.4.1. System Builder Overview

Overview

This section describes how you create, build, modify and copy systems to run on virtual and

real controllers. These systems may even be converted to boot media and downloaded to a

real controlller.

The system points out the robot models and options to use; it also stores configurations and

programs for the robots. Therefore, it is good practice to use a unique system for each station

even if the stations use the same basic setup. Otherwise, changes in one station may

accidently overwrite data used in another station.

About virtual and real systems

The system you run on virtual controllers can either be a real system built on real RobotWare

keys or a virtual system built on virtual keys.

When using real systems, the RobotWare keys define which options and robot models shall

be used, thus helping you to configure the system correctly. Real systems can be run both on

virtual controllers and real IRC5 controllers.

When using virtual keys, all options and robot models are available, which is useful for

evaluation purposes, but requires more configuration when creating the system. Systems built

on virtual keys can only be run on virtual controllers.

Prerequisites

Creating a system entails applying a predefined template to a station, reusing an existing

system or letting RobotStudio propose a system based on a layout.

To create a system, the following conditions must be met:

• The RobotWare media pool must be installed on your PC.

• You must have a RobotWare key for the system, if creating a system to run on a real

controller. The RobotWare key is a license key that determines which robot models to

use and which RobotWare options to run on the controller. The license key is delivered

with the controller.

• If you want to create a system for virtual use only, you can use a virtual key instead.

Virtual keys are generated by the wizard. When using virtual keys, you select the robot

models and options to use in the Modify Options section of the wizard.

• Downloading to the real controller requires a direct connection from your computer to

the service or Ethernet port of the controller.

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Administering systems

Systems can be administered from the System Builder dialog box in the following ways:

• View system properties, see Viewing system properties on page 147.

• Build a system, see Building a new system on page 148.

• Modify or delete a system, see Modifying a system on page 152.

• Copy a system, see Copying a system on page 156.

• Create a system from backup, see Creating a system from backup on page 157.

• Download a system to a controller, see Downloading a system to a controller on page

158.

• Create boot media, see Creating boot media on page 159.

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6.4.2. Viewing system properties

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6.4.2. Viewing system properties

Overview

All systems you create with the System Builder are stored locally on your computer. It is

recommended that you store them in one or more dedicated system directories.

Viewing system properties

To view system properties and add comments, follow these steps:

1. In the System Builder dialog box, select a system from the Systems box.

If necessary, in the System directory list, you can navigate to the folder in which your

systems are stored

2. The system properties are then displayed in the System Properties box. Optionally, type

a comment in the Comments box, and click Save.

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6.4.3. Building a new system

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6.4.3. Building a new system

Overview

The New Controller System Wizard, used for building a new system, is launched from the

System Builder.

Starting the wizard

To start the wizard, follow these steps:

1. Click System Builder to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Actions group, click Create New. This starts the wizard.

3. Read the information on the welcome page and click Next.

Specifying the name and location

To determine where on your computer to store the system you are creating, follow these steps:

1. In the Name box, enter a name for the system you are creating.

2. In the Path box, enter the path to the system directory in which you will store the system.

You can also click the Browse button and browse to the system directory.

3. Click Next.

Entering the RobotWare keys

The RobotWare keys determine which RobotWare versions and parts to use in the system.

Creating a system to run on either IRC5 controllers or virtual controllers requires at least two

keys: one for the controller module and one for each drive module in the cabinet. The keys

are delivered together with the controller.

For creating a system to run on virtual controller only (for example, in Virtual IRC5), you can

use virtual keys. Virtual keys give access to all options and robot models, but limits the use

of the system to virtual controllers only.

To enter the key for the controller module, follow these steps:

1. In the Controller Key box, enter the controller key. You can also click Browse and

browse to the key file. If creating a system for virtual use only, select the Virtual Key

check box, and the controller key will be generated by the wizard.

2. In the Media Pool box, enter the path to the media pool. You can also click Browse and

browse to the folder.system

3. In the RobotWare Version list, select which version of the RobotWare you want to use.

Only RobotWare versions that are valid for the used key are available.

4. Click Next.

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Entering the drive keys

To enter the keys for the drive modules:

1. In the Drive Key box, enter the key for the drive module. You can also click the Browse

button and browse to the key file. If you used a virtual controller key, a virtual drive key

is already generated by the wizard.

2. Click the right arrow button next to the Drive Key box. The key now appears in the

Added drive key list.

For real systems the drive key determines the connected robot model. For virtual systems

you select the robot model in the Modify Options page. The default model is IRB140.

3. If you have a MultiMove system, repeat steps 1 and 2 for each drive key to add.

If you have a MultiMove system, make sure that the keys are numbered in the same way

as their corresponding drive modules are connected to the controller module. Use the up

and down arrows to rearrange the drive keys, if necessary.

4. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to modify options, or add options, parameter data or additional files to the

home directory, click Next.

Adding additional options

Here you can add options, such as external axes and dispense applications, that are not

included in the basic system. Options require a license key and must be first imported to the

media pool. To add additional options, follow these steps:

1. In the Key box, enter the option key. You can also click the Browse button and browse

to the option's key file.

2. Click the Arrow button.

The option that the key unlocks is now displayed in the Added Options list.

NOTE!

If several versions of an additional option exists, only the latest version can be selected.

To use an older version, remove the other versions of the additional option from the

Mediapool.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all options you want to include.

4. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to modify options, or add parameter data or additional files to the home

directory, click Next.

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Modifying options

Here you can set up and configure the options in your system. For virtual systems, you also

select the robot models to use. To modify any options, follow these steps:

1. In the Option tree, expand the option folders to the level where you find the option you

want to modify.

Only the options unlocked by the used keys are available.

2. Modify the option.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all options you want to modify.

4. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to add parameter data or additional files to the home directory, click Next.

Adding parameter data

Parameter data is stored in the parameter data files (.cfg files). Each parameter topic has its

own parameter file. You can add only one parameter file for each topic. To add parameter

data, follow these steps:

1. In the Parameter data box, enter the path to the folder for the parameter data files. You

can also click the Browse button and browse to the folder.

2. In the list of parameter data files, select the file you want to include and press the Arrow

button. Repeat for all files you want to include.

The included parameter data files will now appear in the Added parameter data files list.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each parameter data file you want to add.

3. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to add additional files to the home directory, click Next.

Adding files to the home directory

You can add any type of file to the system’s home directory. When the system is loaded to a

controller, these files will also be loaded. To add files to the system's home directory, follow

these steps:

1. In the Files box, enter the path to the folder for the files you want to include. You can also

click the Browse button and browse to the folder.

2. In the list of files, select the file to add and click the Arrow button. Repeat for all files you

want to add.

The added files will now appear in the Added files list.

3. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to read a summary before you create the system, click Next.

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6.4.3. Building a new system

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Completing the New Controller System Wizard

To complete the wizard, follow these steps:

1. Read the system summary.

2. If the system is OK, click Finish.

If the system is not OK, click Back and make modifications or corrections.

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6.4.4. Modifying a system

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6.4.4. Modifying a system

Overview

The Modify Controller System Wizard, used to modify existing systems, is launched from

the System Builder.The wizard helps you with tasks like changing robots, adding and

removing external axes and other options. A system that is running must be first shut down

before modification.

Starting the wizard

To start the wizard when creating a new station:

1. If the system is currently running, on the Controller menu, point to Shutdown and then

click Shutdown.

2. On the Controller menu, click System Builder to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the System directory list, enter or browse to the system directory. Select a system from

the list beneath, review the system properties and add and save any comments.

4. In the Actions group, click Modify. This starts the wizard.

5. Read the information on the welcome page and click Next.

Modifying the program revision

The RobotWare versions that are available for the system are determined by the controller

key. The key is essential to the system and cannot be modified.

To use another RobotWare version than the available ones, create a new system with another

key.

To optionally modify the program revision, follow the appropriate step or steps:

1. To keep the current RobotWare version, select Yes and then click Next .

2. To replace the current RobotWare version, Select No, replace it..

3. In the Media pool box, enter the path to the media pool. You can also click the Browse

button and browse to the folder.

4. In the New program revision box, select which version of RobotWare you want to use.

Only RobotWare versions that are valid for the RobotWare key are available.

5. Click Next.

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Adding or removing drive keys

The drive key corresponds to the drive modules in your controller. For MultiMove systems,

you have one drive module (and one key) for each robot. The keys for your system are

delivered together with the controller.

the system is created with a vritual controller key, virtual drive keys are generated by the

wizard. when you have added one virtual drive key for each robot, you select which robot to

use for each key on the Modify Options page.

To optionally add or remove the keys for the drive modules, follow these steps:

1. To add a key for a drive module, enter the key in the Enter Drive Key box. You can also

click the Browse button and browse to the key file.

2. Click the right arrow button. The key now appears in the Added drive key list.

If you have a MultiMove system, repeat steps 1 and 2 for each drive key to add.

3. To remove a drive module, select the corresponding key in the Added drive key list and

click Remove drive key.

If you have a MultiMove system, repeat step 3 for each drive key to remove.

4. If you have a MultiMove system, make sure that the keys are numbered in the same way

as their corresponding drive modules are connected to the controller module. Use the up

and down arrows to rearrange the drive keys, if necessary.

5. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to modify options, parameter data or add files to or remove files from the

home directory, click Next.

Adding or removing additional options

To optionally add or remove additional options:

1. To add an addtional option, in the Enter Key box, enter the option key. You can also click

the Browse button and browse to the option's key file.

2. Click the Arrow button.

The option that the key unlocks is now displayed in the Added Options list.

NOTE!

If several versions of an additional option exists, only the latest version can be selected.

To use an older version, remove the other versions of the additional option from the

Mediapool.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all options you want to include.

4. To remove an additional option, iIn the Added options list, select the option you want to

remove.

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5. Click Remove.

6. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to modify parameter data or add files to or remove files from the home

directory, click Next.

Modifying options

To optionally modify any options, follow these steps:

1. In the Option tree, expand the option folders to the level where you find the option you

want to modify.

Only the options unlocked by the used keys are available.

2. Modify the option.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all options you want to modify.

4. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to modify parameter data or add files to or remove files from the home

directory, click Next.

Adding or removing parameter data

Parameter data is stored in the parameter data files (.cfg files). each parameter topic has its

own parameter file. You can add only one parameter file for each topic. To addor remove

parameter data, follow these steps:

1. To add parameter data, in the Parameter data box, enter the path to the folder for the

parameter data files. You can also click the Browse button and browse to the folder.

2. In the list of parameter data files, select the file you want to include and press the Arrow

button. Repeat for all files you want to include.

The included parameter data files will now appear in the Added parameter data files list.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each parameter data file you want to add.

3. To remove parameter data, in the Added parameter data files list, select the parameter

data file to remove.

4. Click Remove.

5. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to add to or remove files from the home directory, click Next.

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Add files to or remove files from the home directory

You can add any type of file to the system’s home directory, or remove files from it. When

the system is loaded to a controller, these files will also be loaded. To optionally add files to

or remove files from the system's home directory, follow these steps:

1. To add files, in the Files box, enter the path to the folder for the files you want to include.

You can also click the Browse button and browse to the folder.

2. In the list of files, select the file to add and click the Arrow button. Repeat for all files you

want to add.

The added files will now appear in the Added files list.

3. To remove files, in the Added files list, select the file to remove.

4. Click Remove.

5. Choose whether you want to create the system as it is now, or to continue with the wizard.

If you want to create the system as it is now, click Finish.

If you want to read a summary before you create the system, click Next.

Complete the Modify Controller System wizard

To complete the wizard, follow these steps:

1. Read the system summary.

2. If the system is OK, click Finish.

If the system is not OK, click Back and make modifications or corrections.

Result

Modifications will take effect when the wizard is completed.

If the system has been downloaded to a controller, it must be downloaded again before the

modifications will take effect on the controller.

Deleting a system

To delete a system, follow this steps:

1. From the System Builder dialog box, select the system and then click Delete.

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6.4.5. Copying a system

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6.4.5. Copying a system

Copy a system

To copy a system, follow these steps:

1. From the System Builder dialog box, select the system and then click Copy to bring up

a dialog box.

2. Enter a name for the new system and a path, and then click OK.

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6.4.6. Creating a system from backup

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6.4.6. Creating a system from backup

Overview

The Create System from Backup Wizard, which creates a new system from a controller

system backup, is launched form the System Builder. In addition, you can change the program

revision and options.

Starting the wizard

To start the wizard, follow these steps:

1. From the System Builder dialog box, click Create from Backup. This starts the wizard.

2. Read the information on the welcome page and click Next.

Specifying the name and location

To specify the destination folder, follow these steps:

1. In the Name box, enter a name for the system you are creating.

2. In the Path box, enter the path to the system directory in which you will store the system.

You can also click the Browse button and browse to the system directory.

3. Click Next.

Locating the backup

To locate a system from backup, follow these steps:

1. In the Backup folder box, enter the path to the backup folder. Alternatively, click the

Browse button to browse to it. Click Next.

2. In the Media Pool box, enter the path to the media pool containing the appropriate

RobotWare program. Confirm the backup information that now appears in the wizard.

Click Next.

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6.4.7. Downloading a system to a controller

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6.4.7. Downloading a system to a controller

Overview

All systems you access from the System Builder are stored on your computer. If you wish to

run a system on a robot controller, you must first load it to the controller, which then requires

a restart.

Load a system

To load a system to a controller, follow these steps:

1. From the System Builder dialog box, select a system and then click Download to

Controller to bring up a dialog box.

2. Specify the Destination Controller for the system.

3. Optionally, click Test Connection to confirm that the connection between the computer

and the Controller is OK.

4. Click Load.

5. Answer Yes to the question Do you want to restart the controller now?

You can select by using the... if...

Select controller from list option the controller has been detected automati-

cally.

Specify IP address or controller name

option

your PC and the robot is connected to the

same network.

You can only use the controller name in

DHCP networks.

Use service port option your PC is directly connected to the control-

ler's service port.

Yes The controller restarts immediately and the downloaded system starts

automatically.

No The controller does not restart immediately.

To start using the downloaded system, you have to:

1. perform a C-start or an X-start

2. select the system manually

Cancel The downloaded system is removed from the controller.

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6.4.8. Creating boot media

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6.4.8. Creating boot media

Overview

Boot media is an entire system which the System Builder packs to a single file and commonly

stores on a hard disk or USB memory. The controller then accesses the file through its

Ethernet port or USB port, respectively.

Creating boot media

To create boot media, follow these steps:

1. From the System Builder dialog box, select a system and then click Boot Media.

2. In the Path box, enter the path to the folder where you want to store the boot media file.

Alternatively, browse to the location.

3. Click OK.

Result

To load the boot media system to a controller, first connect it and then restart the controller

with the advanced restart method X-start.

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6.4.9.1. A MultiMove system with two coordinated robots

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6.4.9. Examples using the System Builder Offline

6.4.9.1. A MultiMove system with two coordinated robots

Overview

In this example we will use the System Builder to create a coordinated offline system with

one IRB2400 and one IRB1600 robot to use in a new RobotStudio station.

Starting the New Controller System Wizard

To create a system like the one described above, follow these steps:

1. Click System Builder to bring up the dialog box.

2. In the dialog box, click Create New to bring up the New Controller System Wizard.

3. Read the welcome text, and click Next to continue to the next page.

Entering the name and path

1. In the Name box, enter the name of the system. The name must not contain blank spaces

or non-ASCII characters.

In this example, name the system MyMultiMove.

2. In the Path box, enter the path for the folder to save the system in, or click the Browse

button to browse to the folder or create a new one.

In this example, save the system in C:\Program Files\ABB Industrial IT\Robotics

IT\RobotStudio\ABB Library\Training Systems.

3. Click Next to continue to the next page.

Entering the controller key

1. Select the Virtual key check box. A virtual controller key now appears in the Controller

Key box. In this example we will use the default media pool and RobotWare version.

2. Click Next to continue to the next page.

Entering drive keys

1. Click the Right Arrow button next to the Enter Drive key box twice to create one drive

key for each robot.

2. Click Next to continue to the next page.

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Adding options

This system does not require any additional option keys. Click Next and continue to the

next page of the wizard.

Modifying options

When creating robot systems from real robot keys, the key sets the options. But since we are

using a virtual key, we have to set the options manually.

To set the options necessary for a MultiMove, follow these steps:

1. Scroll down to the RobotWare / Motion Coordination 1 group and select the

MultiMove Coordinated check box.

2. Scroll down to the RobotWare / I/O control group and select the Multitasking and the

Advanced RAPID check boxes.

3. Scroll down to the DriveModule1 / Drive module application group and expand the

ABB Standard manipulator option. Select the IRB 2400 Type A option, manipulator

variant IRB 2400L Type A.

4. Scroll down to the DriveModule2 / Drive module application group and expand the

ABB Standard manipulator option. Select the IRB 1600 option, manipulator variant

IRB 1600-5/1.2.

5. Click Finish and the system will be created.

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6.4.9.2. A system with support for one robot and one positioner external axis

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6.4.9.2. A system with support for one robot and one positioner external axis

Overview

In this example we will use the System Builder to create an offline system to use in a new

RobotStudio station with one IRB1600 robot and one IRBP 250D positioner external axis.

Prerequisites

When creating systems for positioner external axes, you need the media pool and the license

key file for that specific positioner. In this example we will use a media pool and license key

file for a demo positioner.

Paths to files and folders assume that RobotStudio and the RobotWare media pool have been

installed at their default locations on Windows XP. If not, adjust the paths accordingly.

Starting the New Controller System Wizard

To create a system like the one described above, follow these steps:

1. Click System Builder to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the dialog box, click Create New to bring up the New Controller System Wizard.

3. Read the welcome text, and click Next to continue to the next page.

Entering the controller key

1. Select the Virtual key check box. A virtual controller key now appears in the Controller

Key box. In this example we will use the default media pool and RobotWare version.

2. Click Next to continue to the next page.

Entering drive keys

1. Click the Right Arrow button next to the Enter Drive key box to create one drive key

for the robot.

2. Click Next to continue to the next page.

Adding options

This is where we point out the key file for the positioner.

1. Next to the Enter key box, click the browse button and select the key file.

In this example, browse to and select the file extkey.kxt in the folder C:\Program

Files\ABB Industrial IT\Robotics IT\MediaPool\3HEA-000-00022.01.

TIP!

In the MediaPool folder media pools for several standard positioners are installed. They

are named by the positioner’s article number, with a suffix that indicates if it is configured

for single-robot or MultiMove systems.

2. Click the Right Arrow button next to the Enter key box to add the key for the positioner.

3. Click Next and continue to the next page of the wizard.

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6.4.9.2. A system with support for one robot and one positioner external axis

1633HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Modifying options

When creating robot systems from real robot keys, the key sets the options. But since we are

using a virtual key, we have to set the options manually. To set the options necessary for a

positioner, follow these steps:

1. Scroll down to the RobotWare / Hardware group and select the 709-x DeviceNet check

box.

This option is for the communication between the controller and the track external axis.

2. Scroll down to the DriveModule1 / Drive module application group and expand the

ABB Standard manipulator option. Select the IRB 1600 option.

This option sets the robot to an IRB 1600-5/1.2.

3. Scroll down to the DriveModule1 > Drive module configuration group; select the Drive

System 04 1600/2400/260 option; expand the Additional axes drive module group and

select the R2C2 Add drive option.

1. Expand the Drive type in position Z4 group and select the 753-1 Drive C in pos Z4

option

2. Expand the Drive type in position Y4 group and select the754-1 Drive C in pos Y4

option

3. Expand the Drive type in position X4 group and select the755-1 Drive C in pos X4

option

This option adds drive modules for the positioner axes.

NOTE!

When using the latest drive system, do the following:

Scroll down to the DriveModule1 > Drive module configuration group; select the Drive

System 09 120/140/1400/1600 Compact option; expand the Power supply

configuration group and select 1-Phase Power supply or 3-Phase Power supply (as

applicable) > Additional axes drive module > Additional drive

1. Expand the Drive type in position X3 group and select the Drive ADU-790A in

position X3 option

2. Expand the Drive type in position Y3 group and select the Drive ADU-790A in

position Y3 option

3. Expand the Drive type in position Z3 group and select the Drive ADU-790A in

position Z3 option

4. Click Finish and the system will be created. When starting the system in a RobotStudio

station, you have to set up the system to load a model for the positioner and to get the

motions to work properly. See Placing external axes on page 86 for more information.

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6.4.9.3. Options settings for systems with positioners

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6.4.9.3. Options settings for systems with positioners

Overview

This is an overview of the RobotWare options to set when creating a system for positioner

external axes. Note that besides setting the RobotWare options, you must add an additonal

option key for the positioner.

Media pools and option keys for the positioners

If you have the media pool and option key for your positioner, you can use these files.

If not, media pools for standard positioners are installed with RobotStudio. The path to these

media pools in a default installation is: C.\program files\ABB Industrial IT\Robotics

IT\MediaPool. In this folder a media pool for each positioner is located. These are named by

the article number of the positioner, with a suffix that indicates if it is configured for a single-

robot or a MultiMove system.

In the Add additional options page of the System Builder, you should add the option for the

positioner by opening the mediapool folder for the positioner to add and selecting the

extkey.kxt file.

Options for positioners in single-robot systems

When adding a positioner to a single-robot system, the positioner will be added to the same

task as the robot. Below, the options to set on the Modify Options page of the System

Builder for such a system are listed:

• RobotWare > Hardware > 709-x DeviceNet > 709-1 Master/Slave Single

• Optionally, for using the system with ArcWare also add RobotWare > Application

arc > 633-1 Arc

• DriveModule 1 > Drive module configuration > Drive System 04 1600/2400/260 >

RC2C Add drive > 753-1 Drive C in pos Z4 > 754-2 Drive T in pos Y4 > 755-3

Drive U in pos X4

Options for positioners in MultiMove robot systems

When adding a positioner to a MultiMove robot system, the positioner shall be added to a task

of its own (thus you also have to add a drive key for the positioner). Below, the options to set

on the Modify Options page of the System Builder for such a system are listed:

• RobotWare > Hardware > 709-x DeviceNet > 709-1 Master/Slave Single

• RobotWare > Motion coordinated part 1 > 604-1 MultiMove Coordinated

Optionally, expand the MultiMove Coordinated option and select process options for

the robots.

• Optionally, for using the system with ArcWare, add RobotWare > Application Arc

> 633-1 Arc

• DriveModule 1 > Drive module configuration > Drive System 04 1600/2400/260

> RC2C Add drive > 753-1 Drive C in pos Z4 > 754-2 Drive T in pos Y4 > 755-3

Drive U in pos X4. For the other drive modules, no additional axes should be

configured.

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6.5. Handle I/O

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6.5. Handle I/O

Overview

The I/O system handles input and output signals to and from the controller. Below are the

parts of the system described, as well as common types of signals.

The I/O system window is used to view and set previously configured signals, and to activate

and deactivate I/O units.

The I/O system

The I/O system of a controller consists of I/O buses, I/O units and I/O signals. The I/O buses

are the controller's connections for I/O units (for instance I/O boards) and the I/O units

contain channels for the actual signals.

The I/O buses and units are displayed in the robot view, as child nodes under each controller

and the I/O signals are displayed in the I/O window.

I/O signals

I/O signals are used to communicate between the controller and external equipment, or to

change variables within a robot program.

Input signals

Input signals notify something for the controller, for instance a feeder belt can set an input

signal when it has positioned a work piece. The input signal can then be programmed to start

a specific part of the robot program.

Output signals

The controller uses output signals to notify that a specified condition has been fulfilled. For

instance, after the robot has finished its sequence, an output signal can be set. This signal can

then be programmed to start a feeder belt, update a counter or trigger any other action.

Simulated signals

A simulated signal is a signal that is manually given a specific value that overrides the actual

signal. Thus simulated signals might be useful for testing robot programs without activating

or running equipment.

Virtual signals

Virtual signals are signals that are not configured to belong to a physical I/O unit. Instead,

they reside inside the controller's memory. A common use for virtual signals is to set variables

and store changes in a robot program.

Procedures

For using the I/O system window, see Inputs / Outputs on page 326.

For adding a signal, see Add Signals on page 337.

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6.6. Configure systems

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6.6. Configure systems

Configuring system parameters

System parameters may be configured as follows:

• To view topics, types, instances and parameters

• To edit the parameters of an instance

• To copy and paste instances

• To add and delete instances

• To load and save complete configuration files to and from controllers

When working with configurations, the following tools, see Configuration editor on page

334, are useful:

NOTE!

To edit system parameters, you must have write access to the controller.

Terms

Tool Use

The Configuration

Editor

With the Configuration Editor you work with the types and instances of

a specific topic.

The Instance Editor With the Instance Editor, you specify the values of the parameters in

the instances of system parameter types.

System parameters The sum of all parameters that configure the system, these are divided

into topics and types.

Topic A collection of parameters relating to a specific area, and the highest

level in the system parameter structure. Examples are Controller,

Communication and Motion.

Type A set of parameters for a specific configuration task. A type can be

seen as a pattern describing the construction and properties for the

parameters included in the task. For instance, the type Motion System

defines which parameters shall be used for configuring a motion

system.

Instance An actualization of a type, an instance is a specific set of parameters

with unique values created from a type pattern. In the Configuration

Editor, each row in the Instance list is an instance of the type selected

in the Type list.

Parameter A property to set when configuring the robot system.

Configuration file Contains all public parameters of a specific topic.

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6.6. Configure systems

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Viewing configurations

1. To view the topics of a controller, from the Offline/Online tab, expand the Configuration

node for the controller.

All topics in are now displayed as child nodes to the Configuration node.

2. To view the types and instances of a topic, double-click the topic node for the topic to

view.

The Configuration Editor is now opened, listing all types of the topic in the Type name

list. In the Instance list, each instance of the type selected in the Type name list is

displayed as row. The parameter values of the instances are displayed in the columns of

the instance list.

3. To view detailed parameter information for an instance, double-click the instance.

The instance editor now displays the current value, restrictions and limits of each

parameter in the instance.

Editing parameters

You can either edit the parameters of one single instance, or you can edit several instances at

one time. Editing several instances at one time is useful when you want to change the same

parameter in several instances, like when moving signals from one I/O unit to another.

1. In the Offline/Online tab, expand the Controller and the Configuration node and

double-click the topic that contains the parameters to edit.

This opens the Configuration Editor.

2. In the Type name list of the Configuration Editor, select the type that the parameter to edit

belongs to.

The instances of the type is now displayed in the Instance list of the Configuration Editor.

3. In the Instance list, select the instances to edit and press the Enter Key. To select several

instances at once, hold down the SHIFT or CTRL key while selecting.

The Instance Editor is now displayed.

4. In the Parameter list of the Instance Editor, select the parameter to edit and change the

value of the parameter in the Value box.

When editing several instances at one time, the parameter values you specify will be

applied to all instances. For parameters that you do not specify any new value, each

instance will keep its existing value for that parameter.

5. Click OK to apply the changes to the configuration database of the controller.

For many parameters, the changes will not take affect until the controller is restarted. If

your changes require a restart, you will be notified of this.

You have now updated the controller's system parameters. If the changes require a restart

of the controller, the changes will not take affect until you do this. If you are going to make

several changes, you can wait with the restart until all changes are done.

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Adding instances

With the Configuration Editor, you can select a type and create a new instance of it. For

example, adding a new instance of the type Signal creates a new signal in the system.

1. In the Offline/Online tab, expand the Controller and the Configuration node and

double-click the topic that contains the type of which you want to add an instance.

This opens the Configuration Editor.

2. In the Type name list of the Configuration Editor, select the type of which you want to

add an instance.

3. On the Controller menu, point to Configuration and click Add type (the word type is

replaced by the type you selected previously).

You can also right-click anywhere in the configuration editor and then select Add type

from the shortcut menu.

A new instance with default values is added and displayed in the Instance Editor

window.

4. If required, edit the values.

5. Click OK to save the new instance.

The values in the new instance are now validated. If the values are valid, the instance is

saved. Otherwise, you will be notified of which parameter values to correct.

For many instances, the changes will not take affect until the controller is restarted. If your

changes require a restart you will be notified of this.

You have now updated the controller's system parameters. If the changes require a restart

of the controller, the changes will not take affect until you do this. If you are going to make

several changes, you can wait with the restart until all changes are done.

Copying an instance

1. In the Offline/Online tab, expand the Controller and the Configuration node and

double-click the topic that contains the instance to copy.

This opens the Configuration Editor.

2. In the Type name list of the Configuration Editor, select the type of which you want to

copy an instance.

3. In the Instance list, select one or several instances to copy.

If you select several instances and they don't have the same value for all parameters, these

parameters will have no default values in the new instances.

4. On the Controller menu, point to Configuration and click Copy Type (the word type is

replaced by the type you selected previously).

You can also right-click the instance to copy and then select Copy Type from the shortcut

menu.

A new instance with the same values as the one you copied is added and displayed in the

Instance Editor window.

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6.6. Configure systems

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5. Change the name of the instance. If required, also edit the other values.

6. Click OK to save the new instance.

The values in the new instance are now validated. If the values are valid, the instance is

saved. Otherwise, you will be notified of which parameter values to correct.

For many instances, the changes will not take affect until the controller is restarted. If your

changes require a restart you will be notified of this.

You have now updated the controller's system parameters. If the changes require a restart

of the controller, the changes will not take affect until you do this. If you are going to make

several changes, you can wait with the restart until all changes are done.

Deleting an instance

1. In the Offline/Online tab, expand the Controller and the Configuration node and

double-click the topic that contains the type of which you want to delete an instance.

This opens the Configuration Editor.

2. In the Type name list of the Configuration Editor, select the type of which you want to

delete an instance.

3. In the Instance list, select the instance to delete.

4. On the Controller menu, point to Configuration and then click Delete type (the word

type is replaced by the type you selected previously).

You can also right-click the instance to delete and then select Delete type from the

shortcut menu.

5. A message box is displayed, asking if you want to delete or keep the instance. Click Yes

to confirm that you want to delete it.

For many instances, the changes will not take affect until the controller is restarted. If your

changes require a restart you will be notified of this.

You have now updated the controller's system parameters. If the changes require a restart

of the controller, the changes will not take affect until you do this. If you are going to make

several changes, you can wait with the restart until all changes are done.

Save one configuration file

The system parameters of a configuration topic can be saved to a configuration file, stored on

the PC or any of its network drives.

The configuration files can then be loaded into a controller. They are thereby useful as

backups, or for transferring configurations from one controller to another.

1. In the Offline/Online tab, expand the Configuration node and select the topic to save to

a file.

2. On the Controller menu, point to Configuration and select Save System Parameters.

You can also right-click the topic and then select Save System Parameters from the

shortcut menu.

3. In the Save As dialog box, browse for the folder to save the file in.

4. Click Save.

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Saving several configuration files

1. In the Offline/Online tab, select the Configuration node.

2. On the Controller menu, point to Configuration and click Save System Parameters.

You can also right-click the configuration node and then click Save System Parameters.

3. In the Save System Parameters dialog box, select the topics to save to files. Then click

Save.

4. In the Browse for Folder dialog box, browse for the folder to save the files in, and then

click OK.

The selected topics will now be saved as configuration files with default names in the

specified folder.

Loading a configuration file

A configuration file contains the system parameters of a configuration topic. They are thereby

useful as backups, or for transferring configurations from one controller to another.

When loading a configuration file to a controller, it must be of the same major version as the

controller. For instance, you cannot load configuration files from an S4 system to an IRC 5

controller.

1. In the Offline/Online tab, select the Configuration node.

2. On the Controller menu, point to Configuration and select Load Parameters.

You can also right-click the configuration node and then select Load Parameters from

the context menu.

This opens the Select mode dialog box.

3. In the Select mode dialog box, select how you want to combine the parameters in the

configuration file to load with the existing parameters:

4. Click Open and browse to the configuration file to load. Then click Open again.

5. In the information box, click OK to confirm that you want to load the parameters from

the configuration file.

6. When the loading of the configuration file is finished, close the Select mode dialog box.

If a restart of the controller is necessary for the new parameters to take affect, you will be

notified of this.

If you want to then

replace the entire configuration of the topic

with the one in the configuration file.

select Delete existing parameters before

add new parameters from the configuration

file to the topic, without modifying the existing

ones.

click Load parameters if no duplicates

add new parameters from the configuration

file to the topic and update the existing ones

with values from the configuration file.

Parameters that only exist in the controller

and not in the configuration file will not be

changed at all.

click Load parameters and replace

duplicates

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6.7. Handle events

1713HAC032104-001 Revision: D

6.7. Handle events

Overview

An event is a message that notifies you that something has happened to the robot system, be

it merely a change in operation mode or a severe error that calls for your immediate attention.

If the event requires any action from you, this is stated in the event.

Events are displayed in the event logs of the FlexPendant and RobotStudio.

The event log keeps you informed of system status, allowing you to:

• view controller events.

• filter events.

• sort events.

• get detailed information about an event.

• save event log files on your PC.

• clear event records.

Event Log list

The event log list consists of all events matching your filter settings, with the following

information for each event:

When you select an event in the list, detailed information will appear to the right.

Event type

The event type is an indication of the severity of the event.

There are three types of events:

Type The event type is an indication of the severity of the event.

Code The event code is a number that identifies the event message.

Title The event title is a short event description.

Category The event category is an indication of the source of the event.

Seq. Number The sequential number indicates the chronological order of the event.

Date and Time Date and time is when the event occurred.

Event type Description

Information A normal system event, such as starting and stopping programs, change of

operating mode, motors on/off and so on.

Information messages never require any action from you, but can be useful for

error tracking, statistics collecting or monitoring user triggered event routines.

Warning An event that you need to be aware of, but not so severe that the process or

RAPID program needs to be stopped. Warnings, however, often indicate

underlying problems that sooner or later must be solved.

Warnings must sometimes be acknowledged.

Error An event that prevents the robot system from proceeding. The running

process or RAPID program cannot continue, but is stopped.

All errors must be acknowledged. Most errors also require some immediate

action from you in order to solve the problem.

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6.7. Handle events

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NOTE!

This information is also indicated by color: blue for information, yellow for warning and red

for an error which needs to be corrected in order to proceed

Event code

The event code is a number that identifies the event message. Together with the event date

and time each event has a unique identity.

Event title

The event title is a short description of the event.

Event category

The category is an indication of the source of the event.

Depending on how the system is configured, additional categories may exist.

Sequential number

The sequential number indicates the chronological order of the event; the higher the number

the more recently the event occurred.

Date and time

Date and time indicate exactly when the event occurred. Along with the event code, this

timestamp guarantees that each event has a unique identity.

Event description

When you select an event in the list, detailed information about it will be displayed to the

right. This includes a description, and when appropritate also consequences, causes and

suggested actions to solve the problem.

Category Display

Common All recent events.

Operational Events related to changes in operation or operating mode.

System Events related to the current system.

Hardware Events related to controller hardware.

Program Events related to the running process applications and RAPID

programs.

Motion Events related to the movement of robots or other mechanical units .

I/O & Communica-

tion

Events related to input and output signals, serial or network communi-

cation and process buses.

User Custom messages that have been programed into RAPID programs.

Internal Internal low-level controller errors for ABB service personnel.

Process Events related to Industrial Processes options., such as Spot, Arc and

Dispense.

Cfg Errors in a configuration file.

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6.7. Handle events

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Overview

The Event Log automatically logs all controller events once it is started. By default, events

are displayed in the chronological order specified by Seq Numbers.

NOTE!

Any modifications to the list you see will never affect the event log of the controller. What

you see is just a copy.

Managing events

1. In the Robot View Explorer, select a system.

2. Double-click the Events node.

Retrieving controller events

To clear the list and retrieve all existing events from the robot controller:

1. Optionally, save the existing Event Log record.

2. Select whether you want the list to be updated when new events occur , or if you are only

interested in viewing events that have already occurred.

3. Click Get to clear the current list, fetch and display all events that are currently stored in

the controller log files.

To sort events Click the header for the column you want to sort by. To switch

between ascending and descending sorting, click the header

once again.

To filter events In the Category list select the event category you want

displayed.

To clear the event log Click Clear.

This will not affect the event log of the robot controller. It might

still be impossible, however, to retrieve all events from a cleared

record once again, as the oldest ones may have been erased

from the controller hard disk due to lack of space. It is therefore

recommended to save the record to a log file before clearing.

To save all events to a

single log file on the

computer

Check the Log to file check box.

If it remains checked, the log file will be updated with new events

as they occur.

To save events of one or

several categories to files

on the computer

Click Save and then make your category choice. Specify the

location for the log file(s) in the Browse For Folder dialog and

then click OK.

If you select All when selecting categories, a log file for each

event category will be created.

To ... ...then...

get automatic updates when new

events occur

check the Auto Update check box. (Checked by

default.)

say no to automatic updates when

new events occur

clear the Auto Update check box.

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6.8. RAPID Watch Online

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6.8. RAPID Watch Online

Overview

The RAPID Watch Online window displays the variable status during the program execution.

It has the following tabs:

On the RAPID Watch Online window, right-click to display the following context menu:

NOTE!

When running a program in continuos execution mode, the contents of RAPID Watch Online

window does not update until program execution stops.

To manually refresh the variable values, click Refresh from the context menu.

Tab Description

Name Displays variable name

Value Displays variable value

Type Displays type of datatype

Source Displays system name

Item Description

Cut Cuts the variable value

Copy Copies the variable value

Paste Pastes the variable value

Delete Watch Deletes the watch item

Select All Selects all the variable value

Clear All Clears all the variable value

Refresh Updates the variable value

7 The Application Menu

7.1. Overview

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7 The Application Menu

7.1. Overview

Overview

The Application menu is accessed from the RobotStudio button in the upper left corner of the

GUI.

7 The Application Menu

7.2. New Station

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7.2. New Station

Creating a station with a template system

1. Click New Station to bring up a dialog box.

The Template System icon is already selected by default.

2. In the Select Template System list, either select an appropriate template or click Browse

and browse to one.

3. In the System group, enter a name and location, and then click OK.

Creating a station with an existing system

1. Click New Station to bring up a dialog box.

2. Click the Existing system icon to bring up the Existing System dialog box.

3. In the Select System Pool list, select a folder.

4. In the Systems Found list, select a system.

5. Click OK.

Creating an empty station

1. Click New Station to bring up a dialog box.

2. Click the Empty Station icon. The station will be created and visible in the graphics

window.

7 The Application Menu

7.3. Screenshot

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7.3. Screenshot

Prerequisites

For optimal results, first configure the options, see Options:General:Screenshot on page 183.

Capturing the screen

1. Click Screenshot.

If the image is saved to file, this is reported in the output window.

7 The Application Menu

7.4. Pack & Go

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7.4. Pack & Go

Packing a station

1. Click Pack & Go to open the Pack & Go Wizard.

2. On the Welcome to the Pack & Go Wizard page, click Next.

3. On the Destination page, specifiy the destination directory of the package by either

entering the path in the box or browsing to it. Click Next.

4. On the Libraries page, select one of the three options. Click Next.

5. On the Systems page, select the check box to include backups of all robot systems.

Optionally, select the check box to include a media pool for additional options. Click

Next.

6. On the Ready to pack page, review the information and then click Finish.

7. On the Pack & Go succeeded page, review the results and then click Close.

7 The Application Menu

7.5. Unpack & Work

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7.5. Unpack & Work

Unpacking a station

1. Click Unpack & Work to open the Unpack & Work Wizard.

2. On the Welcome to the Unpack & Work Wizard page, click Next.

3. On the Select package page, specifiy the package to be unpacked by either entering the

path in the box or browsing to it. Specify as well the destination directory of the files.

Click Next.

4. On the Controller Systems page, specify the path to the media pool and the RobotWare

version. Optionally, select the check box to automatically restore backup. Click Next.

5. On the Ready to unpack page, review the information and then click Finish.

6. On the Unpack & Work succeeded page, review the results and then click Close.

7 The Application Menu

7.6. Station Viewer

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7.6. Station Viewer

Overview

The Station Viewer can playback a station in 3D on computers that do not have RobotStudio

installed. It packages the station file together with files needed to view the station in 3D. It

can also play recorded simulations.

Prerequisites

• Works on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista

• .NET Framework 2.0 must be installed on the playback computer

Creating and loading a Station Viewer

1. To create a Station Viewer, on the Application menu, click Collaborate.

2. Select Save Station as Viewer to bring up a dialog box.

3. Specify a file name and save as .exe file.

NOTE! Select the option Show comments on startup and add text in the box to view the

comment when the Station Viewer is started.

NOTE! Select the option Include last executed simulation to include a recording of the

simulation. By default this option is disabled.

4. To load a Station Viewer, double-click the package (.exe) file on the target computer.

The results are displayed in the Output window and the embedded station file is

automatically loaded and presented in a 3D view.

NOTE! You can open any station created in RobotStudio 5.12 with the Station Viewer.

You can pan, rotate, and navigate in the graphical viewer.

Configuring user settings of a Station Viewer

To configure the user settings of a Station Viewer, on the Application menu, click

RobotStudio Options.

Command Buttons

Options:General:Appearance

Apply Click this button to save all options in the current page.

Reset Click this button to reset to the settings you had before this

session all values that you have changed on the current

page.

Default Click this button to reset to their default values all settings on

the current page.

Select application

language

Select the language to be used.

NOTE! The default language is the same as that of the

target user's operating system if available, otherwise it is

English.

Select color theme Select the color to be used.

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7 The Application Menu

7.6. Station Viewer

1813HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Options:General:Graphics

Simulation

When you run a simulation, the movements and visibility of objects are recorded. This

recording is optionally included in the Station Viewer.

Simulation control buttons are enabled when the Station Viewer contains a recorded

simulation.

Following are the Simulation control buttons:

NOTE! If the simulation executes a VSTA macro, it is not reflected when playing back the

simulation in the Station Viewer.

Select API to use for 3D

graphics

Select the low-level API to be used for rendering 3D graph-

ics.The default value is Direct3D, but OpenGL might be

faster or stabler.

NOTE! No need to restart when changing this option.

Background color Select the color from the color theme, or from the color

stored in the stations.

Play Starts or resumes simulation playback

Stop Stops simulation playback

Reset Resets all objects to their initial state and process time display to zero

Run mode Select to run the simulation once or continuously

Process time Displays the current simulation time

Continued

7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

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7.7. RobotStudio Options

Common buttons

Options:General:Appearance

Options:General:Licensing

Options:General:Units

Options:General:Advanced

Apply Click this button to save all options in the current page.

Reset Click this button to reset to the settings you had before this

session all values that you have changed on the current

page.

Default Click this button to reset to their default values all settings on

the current page.

Select application

language

Select the language to be used.

Select color theme Select the color to be used.

Display Position Edit

boxes with Red/Green/

Blue background

Select the check box if you want to display the position boxes

in the modify dialog boxes with colored background. Default

value: selected.

View installed license

keys

Click to view the license keys per feature, version, type,

expiration date and status.

Request a license Click to request a license.

Install a license Click to install a license.

Quantity Select the quantity for which you want to change the units.

Unit Select the unit for the quantity.

Display decimals Enter the number of decimals that you want to be displayed.

Edit decimals Enter the number of decimals that you want when modifying.

Enable Windows Error

Reporting

Select this check box to send error data directly to a Microsoft

server to be downloaded and analyzed by ABB support.

Available only on Windows XP or later.

Number of undo/redo

steps

The number of operations that can be undone or redone.

Lowering this value can decrease memory usage.

Show acknowledge

dialog box when deleting

objects

Warns when deleting objects.

Show acknowledge

dialog box when deleting

targets and correspond-

ing move instructions

Warns when deleting targets and move instructions.

Warn about running

Virtual Controller

processes on startup

Warns of orphaned VC processes.

Continues on next page

7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

1833HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Options:General:Files & Folders

Options:General:Screenshot

Options:General:Screen Recorder

User Project Folder Enter the path to your project folder. This will be the folder

displayed in the open and save dialog boxes in RobotStudio.

... To browse for your project folder, click the browse button.

Automatically create

document subfolders

Select this check box to enable the creation of individual

subfolders for document types.

Enable Autosave Select the check box to automatically save the station with

defined intervals. Default value: cleared

Interval Specify the interval between the savings when using Autosave

in this box.

Clear Recent Stations

and Controllers

Clears the list of recently accessed stations and controllers

Document Locations Launches the Document Locations dialog box. For more infor-

mation, see The Document Manager window on page 47.

Entire application

window

Select this option to capture the entire application.

Active document window Select this option to capture the active document window,

typically the graphics window.

Copy to clipboard Select this check box to save the captured image to the system

clipboard.

Save to file Select this check box to save the captured image to file.

Location Specify the location of the image file. The default location is the

"My Pictures" system folder.

... Browse for the location.

File name Specify the name of the image file. The default name is "Robot-

Studio" to which is added a date.

The file suffix list Select the desired file format. The default format is JPG.

Framerate Specify the framerate in frames per second.

Same as window Select this option to use the same resolution as in the graphics

window.

Limit resolution Select this option to scale down the resolution.

Maximum width Specify the maximum width in pixels.

Maximum height Specify the maximum height in pixels.

Output file format Select the output file format. The default format is AVI.

Video compression Select the video compression format.

NOTE! DivX format is not supported.

Start recording after Select this option to start recording after the specified time.

Stop recording after Select this option to stop recording after the specified time.

Continued

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7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

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Options:Robotics:Editor

Options:Robotics:Rapid

Options:Robotics:Synchronization

Options:Robotics:Mechanism

Wrap long lines Select this check box if you want to wrap long lines.

Text styles Specify the appearance of the various text classes.

Text color Specifies the text color of the editor.

Show dialog when

warning for globally

defined workobjects

Select this check box if you want RobotStudio to display a

warning when there are workobjects with the same name that

have been declared as in other tasks. Default value: selected.

Show synchronize dialog

box after loading

program /module

Select this check box if you want the synchronize dialog box to

be displayed when you have loaded a program or a module.

Default value: selected.

Show notification that

default data is used

Select this check box if you want to be notified that wobj0 and/

or tool0 is active and will be used in the current action. Default

value: selected.

Show synchronization

notification

Default value: selected.

Set as active when

creating tooldata

Select this check box if you want newly created tooldata to be

set as active. Default value: selected.

Set as active when

creating workobjects

Select this check box if you want newly created workobjects to

be set as active. Default value: selected.

Use default synchroniza-

tion locations

Converting data, such as target to Workobject, shall use the

default behavior for synchronization locations. Default value:

selected.

Show default synchroni-

zation locations notifica-

tion

Notifies of the behavior above. Default value: selected.

Declaration default

locations

Specify the locations for corresponding objects when synchro-

nizing to the VC.

Approach Vector Select the approach vector. Default value: Z.

Travel Vector Select the travel vector. Default value: X.

Enable configuration

check for jump to target/

move instruction

Select this check box if you want to enable the configuration

check configurations when jumping to target or move instruc-

tions. When selected and a target does not have a validated

configuration assigned, you will be asked to set one. When

cleared, the configuration closest to the current one is used.

Default value: selected.

Continued

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7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

1853HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Options:Robotics:Virtual Controller

Options:Online:Authentication

Options:Graphics:Renderer

Options:Graphics:Appearance

Always on top Select this check box if you want to have the virtual FlexPendant

always on top. Default value: selected.

Enable transparency Select this check box if you want parts of the virtual FlexPendant

to be transparent. Default value: selected.

Logging When the controller is warm started,

• Select this check box to log the console output to "con-

sole.log" in the controller directory

• Select this check box to log the console ouput to a

console window

Show virtual Operator

Window

Select this check box to enable the Operator window feature.

Default value: Disabled.

Recent Users Lists the recent users.

Remove/Remove All Click these buttons to remove one or all recent users, respec-

tively.

Enable Automatic Logoff Select the check box if you want to log off automatically.

Timeout Determines the length of the session before being automatically

logged off.

Select API to use for 3D

graphics

Select the low-level API to be used for rendering 3D graphics.

The default value is OpenGL, but Direct3D might be faster or

stabler.

Background color Click the colored rectangle to change the background color.

Gradient Select the check box if you want to display the background color

in gradient style. Default value: cleared.

Show floor Select the check box if you want the floor (at z=0) to be

displayed. Change the floor color by clicking the colored

rectangle. Default values: selected.

Color Click the colored rectangle to change the color of the floor.

Transparent Select the check box if you want the floor to be transparent.

Default values: selected.

Show UCS Grid Select the check box if you want the UCS grid to be displayed.

Default value: selected.

Grid Space X Change the UCS grid space in the X coordinate direction by

entering the requested value in the box. Default value: 1000 mm

(or equivalent in other units).

Grid Space Y Change the UCS grid space in the Y coordinate direction by

entering the requested value in the box. Default value: 1000 mm

(or equivalent in other units).

Show coordinate system Select the check box if you want the coordinate systems to be

displayed. Default value: selected.

Continued

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7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D186

Options:Graphics:Performance

The settings you make here are generic for all objects in RobotStudio. With the Graphic

Appareance dialog box you can, however, override some of these settings for single objects.

Options:Graphics:Behavior

Options:Graphics:Geometry

Detail level Select if the detail level is to be Auto, Fine, Medium or Coarse.

Default value: Auto.

Cull back-facing

triangles

Select the check box if you want to ignore the back-facing

triangles. Default value: selected.

Culling back-facing triangles improves the graphics

performance but may give unexpected display if surfaces in

models are not faced correctly.

Enable twosided lighting Select the check box if you want to enable two-sided lighting.

Default value: cleared.

Cull objects smaller than Select the size in pixels under which objects will be disregarded.

Default value: 2 pixels.

Store model data on

graphics card (recom-

mended)

Select the check box if you want to store the model data on a

graphics card. Default value: cleared.

Storing model data on a graphics card improves graphics per-

formance, but causes stability problems for some hardware

combinations.

Navigation sensitivity Select the navigation sensitivity when using the mouse

movements or navigation buttons by clicking the bar and

dragging it into position. Default value: 1.

Selection radius (pixels) Change the selection radius (that is, how close the mouse

cursor click must be to an item to be selected) by entering the

requested pixel value in the box. Default value: 5.

Selection highlight Set if the selected object shall be distinguished in the Graphics

window by a color, by an outline or not at all. Default value: color.

Highlight color Click the colored rectangle to change the highlight color.

Activate selection

preview

Select the check box to enable temporarily highlighting of items

that may be selected when the mouse cursor passes over them.

Default value: selected.

Show local coordinate

system for selected

objects

Select the check box to show the local coordinate system for the

selected objects. Default value: selected.

Normal Tolerance Enter the maximum deviation of surface normals in the Fine,

Medium or Coarse boxes. Default values (in deg): Fine: 10,

Medium: 22.5, Coarse: 45 (or equivalent in other units).

Surface Tolerance Enter the maximum spatial deviation of surfaces in the Fine,

Medium or Coarse boxes. Default values (in deg): Fine: 2,

Medium: 10, Coarse: 50 (or equivalent in other units).

Curve Tolerance Enter the maximum spatial deviation of curves in the Fine,

Medium or Coarse boxes. Default values (in deg): Fine: 0.2,

Medium: 1, Coarse: 5 (or equivalent in other units).

Continued

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7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

1873HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Options:Simulation:Collision

Options:Simulation:Virtual Time

Options:Simulation:Accuracy

Perform collision

detection

Select if collision detection is to be performed during simulation

or always. Default value: During simulation.

Stop simulation at

collision

Select this check box if you want the simulation to stop at a

collision. Default value: cleared.

Log collisions to Output

window

Select this check box if you want the collisions to be logged to

the output window. Default value: selected.

Log collisions to file: Select this check box if you want to log the collisions to a file.

Browse for the file to log in by clicking the browse button. Default

value: cleared.

Enable fast collision

detection

Select this check box to enhance the performance by detecting

collisions between geometrical bounding boxes instead of

geometrical triangles. This might result in falsely reported

collisions, since the triangles are the true geometry and the

bounding boxes always are larger. All true collisions will,

however, be reported. The larger the object, the greater the

number of false collisions that are likely to be detected.

View Click this button to open the log file specified in the file box in

Notepad.

Clear Click this button to delete the log file specified in the file box.

... Click this button to browse for the file in which you want to log

the collisions.

Virtual Time mode- Free

run

This option makes RobotStudio always use the free run mode.

Virtual Time mode - Time

Slice

This option makes RobotStudio always use the time slice mode.

Simulation speed Sets the simulation speed relative to real time.

Simulation timestep Specifies the simulation timestep.

Continued

7 The Application Menu

7.7. RobotStudio Options

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8 The Home Tab

8.1. Overview

1893HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8 The Home Tab

8.1. Overview

The Home tab

The Home tab contains the controls required for building stations, creating systems,

programming paths and placing items.

8 The Home Tab

8.2. ABB Library

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8.2. ABB Library

About this button

With this button, you can choose robots, positioners and tracks from their respective galleries.

8 The Home Tab

8.3. Import Library

1913HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.3. Import Library

About this button

With this button, you can import equipment, geometries, positioners, robots, tools and

training objects to your station libraries.

Importing a library

1. On the Home menu, click Import Library and select one of the following controls:

• Equipment

• User Library

• Documents

• Locations

• Browse for Library

2. Click Equipment to import predefined ABB mechanism libraries.

3. Click User Library to select the user defined libraries.

4. Click Documents to open the Document Manager window. See .The Document Manager

window on page 47

5. Click Locations to open the Document Locations window. See Document Locations

window on page 52.

6. Click Browse for Library to select the saved library files.

8 The Home Tab

8.4. Robot System

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8.4. Robot System

About this button

With the Robot System button, you can either create a system from layout or template,

choose an existing system, or select a system from a robot gallery and setup a conveyor

tracking mechanism.

Creating a system from layout

1. Click From Layout to bring up the first page of the wizard.

2. In the Name box, enter the name of the system.

3. In the Location box, enter the path to the folder where the system will be stored.

Alternatively, click Browse and browse to the folder.

4. In the Media Pool box, enter the path to the media pool. Alternatively, click Browse and

browse to the folder.

5. In the RobotWare Version list, select the version of RobotWare you want to use.

6. Click Next.

7. In the Mechanisms box, select the mechanisms that you want to include in the system.

8. Click Next.

The wizard now proposes a mapping of the mechanisms to a specific motion task, in

accordance with the following rules:

• Only one TCP robot is allowed per task.

• Up to six motion tasks may be added, but only four TCP robots can be used, and they

must be assigned to the first four tasks.

• The number of tasks may not exceed the number of mechanisms.

• If the system contains one TCP robot and one external axis, they will be assigned to

the same task. It is, however, possible to add a new task and assign the external axis

to it.

• If the system contains more than one TCP robot, any external axes will be assigned to

a separate task. It is, however, possible to move them to other tasks.

• The number of external axes in a task is limited by the number of available drive

modules in the cabinet (one for large robots, two for medium, three for small).

NOTE! If only one mechanism was selected in the previous page, this page will not be

shown.

Tasks can be added and removed using the respective buttons; mechanisms can be moved

up or down using the respective arrows. To map the mechanisms to tasks, follow this step:

9. Optionally, make any edits in the mapping, and then click Next.

The System Option page appears.

Continues on next page

8 The Home Tab

8.4. Robot System

1933HAC032104-001 Revision: D

10.On the System Option page, you have the option to align Task Frame(s) with the

corresponding Base Frame(s).

• For single robot system, select the checkbox to align task frame with base frame:

• For MultiMove Independent system, select the check box to align task frame with base

frame for each robot.

• For MultiMove Coordinated system, select the robot from the drop down list and

select the check box to align task frame with base frame for the selected robot.

11. Verify the summary and then click Finish.

If the system contains more than one robot, the number of tasks and the baseframe

positions of the mechanism should be verified in the System Configuration window.

Adding a template system

1. Click From Template to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Select Template System list, either select an appropriate template or click Browse

and browse to one.

3. In the Libraries group, select whether to import libraries or to use the existing station

libraries.

4. In the System group, enter a name and location, and then click OK.

Adding an existing system

1. Click Existing to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Select System Pool list, select a folder.

3. In the Systems Found list, select a system.

4. In the Libraries group, select whether to import libraries or to use the existing station

libraries.

5. Click OK.

Selecting a system from a robot gallery

1. Click Quick System to bring up a gallery, and then click the appropriate robot.

Continued

Continues on next page

8 The Home Tab

8.4. Robot System

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D194

Setting up a conveyor

1. Click Setup.

2. In the Part Sequence tab, select Part from Available Parts.

The right arrow button is enabled.

3. Click right arrow button to move the Part to Parts moved by Conveyor list.

4. Click up and down arrow buttons to move the selected part in Parts moved by Conveyor

list.

5. In the Part Tracking tab, select Part from Parts moved by Conveyor list.

6. Select CNV1 from the Mechanical Unit list.

7. Select a workobject from the Workobject list.

8. Click Add. The workobject appears in the list.

NOTE! If the same workpiece is tracked by more than one robot, add a pair of workobject

for each robot that tracks the workpiece. This procedure has to be repeated for each

workpiece that should be tracked.

9. Click OK.

10.Activate the Conveyor Mechanical Unit (CNV1). See Activate Mechanical Units on page

305

Removing objects from conveyor

1. Click Setup.

The Conveyor Setup dialog box appears.

2. In the Part Sequence tab, select Part from the Parts moved by Conveyor list

The left arrow button is anabled.

3. Click left arrow to remove the part from the Parts moved by Conveyor list to Available

Parts list.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.5. Import Geometry

1953HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.5. Import Geometry

Importing geometry

1. On the Home menu, click Import Geometry. and select one of the following controls:.

• User Geometry

• Browse for Geometry

2. Click User Geometry to select the user defined geomtery.

3. Click Browse for Geometry to browse to the folder where the geometry is located.

For predefined geometries, click the Geometry icon to the left in the dialog box.

4. Select the required geometry and click Open.

If you want the geometry to move with another object, attach it to the requested object,

see Attach to on page 378.

To modify the detail level for import of geometries, see RobotStudio Options on page 182.

8 The Home Tab

8.6.1. Frame

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8.6 Frame

8.6.1. Frame

Creating a frame

1. Click Frame.

2. In the dialog box, specify the positions for the frame.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Frame Position Click in one of these boxes, and then click the frame position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Frame

Position boxes.

Frame Orientation Specify the coordinates for the frame orientation.

Set as UCS Select this check box to set the created frame as the user

coordinate system.

8 The Home Tab

8.6.2. Frame from Three Points

1973HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.6.2. Frame from Three Points

Creating a frame from three points

1. Click Frame from Three points to bring up a dialog box.

2. Decide how you want to specify the frame:

3. If you select Position:

• Enter the Position for the object.

• Enter the Point on X axis for the object.

• Enter the Point on X-Y plane for the object.

• Click Create.

4. If you select Three Point:

• Enter the First Point on X axis for the object. This is the point closest to the frame’s

origin.

• Enter the Second Point on X axis for the object. This is the point further away in the

positive X direction.

• Enter the Point on Y axis for the object.

• Click Create.

The Create Frame From Three Points dialog box

To specify the frame using Select

X, Y and Z coordinates, a point on the X axis

and a point in the X-Y plane

Position

two points on the X axis and one point on the

Y axis

Three Point

Position Select this option if you want to create the frame by using a

position and two points.

Frame Position Click in one of these boxes, and then click the frame position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Frame

Position boxes.

Point on X axis Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on X

axis boxes.

Point on X-Y plane Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on X-Y

plane boxes.

Three Point Select this option if you want to create the frame by using three

points.

First Point on X axis Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the First Point on

X axis boxes.

Second Point on X axis Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Second Point

on X axis boxes.

Continues on next page

8 The Home Tab

8.6.2. Frame from Three Points

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D198

Point on Y axis Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point position in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on Y

axis boxes.

Set as UCS Select this check box to set the created frame as the user

coordinate system.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.7. Workobject

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8.7. Workobject

Creating a workobject

1. Click Workobject to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Misc Data group, enter the values for the new workobject.

3. In the User Frame group, do one of the following:

• Set the position of the user frame by entering values for the Position x, y, z and the

Rotation rx, ry, rz for the workobject by clicking in the Values box.

• Select the user frame by using the Frame by points dialog box.

4. In the Object Frame group you can reposition the object frame relative to the user frame

by doing any of the following:

• Set the position of the object frame by selecting values for Position x, y, z by clicking

in the Values box.

• For the Rotation rx, ry, rz, select RPY (Euler XYX) or Quaternion, and enter the

rotation values in the Values dialog box.

• Select the object frame by using the Frame by points dialog box.

5. In the Sync Properties group, enter the values for the new workobject.

6. Click Create. The workobject will be created and displayed under the Targets node under

the robot node in the Paths&Targets browser.

The Create Workobject dialog box

Name Specify the name of the workobject.

Robot holds workobject Select whether the workobject is to be held by the robot. If you

select True, the robot will hold the workobject. The tool can then

either be stationary or held by another robot.

Moved by mechanical

unit

Select the mechanical unit that moves the workobject. This

option is applicable only if Programmed is set to False.

Programmed Select True if the workobject is to use a fixed coordinate

system, and False if a movable (that is, external axes) will be

used.

Position x, y, z Click in one of these boxes, and then click the position in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Position boxes.

Rotation rx, ry, rz Specify the rotation of the workobject in the UCS.

Frame by points Specify the frame position of the user frame.

Position x, y, z Click in one of these boxes, and then click the position in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Position boxes.

Rotation rx, ry, rz Specify the rotation of the workobject.

Frame by points Specify the frame position of the object frame.

Storage type Select PERS or TASK PERS. Select the Storage Type TASK

PERS if you intend to use the workobject in multimove mode.

Module Select the module in which to declare the workobject.

8 The Home Tab

8.8. Tooldata

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8.8. Tooldata

Creating tooldata

1. In the Layout browser, make sure the robot in which to create the tooldata is set as the

active task.

2. Click Tooldata to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Misc Data group:

• Enter the Name of the tool.

• Select whether the tool is to be held by the robot in the Robot holds tool list.

4. In the Tool Frame group:

• Define the Position x, y, z of the tool.

• Enter the Rotation rx, ry, rz of the tool.

5. In the Load Data group:

• Enter the Weight of the tool.

• Enter the Center of gravity of the tool.

• Enter the Inertia of the tool.

6. In the Sync Properties group:

• In the Storage type list, select PERS or TASK PERS. Select TASK PERS if you

intend to use the tooldata in MultiMove mode.

• In the Module list, select the module in which to declare the tooldata.

7. Click Create. The tooldata appears as a coordinate system in the graphics window.

8 The Home Tab

8.9.1. Teach Target

2013HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.9 Target

8.9.1. Teach Target

Teaching a target

To teach a target, follow these steps:

1. In the Layout browser, select the workobject and tool for which you want to teach the

target.

2. Jog the robot to the preferred position.

NOTE: To jog a robot linearly, its VC must be running.

3. Click Teach Target.

4. A new target will be created in the browser, under the active workobject node. In the

graphics window a coordinate system will be created at the TCP position. The

configuration of the robot at the target will be saved.

8 The Home Tab

8.9.2. Create Target

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8.9.2. Create Target

Creating a target

1. In the Layout browser, select the workobject in which you want to create the target.

2. Click Create Target to bring up a dialog box.

3. Select the Reference coordinate system you want to use to position the target:

4. In the Points box, click Add New and then click the desired position in the graphics

window to set the position of the target. You can also enter the values in the Coordinates

boxes and click Add.

5. Enter the Orientation for the target. A preliminary cross will be shown in the graphics

window at the selected position. Adjust the position, if necessary. To create the target,

click Create.

6. If you want to change the workobject for which the target is to be created, expand the

Create Target dialog box by clicking the More button. In the WorkObject list, select the

workobject in which you want to create the target.

7. If you want to change the target name from the default name, expand the Create Target

dialog box by clicking the More button and entering the new name in the Target name

box.

8. Click Create. The target will appear in the browser and in the graphics window.

NOTE: The created target will not get any configuration for the robot axes. To add the

configuration values to the target, use either ModPos or the Configurations dialog box.

NOTE: If using external axes, the position of all activated external axes will be stored in

the target.

The Create Target dialog box

If you want to position the target Select

absolute in the world coordinate system of

the station

World

relative to the position of the active

workobject

Work Object

in a user-defined coordinate system UCS

Reference Select the reference coordinate system to which all positions or

points will be related.

Position Click in one of these boxes, and then click the position in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Position boxes.

Orientation Specify the orientation of the target.

Add Click this button to add a point and its coordinates to the Points

list.

Modify Click this button to modify an already defined point, after you

have selected it in the Points list and entered new values.

Points The target points. To add more points, click Add New, click the

desired point in the graphics window, and then click Add.

More/Less Click this button to expand or collapse parts of the create target

dialog box.

Continues on next page

8 The Home Tab

8.9.2. Create Target

2033HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Target name Here you can change the name of the target you are creating. It

is visible only when the create target dialog box is expanded.

Workobject Here you can change the workobject in which the target is to be

created. It is visible only when the create target dialog box is

expanded.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.9.3. Create Jointtarget

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D204

8.9.3. Create Jointtarget

Creating a jointtarget

1. Click Create Jointtarget to bring up a dialog box.

2. If you want to change the default name of the jointtarget, enter the new name in the Name

box.

3. In the Axes Values group, do as follows:

• For the Robot axes, click the Values box and then click the down arrow. The Joint

Values dialog box will be displayed. Enter the joint values in the boxes and click

Accept.

• For the Joint axes, click the Values box and then click the down arrow. The Joint

Values dialog box will be displayed. Enter the joint values in the boxes and click

Accept.

4. Click Create. The jointtarget will appear in the browser and in the graphics window.

The Create Jointtarget dialog box

Name Specify the name of the jointtarget.

Robot axes Click the Values list, enter the values in the Joint values dialog

box and click Accept.

External axes Click the Values list, enter the values in the Joint values dialog

box and click Accept.

Storage Type Select the Storage Type TASK PERS if you intend to use the

jointtarget in multimove mode.

Module Select the module in which you want to declare the jointtarget.

8 The Home Tab

8.9.4. Create Targets on Edge

2053HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.9.4. Create Targets on Edge

Overview

Targets on Edge creates targets and move instructions along the edges of the geometric

surface by selecting target points in the graphics window. Each point on a geometric edge has

certain properties that can be used to position robot targets relative to the edge.

This can be an alternative to Path on Curve. For more information on creating path from

curve, see Path from Curve on page 208.

Creating targets on edge

1. On the Home tab, click Target and select Create Targets on Edge.

The Targets on Edge dialog box appears.

NOTE!

The selection mode in graphics window is automatically set to Surface, and the snap

mode is set to Edge.

2. Click on the surface of the body or part to create target points.

The closest point on the adjacent edge is calculated and added to the list box on as target

points Point 1, Point 2 ....

NOTE!

When an edge is shared between two surfaces, the normal and tangent directions depend

on the surface selected.

3. Use the following variables to specify how a target is related to a point on the edge.

NOTE!

For each target point, a preview of the approach and travel vectors are displayed as arrows

and as a sphere representing the point on the edge in the graphics window. The preview

of the arrows are updated dynamically once the variables are modified.

4. Click Remove to remove the target points from the list box.

Select... to...

Vertical offset specify the distance from the edge to the target in the surface

normal direction.

Lateral offset specify the distance from the edge to the target perpendicular to

the edge tangent.

Approach angle specify the angle between the (inverse) surface normal and the

approach vector of the target.

Reverse travel direction specify if the travel vector of the target is parallel or inversely

parallel to the edge tangent.

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8 The Home Tab

8.9.4. Create Targets on Edge

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D206

5. Click More to expand the Create Targets on Edge dialog box and to choose the

following advanced options:

6. Click Create.

The target points and Move instructions (if any) are created and are displayed in the

Output window and graphics window.

Use... to..

Target name change the target name from the default name to a new user

defined name

Task select the task for which to add targets.

By deafult, active task in the station is selected.

Workobject select the workobject for which you want to create the targets

on edge

Insert Move Instructions in create Move instructions in addition to targets, which will be

added to the selected path procedure.

The active process definition and process template will be

used.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.10. Empty Path

2073HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.10. Empty Path

Creating an empty path

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select the folder in which you want to create the path.

2. Click Empty Path.

3. To set the correct motion properties for the targets, select the active process in the Change

Active Process box in the Elements toolbar.

4. NOTE: If the active template is set to MoveAbsJoint:

• A target that is dragged into a path will be converted into a jointtarget (recognized by

a different icon on in the browser).

• Jointtargets and their instructions can only use wobj0 and tool0.

• One target can not be used as different types, for example, MoveJoint, but must be

deleted and re-created.

• When the target has been synchronized with the virtual controller, the jointtarget

values will be calculated and inserted in the RAPID program.

8 The Home Tab

8.11. Path from Curve

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D208

8.11. Path from Curve

Prerequisites

To create a path from a curve, the curve must first have been created in the station.

Creating a path from a curve

1. In the Layout browser, select the task in which you want to create the path.

2. Click Path From Curve to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Select curves from graphics box, click Add New and then click the requested

curve in the graphics window.

4. Select Create on curve or Reference surface:

5. Select the workobject in which targets are to be created from the Insert targets in

workobject list.

6. Set the Target Parameters:

To Select

ensure that the path is generated on the

curve.

If cleared, the path may be generated on the

reference surface, if one is used.

Create on curve

use a reference surface.

The initial orientation of the target will be

normal to the surface, and the parameters of

the target will relate to this orientation.

Reference Surface

To Enter values in

specify the rotation around the X axis. Approach

specify the rotation around the Y axis. Travel

specify the rotation around the Z axis. Spin

create a start target at the specified distance

from the first target on the curve, in the

approach direction.

Approach

create a departure target at the specified

distance from the last target on the curve, in

the approach direction.

Depart

start the path at a different location along the

curve than the start point.

Offset Start

end the path at a different location along the

curve than the end point.

Offset End

create an offset which will be the same at

every target along the path.

Local Target Offset

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8 The Home Tab

8.11. Path from Curve

2093HAC032104-001 Revision: D

7. Set the Approximation Parameters:

8. Click Create. The path and its targets appear in the browser and in the graphics window.

NOTE!

The targets created do not have any robot axis configurations set, which is required for use in

programs with configuration monitoring. For information about setting robot axes

configurations, see Setting robot axis configuration for paths on page 96.

The Create Path From Curve dialog box

To Select or enter values in

specify the maximum allowed deviation

between the chord of the curve and the path.

A low tolerance will generate more targets

than a high tolerance.

Max chord dev

select whether a linear motion shall represent

the curve or if circular motion should be used

in the path.

Line/circular

specify the minimum distance between the

targets. This box is applicable only if a linear

motion has been selected above.

Min dist.

select the maximum radius for circular

motions in the path. Larger circular motions

will be replaced by a linear motion. This box

is applicable only if a circular motion has

been selected above.

Max rad.

Select curves from

graphics

Select the curve that you want to create a path from by clicking

Add New and then clicking the selected curve in the graphics

window.

Create on curve This check box ensures that the path is generated on the curve.

If cleared, the path may be generated on the reference surface

if one is used.

Reference Surface This check box is selected when a reference surface is to be

used. The initial orientation of the target will be normal to the

surface, and the parameters of the target will relate to this orien-

tation.

Insert targets in

workobject

Select the workobject in which you want to create the path from

the list.

Target Parameters

Approach Specifies the rotation angle around the X axis.

Travel Specifies the rotation angle around the Y axis.

Spin Specifies the rotation angle around the Z axis.

Approach Creates a start target at the specified distance from the first

target on the curve, in the approach direction.

Depart Creates a departure target at the specified distance from the last

target on the curve, in the approach direction.

Offset Start If you want a different starting point than the beginning of the

curve, enter the offset from the start point in the Offset Start

box.

Offset End If you want a different end point than the end of the curve, enter

the offset from the end point in the Offset End box.

Continued

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8 The Home Tab

8.11. Path from Curve

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D210

Local Target Offset Enter the local target offset to generate the same offset at each

target.

Max Chord Dev Specifies the maximum allowed deviation between the chord of

the curve and the path. A low tolerance will generate a more

accurate path with more targets than a high tolerance.

Linear/circular Selects whether linear segments shall represent the curve or if

circular segments should be used in the path.

Min Distance Specifies the minimum distance between the targets. This box

is only applicable for linear paths.

Max Rad Specifies the maximum radius for circular movements in the

path. Larger circular segments will be replaced by linear

segments. This box is applicable only for circular paths.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

2113HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.12. MultiMove

Overview

For browsing between the pages of the MultiMove window, click the tabs in the navigation

pane. By default the tabs are arranged in an order that corresponds to the typical workflow:

Setup tab

System

Config

Select System Here you select the system that

contains the robots to program.

System Each robot in the system is presented

in its own row in this grid. In the

columns you make the settings as

described below.

Enable Select this check box to use the robot

in the MultiMove program.

Type Specify if the robot holds the tool or

the work piece.

Robot Displays the name of the robot.

Path Config Update Click this button to update the paths in

the grid if any of the paths have been

changed. The button turns red if a

change has been detected and an

update is necessary.

Paths Each path in the station is presented

in its own row in this grid. In the

columns you make the settings as

described below.

Enable Select this check box for the paths to

use for the program.

Order Displays the order in which the paths

will be executed. To change the order,

use the lists in the path column for

rearranging the rows in which the

paths appear.

Path Sets the path to be executed here.

Start

Position

Select Robot that other shall jump

When creating a new start position,

select a robot that the other will try to

reach here.

Apply Jumps the other robots to the new

start position.

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D212

Motion Behavior tab

This is used for specifying constraints and rules for how the robots shall move relative to each

other. The default setting is no particular constraints, which results in the fewest joint

movements. However, changing the motion behavior might be useful for:

• Locking the orientation or position of the tool.

• Optimizing cycle time or reachability by allowing tolerances.

• Avoiding collisions or singularity by restricting joint motions.

Both Joint Influence and TCP Constraints restrict the robot’s motions. Changes in these

settings might result in lower performance or situations where it is impossible to find proper

solutions. The weight values for Joint Weights and TCP Constraints set how much the setting

for each joint or TCP direction shall affect the robots relative to each other. It is the difference

between the weight values that matters, not the absolute values. If contradicting behaviors

have been set, the one with the lowest weight value will win.

Tool Tolerance, instead of restricting, enables more motions. Therefore, tolerances may

improve cycle and process times and enhance the reachability of the robots. Tolerances, too,

have weight value; here is set how much the robots shall use the tolerance. A low value

indicates that the tolerance will be used a lot, while a high value means that the robots will

try to avoid using the tolerance.

The joint influence controls the balance of how much the robots will use their joints.

Decreasing the weight value for one axis will restrict the motion for this axis, while increasing

it will promote motion on this axis relative to alternative axes.

The TCP constraints control the position and orientation of the tool. Enabling a TCP

constraint will decrease the motion of the tool and increase the motion of the work piece.

The tool tolerances control the allowed deviation between the tool and the work piece. By

default, tolerances are not enabled, which means that no deviation is allowed. Enabling a

tolerance, if applicable, might improve motion performance. For example, if the tool is

symmetric around its Z axis, you can enable the Rz tolerance without affecting the accuracy

of the generated paths.

The tool offset sets a fixed distance between the tool and the paths.

Joint

Influence

Select Robot Select the robot’s joints to constrain in

this box.

Joints for Robot Displays the robot’s joints and their

constraint weights. Each joint is

presented in its own row.

Axis Displays which axis the constraint

affects.

Influence Specify how much the motion for the

axis is constrained. 0 means a locked

axis, while 100 means no constraint

relative to default constraint values.

TCP

Constraints

Active TCP This grid displays the position and

rotations of the TCP together with

their constraint weights.

Enable Select this check box to activate the

constraint for this TCP pose.

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

2133HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Create Paths tab

This tab is used for creating RobotStudio paths for the MultiMove robots. The created paths

will accord with the motions displayed during the most recently played test simulation.

With the settings group you set up the MultiMove properties that connect the tasks for the tool

robot and work piece robot to each other.

With the WP robot settings group you set up the properties for the task that will be generated

for the work piece robot.

The generate path group contains the button that creates the paths.

Pose Displays the TCP pose that is affected

by the constraint.

Value Specify the pose value to constrain at.

Either type the value, or click the Pick

from TCP button to use the values of

the current TCP position.

Influence Specify how much the motion for the

TCP value is constrained. 0 means a

locked TCP at this pose, while 100

means no constraint relative to default

constraint values.

Tool

Tolerance

Enable Select this check box to activate the

tolerance for this tool pose.

Pose Displays the tool pose that is affected

by the constraint.

Value Specify the pose value to apply the

tolerance around.

Influence Specify the size of the tolerance. 0

means no deviation is allowed, while

100 means all deviations are allowed.

Tool Offset Enable Select this check box to activate the

offset for this tool pose.

Pose Displays the tool pose that is affected

by the offset setting.

Offset Specify the value of the offset here.

Settings Start ID Specify the first ID number for the syn-

chronization of the instructions for the

robots.

ID step index Specify the gap between the

succeeding ID numbers.

Sync ident prefix Specify a prefix for the syncident

variable, which connects the sync

instructions in the tasks for the tool

robot and the work piece robot with

each other.

Task list prefix Specify a prefix for the tasklist

variable, which identifies the tasks for

the tool robot and work piece robot to

synchronize.

Path Prefix Specify a prefix for the generated

paths.

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D214

MultiTeach tab

With this tab you teach complete synchronized move instructions for the robots in the

MultiMove program.

Target Prefix Specify a prefix for the generated

targets.

WP robot

settings

WP Workobject Specify the work object to which the

targets generated for the work piece

robot shall belong.

WP TCP Specify which tool data the work piece

robot shall use when reaching its

targets.

Generate

Paths

Create paths Clicking this button generates paths in

RobotStudio for the latest tested

motions according to the settings

specified.

Settings Path Prefix Specify a prefix for the paths to create.

Target Prefix Specify a prefix for the generated

targets here.

Start ID Specify the first ID number for the syn-

chronization of the instructions for the

robots.

ID step index Specify the gap between the

succeeding ID numbers.

Sync ident prefix Specify a prefix for the syncident

variable, which connects the sync

instructions in the tasks for the tool

robot and the work piece robot with

each other.

Task list prefix Specify a prefix for the tasklist

variable, which identifies the tasks for

the tool robot and work piece robot to

synchronize.

Select type of Sync instruction Select the type of synchronization to

use.

Coordinated implies that all move

instructions are synchronized for the

robots.

Semicoordinated implies that the

robots work independently at some

times and wait for each other at other

(like when repositioning the work

piece).

For detailed information about the

coordination types, see the

Application manual - Multimove.

Setup Select the robots for teaching targets.

This grid also displays the

workobjects and tools that will be used

for the targets.

Continued

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

2153HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Test tab

RobotStudio’s MultiMove window has a page with commands for testing multimove

programs. Its default placement is at the bottom of the MultiMove window.

The status group displays the status of the simulation, that is, whether the current settings

have been tested or if errors have occurred.

In addition to the status group, information from the virtual controller is also displayed in

RobotStudio’s Output window during simulation.

Teach MultiTeach Information Displays a hierarchal tree which

contains the created move instruc-

tions. The tree is organized the same

way as the tree in the Layout browser.

MultiTeach Creates move instructions for the

robots selected in the settings to their

current positions. The created move

instructions are immediately inserted

at their correct places in the

MultiTeach Information tree.

Done Confirms the creation of the instruc-

tions.

Play << < > >> Jumps the robots, respectively, to the

previous and next targets in paths.

The double arrow buttons jump

several targets at once, while the

single arrow buttons jump one target

for each click.

Play Click this button to move the robots

along the paths.

Play also has a list box in which you

can activate the following commands:

• Save current position: Saves

the current start position. Since

the calculated motions are

based on the robot start

position saving the start

position is useful when testing

alternative solutions.

• Restore saved position:

Moves the robots back to the

saved start positions.

• Restore last closed loop

position: Moves the robots

back to the list used start

position.

• Close loop: Finds a suitable

start position based on the

robots’ current positions and

prepares the calculation of

movements.

• Calculate: Calculates and

executes the movements.

Simulation speed Sets the speed at which the simulation

is performed.

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D216

The MultiMove configure system wizard

The MultiMove configure system wizard guides you through configuring robots and

workobjects for MultiMove system. If the workobjects are not configured correctly when the

MultiMove functions are started, you will be asked whether to run the wizard. You can also

start it manually from the Tools page of MultiMove.

The wizard contains four pages, the information pane at the bottom indicates the current page.

Settings Stop at end Select this check box to make the

simulation stop after running the paths

one time. If cleared, the simulation will

continue playing over and over until it

is stopped manually.

Simulate Online Select this check box to run the

simulation as the movements are

calculated.

This is useful for troubleshooting

purposes, since it displays and reports

targets the robot cannot reach.

Cancel on error Select this check box to stop the

simulation if an error occurs. Cancel

on errors is recommended to use

when simulate online is used to

minimize the number of error

messages once the first error is

identified.

Watch Close Loop Select this check box to display the

search for a suitable start position in

the graphics window.

Clear the check box to jump the robots

to the start position when it is found.

Workpiece robot The workpiece robot page contains a list in which you select the

robot that holds the workpiece.

Only one robot can be set up as workpiece robot. If your station

has several robots that hold the workpiece, set up one of them

as workpiece robot and the other as tools robots, and create

paths for these robots in which they only hold the workpiece.

Tool robots The tool robots page contains a list in which you select the

robots that operate on the work piece.

All robots selected as tools robots will be coordinated to the

workpiece robot. Any robot of the system that is selected neither

as workpiece robot or tool robot will not be coordinated.

Workobjects The Workobjects page contains a box for each tool robot in

which you specify the workobject in which the targets for the

MultiMove paths shall be created. The wizard will attach this

workobject to the workpiece robot, for enabling MutliMove.

Either type in a name for a new Workobject to create in the box,

or select the Use existing WorkObject check box and then

select one from the list.

Result The Result page displays a summary of the station configura-

tion.

Either click Done to finish or Previous to go back and change

the setup.

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

2173HAC032104-001 Revision: D

NOTE!

The wizard will not help you configure the RobotWare system correctly. If the correct options

are not used you will not be able to synchronize generated MultiMove paths to the virtual

controller, even if you can use the MultiMove functions in RobotStudio.

The Analyze path tool

This tool checks whether existing paths are coordinated correctly for MultiMove.

The analyzer opens in a window of its own and contains three pages. The information pane

at the bottom indicates the current page.

The Recalculate ID tool

This is one of the tools for working manually with MultiMove programs. It sets new sync ID

arguments to the move instructions in a MultiMove path. By using the tool with the same start

ID and ID step index on all paths that shall be synchronized, you can be sure that the IDs

match if all paths contain the same number of move instructions.

Select Paths Enable Select to include the task in the

analysis.

Task Displays the name of the task.

Path Select the path to analyze for the

current task.

Analyze Analyze Click this button to start the analysis.

Report

xx0600002648

OK. The paths are compatible in the

specified aspect.

xx0600002649

Information. The paths are not fully

compatible in the specified aspect, but

the robot program may still be

executable.

xx0600002650

Error. The paths are not compatible in

the specified aspect, and the robot

program is not executable.

Title Displays the name of the path to recalculate IDs for.

Start ID Sets the number of the first ID in the path.

ID Step index Sets the size of the step to increase the ID number for each

move instruction.

Only update instructions

that has ID defined

Select this check box to recalculate only those IDs for instruc-

tions that have existing IDs.

Clear this check box to also create IDs for instructions that have

no IDs (for example, if you have added new move instructions

that shall be coordinated).

The Only update instruc-

tions between SyncMove

On/Off check box.

Select this check box to affect only those move instructions that

belong to already synchronized parts of the path.

Clear this check box to update IDs for instructions in all parts of

the path.

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8 The Home Tab

8.12. MultiMove

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D218

The Convert path to MultiMove path tool

This is one of the tools for working manually with MultiMove programs. It adds sync ID

arguments to all move instructions in the path and, optionally,

SyncMoveOn/Off

instructions, thus preparing an ordinary path for MultiMove use.

You use the tool on one path a time, so for creating a MultiMove program, you convert one

path for each robot and then create a tasklist and syncidents which you add to the Sync

instructions.

The Create Tasklist tool

This is one of the tools for working manually with MultiMove programs. It creates a variable

of the RAPID data type

tasks, which identifies the tasks that will be synchronized. In each

yncMoveOn or WaitSyncTask instruction, you then specify which tasklist to use.

The Create Syncident tool

This is one of the tools for working manually with MultiMove programs. It creates a variable

of the RAPID data type

SyncIdent, which identifies the sync instructions that shall be

synchronized.

Title Displays the name of the path to recalculate IDs for.

Start ID Sets the number of the first ID in the path.

ID Step index Sets the size of the step to increase the ID number for each

move instruction.

Add SyncMove On/Off

before and after

Select this check box to add instructions that start and stop the

synchronization.

Tasklist name Specifies the name of the tasklist.

Tasks that will be

included

Select the check box for each task to include in the list.

Syncident name Specifies the name of the SyncIdent variable to create.

Tasks that SyncIdent will

be created in

Select the check box for each task to use this Syncident in.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.13. Teach Instruction

2193HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.13. Teach Instruction

Teaching a move instruction

1. In the Layout browser, make sure the settings for active robot, workobject, tool, motion

type and path are appropriate for the move instruction to create.

2. Jog the robot to the desired location. If jogging the robot using the freehand mode, you

can also use snap modes for snapping its TCP to objects in the station.

3. Click Teach Instruction. A move instruction is now created last in the path.

8 The Home Tab

8.14. Move Instruction

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D220

8.14. Move Instruction

Creating a move instruction and a corresponding target

To create a move instruction, follow these steps:

1. Click Move Instruction to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select the Reference coordinate system for the move instruction.

3. Enter the Position to reach for the move instruction by clicking Add New in the

Coordinates box and then click the required to-points in the graphics window. You can

also enter the values in the Coordinates boxes and click Add.

4. Enter the Orientation for the move instruction.

5. By clicking the More/Less button, you can expand or collapse the Create Move

Instruction dialog box. When the dialog box has been expanded, you can change the

Target name and the Work object to which the target (with the move instruction) will

belong.

6. Click Create to create the move instruction. The move instruction will appear under the

path node as a reference to the target.

The Create Move Instruction dialog box for jointtarget movements

Name Here you can change the name of the target you create when

creating the move instruction.

Robot axes Specify the joint values for the robot. Select the box and click the

list to set the values.

External axes box Specify the joint values for external axes, if any exist in the

station. Select the box and click the list to set the values.

Storage Type Click this button to expand or collapse parts of the create move

instruction dialog box.

Module Specify the module in which the jointtarget shall be declared.

8 The Home Tab

8.15. Action Instruction

2213HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8.15. Action Instruction

Creating an action instruction

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select where to insert the action instruction.

2. Right click Path and select Insert Action Instruction.

The Create Action Instruction dialog box appears.

3. From the Instruction Templates list, select the action instruction to create.

4. Optionally, modify instruction arguments in the Instruction Arguments grid. For

detailed information about the arguments for each instruction, see the Rapid reference

manual.

5. Click Create.

To insert the action instruction Select

at the beginning of a path the path

after another instruction the proceeding instruction

8 The Home Tab

8.16. Instruction Template Manager

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8.16. Instruction Template Manager

Overview

The Instruction Template Manager is used to add support for instructions other than the

default set that comes with the RobotStudio.

For example, a robot controller system with the RobotWare Dispense option has specialized

move instructions related to glueing like DispL and DispC. You can manually define the

instruction templates for these using the Instruction Template Manager. The instruction

templates are exported to XML format and reused later.

RobotStudio has pre-defined XML files that are imported and used for robot controller

systems with the appropriate RobotWare options.These XML files has both the Move and

Action instructions.

NOTE! It is recommended to use RobotStudio ArcWelding PowerPac while using

RobotWare Arc.

The instruction template supports the following Robotware options:

• Cap (Continuous Application Process)

• Disp (Dispense)

• Trigg (Fixed Position Events)

• Spot Pneumatic

• Spot Servo

• Spot Servo Equalizing

• Paint

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8 The Home Tab

8.16. Instruction Template Manager

2233HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Item Description

1 Buttons for importing, exporting and validating.

2 The instruction template tree. This hierarchal tree set organizes the templates.

Templates are always the lowest level nodes. For details about specific nodes

in the tree, see item 5 and below.

3 Brief description for editing and creating instruction templates.

4 The Instruction grid. All arguments and settings for the object selected in the

tree are displayed here. Only white boxes are editable. Red values indicate

that the values are invalid.

5 The Instruction templates top node. Here you can see to which task the

templates belong.

6 The Action instructions node contains everything related to action instruction

templates.

7 An Action instruction description node, here represented by the Set DO

instruction, defines the arguments that can be set for the action instruction

templates of that kind.

You can create action instruction descriptions for all action instructions known

by the system running on the virtual controller.

8 An Action instruction template node, here represented by Default, contains

instances of the action instruction descriptions, with defined values for the

arguments.

9 The Move instructions node contains everything related to move instruction

templates.

10 The Move instruction descriptions node contains all move instructions

descriptions for the task.

If the description for an instruction is not present in the list, right-click this node

to add it. You can create move instruction descriptions for all move instructions

known by the system running on the virtual controller.

11 A Move instruction description node, here represented by the MoveAbsJ

node, defines the arguments that can be set for the move instruction templates

of that kind.

Unlike action instructions, instruction templates related to a certain move

instruction descriptions are not stored in child nodes under the description, due

to a more complex hierarchy.

12 The Process definitions node, which gathers all process definitions, contains

sets of process templates which in turn contain instruction templates optimized

for specific processes.

13 A Process definition node, here represented by the generic Move process,

contains sets of process templates which in turn contain instruction templates

optimized for specific processes.

14 A Process template node, here represented by the generic Default process,

contains sets of move instruction templates with argument values optimized

for specific processes.

A process template can hold one move instruction template for each move

instruction type defined by a move instruction description.

15 A Move instruction template node, here represented by MoveJ, contains

instances of move instruction descriptions with argument values customized

for specific processes.

Continued

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8 The Home Tab

8.16. Instruction Template Manager

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Importing a template

1. Click Import to bring up the Open File dialog box.

2. Select the file to import, and click OK.

Exporting a template

1. Select an exportable node in the tree view and click Export to bring up the Save File

dialog box.

2. Click OK.

Validating the templates

1. Select a node in the tree view and click Validate.

Any invalidity will be reflected by the icons and ToolTips of the respective node and

reported in the Output window.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.17.1. Move

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8.17 The Freehand Group

8.17.1. Move

Moving an item

1. In the Layout browser, select the item you want to move.

2. Click Move.

3. In the graphics window, click one of the axes and drag the item into position.

8 The Home Tab

8.17.2. Rotate

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8.17.2. Rotate

Rotating an item

1. In the Layout browser, select the item you want to rotate.

2. Click Rotate.

3. In the graphics window, click one of the rotational rings and drag the item into position.

If you press the ALT key while rotating, the item will snap 10 degrees at a time.

8 The Home Tab

8.17.3. Jog Joint

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8.17.3. Jog Joint

Jogging the joints of a robot

1. In the Layout browser, select the robot you want to move.

2. Click Jog Joint.

3. Click the joint you want to move and drag it to the preferred position.

If you press the ALT key when jogging the joints of the robot, the robot will move 10

degrees at a time. If you press the f key, the robot will move 0.1 degree at a time.

8 The Home Tab

8.17.4. Jog Linear

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8.17.4. Jog Linear

Jogging the TCP of a robot

1. In the Layout browser, select the robot you want to move.

2. In the Freehand group, click Jog Linear. A coordinate system will be displayed at the

TCP of the robot.

3. Click the axis you want to move and drag the TCP to the preferred position.

If you press the f key while jogging the robot linearly, the robot will move with a smaller

step size.

8 The Home Tab

8.17.5. MultiRobot Jog

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8.17.5. MultiRobot Jog

Jogging robots in multirobot mode

1. In the Freehand group, click MultiRobot Jog. Select the robots to be jogged from the list

of available robots.

2. Select the jogging mode, jog one of the robots and the other ones will follow the

movement.

8 The Home Tab

8.18. Viewpoint

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8.18. Viewpoint

Overview

A Viewpoint stores the location and direction of a virtual camera in the 3D environment. It

stores points of interest in a station and to create camera movements during simulation.

Creating Viewpoint

You can create a viewpoint in a station in two ways:

1. In the Home tab, click View and select Create Viewpoint.

2. In the Layout browser, right-click the station and select Create Viewpoint.

A viewpoint is created and displayed (as an eye icon) in the layout browser to the left.

NOTE! The position and direction of the Viewpoint can also be visualized as an arrow in the

3D graphics.

NOTE! By default, the newly created viewpoints are not visible and cannot be selected by

clicking on the graphics.

Viewpoint functions

In the Layout browser, right-click Viewpoint to perform these function:

Function Description

Move to Viewpoint Moves the active 3D view to the location stored in the viewpoint

Set to current Modifies the viewpoint to the current location and direction of

the active 3D view.

NOTE! This action cannot be undone.

Visible Toggles the visibility of the viewpoint 3D representation

NOTE! This action cannot be undone.

Delete Deletes the viewpoint

NOTE! This action cannot be undone.

Rename Renames the viewpoint

NOTE! This action cannot be undone.

Continues on next page

8 The Home Tab

8.18. Viewpoint

2313HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Move to Viewpoint

You can also move active 3D view to the location stored in the Viewpoint using Event

manager.

1. Create a viewpoint. See Creating Viewpoint on page 230.

2. Add an event. See Event Manager on page 298

The Create new event dialog box appears.

3. Select Simulation under Activation and Simulation time under Event trig type. Click

Next.

4. Set the activation time. Click Next.

5. Select Move to Viewpoint from Set Actio type. Click Next.

6. Select the viewpoint from select Viewpoint and set the transition time.

7. Click Finish.

NOTE! Move to viewpoint function is also executed when replaying the simulation in a

Station Viewer.

Continued

8 The Home Tab

8.18. Viewpoint

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.1. Overview

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.1. Overview

The Modeling tab

The Modeling tab contains the controls for creating and grouping components, creating

bodies, measurements and CAD operations.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.2. Component Group

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9.2. Component Group

Creating a component group

1. Click Component Group. The Group node will be displayed in the Layout browser.

2. Click the objects to add to the group. Drag them to the Group node.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.3. Empty Part

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9.3. Empty Part

Creating an empty part

1. Click Empty Part. The Part node will be displayed in the Layout browser.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.1. Smart Component

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9.4 Smart Component

9.4.1. Smart Component

Overview

Smart Component is a RobotStudio object (with or without a 3D graphical representation)

that has the behavior which can be implemented by code-behind and/or aggregation of other

Smart Components.

Terminology

The following table describes the different terminologies that you come across when working

with Smart Component.

Term Definition

Code behind A .NET class associated with a Smart Component that can

implement custom behavior by reacting to certain events, for

example simulation time steps and changes in property values.

[Dynamic] property An object attached to a Smart Component that has value, type

and certain other characteristics. The property value is used by

code behind to control the behavior of the Smart Component.

[Property] binding Connects the value of one property to the value of another

property.

[Property] attributes Key-value pairs that contain additional information about a

dynamic property, for example value constraints.

[I/O] signal An object attached to a Smart Component that has a value and

a direction (input/output), analogous to I/O signals on a robot

controller. The signal value is used by code behind to control the

behavior of the Smart Component.

[I/O] connection Connects the value of one signal to the value of a different

signal.

Aggregation The process of connecting several Smart Components using

bindings and/or connections in order to implement a more

complex behavior.

Asset Data object contained in a Smart Component. Uses include

code behind assembly and localized resources.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.2. Smart Component Editor

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9.4.2. Smart Component Editor

Overview

The Smart Component Editor allows you to create, edit, and aggregate Smart Components

using a graphical user interface. It is an alternative to using the xml based library compiler.

Layout of a Smart Component Editor

It onsists of an icon, the name, the description for the component wherein the description can

be modified by typing in the text box, and a combo box.

The combo box specifies the language for editing localized strings (captions and descriptions)

in the component. The default language is always English, even if the application language is

different. For more information, see Assets on page 239.

The Smart Component Editor consists of the following tabs:

• The Compose tab on page 238

• The Properties and Bindings tab on page 241

• The Signals and Connections tab on page 244

• The View tab on page 247

Opening a Smart Component Editor

1. Click Smart Component or select Edit Component from the context menu.

The Smart Component Editor window appears.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.3. The Compose tab

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9.4.3. The Compose tab

Overview

The Compose tab consists of the following:

• Child components on page 238

• Saved States on page 239

• Assets on page 239

Child components

It is a list box that displays all the objects contained by the component. Objects connected to

a library have an overlay that indicates that the objects are locked. Smart Components are

displayed first followed by other type of objects.

If an object is selected from the list, the following commands are displayed in the right panel:

Right-click on the selected object to display the following context menu items

Command Description

Add component Adds a child object to the component from the list.

You can select a built-in base Smart Component, a new empty

Smart Component, a library from file or a geometric part from

file. For more information about base Smart Component, see

Basic Smart Components on page 248.

Edit parent Sets the context of the Editor to the parent of the component that

is currently being edited. If the parent is the station, see Station

Logic on page 304.

Disconnect from library Disconnects the selected object from library, allowing it to be

edited.

Export to XML Saves the component as a Component XML File (*.rsxml)

Item Description

Edit Sets the context of the Editor to the selected child object.

Delete Deletes the child object.

Show in Browser Indicates if the object should be displayed in the Layout

browser.

Set as Role Sets the object as the Role of the component. The Smart

Component will inherit certain characteristics of the Role object.

For example, attaching a component with a tool as Role to a

robot will cause a ToolData to be created.

Properties Opens the Property editor dialog box for the object. See

Property Editor on page 265.

Continues on next page

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.3. The Compose tab

2393HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Saved States

The state of the component can be saved to be restored later. The state contains selected

modifiable aspects of the component and its child components at the time when the state was

saved. The following commands are available:

Save Current State

1. In the Name text box, enter a name for the state. If a state with the same name already

exists, you will be asked to overwrite the existing state.

2. In the Description text box, enter the description for the state.

3. In the Values to save, select the value to be saved.

4. RecursiveSelect the check box to save the state of all child components.

NOTE!

When working on a station level,

• In the Values to save, you can also select certain Virtual Controller values in the saved

states.

• You need not select the option Recursive as the state of the station is always saved.

For more information, see Station Logic on page 304.

Assets

The assets contained in the component are displayed as grid.

The following commands are available:

Command Description

Save Current State Opens the Save Current State dialog box. See Save Current

State on page 239.

Restore Selected State Restores the component to the selected state.

Details Opens a window that displays detailed information about the

selected state.

Delete Deletes the selected state.

Command Description

Add Asset Opens a dialog box and allows you to browse and select any file

as an asset.

Set Icon Opens a dialog box and allows you to browse and select an

image that represents a Smart Component.

Update All Assets Replaces the data of all the assets with the data of the corre-

sponding file on the disk. If the file is not available, a warning

message is displayed in the output window.

View Opens the selected asset in the associated program

Save Opens a dialog box and allows you to save the selected asset.

Delete Deletes the selected asset.

Continued

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.3. The Compose tab

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D240

NOTE!

The text resources (descriptions) for properties and signals are stored in an asset called

Resources.<language-id>.xml. If this is deleted, the texts for that language will be empty and

the default (English) will be used. The default language when authoring a component is

always English, regardless of the application language.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.4. The Properties and Bindings tab

2413HAC032104-001 Revision: D

9.4.4. The Properties and Bindings tab

Overview

The Properties and Bindings tab consists of the following:

• Dynamic Properties on page 241

• Property Bindings on page 242

Dynamic Properties

The dynamic properties contained in the component are displayed in a grid.

The following commands are available

Add or Edit Dynamic Property

The Add Dynamic Property dialog box allows you to create a new dynamic property or edit

an existing property.

The following controls are available:

NOTE: When editing an existing property, the Identifier and Type controls are locked and

cannot be modified. If the input is valid the OK button is enabled, allowing the you to add or

update the property. If not, an error icon is displayed.

Command Description

Add Dynamic Property Opens the Add Dynamic Property dialog box. See Add or Edit

Dynamic Property on page 241.

Expose Child Property Opens the Expose Child Property dialog box. See Expose Child

Property on page 242.

Edit Opens the Edit Dynamic Property dialog box for the selected

property.

Delete Deletes the selected property.

Control Description

Property Identifier Specifies an identifier for the property. The identifier must be

alphanumeric, start with a letter and must be unique.

Description Detailed description of the property.

Read-only Indicates if the property value should be possible to modify in

GUI such as the Property Editor.

Property Type Specifies the type of the property from a list of allowed types.

Property Value Specifies the value of the property. The control is updated when

you change the property type and/or attributes.

Attributes Allows you to add, remove, and modify property attributes.

The following lists the available attributes:

•MinValue

•MaxValue

• Quantity

• Slider

• AutoApply

NOTE! Numeric attributes are specified in SI units.

Continues on next page

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.4. The Properties and Bindings tab

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D242

Expose Child Property

The Expose Child Property dialog box allows you to add a new property and bind to an

existing property in a child object. The new property will have the same type and attributes

as the child property.

The following controls are available:

Property Bindings

The property bindings contained in the component are displayed in a grid.

The following commands are available:

Add or Edit Binding

The Add Binding dialog box allows you to create or edit a property binding.

The following options are available:

Control Description

Property Identifier Identifier of the new property. By default, this is the same as the

identifier of the selected child property.

Binding Direction Specifies the direction of the property binding

Source or Target Object Specifies the child object for which to expose a property.

Source or Target

Property

Specifies the child property.

Command Description

Add Binding Opens the Add Binding dialog box.

Add Expression Binding Opens the Add Expression Binding dialog box.

Edit Opens the Edit Binding or Edit Expression Binding dialog box,

depending on the type of binding selected.

Delete Deletes the selected binding.

Control Description

Source Object Specifies the owner of the source property.

Source Property Specifies the source of the binding.

Target Object Specifies the owner of the target property.

Target Property Specifies the target of the binding.

NOTE! Only properties of the same type as the source property

type are listed.

Allow cyclic binding Allows the target property to be set two times in the same

context, which otherwise generates an error.

NOTE! The target list box, besides dynamic properties also

displays some common properties such as object transform that

can only be used as target and not as source.

Continued

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.4. The Properties and Bindings tab

2433HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Add or Edit Expression Binding

The Add Expression Binding dialog box allows you to specify a mathematical expression

as the source of a property binding.

The following controls are available:

Control Description

Expression Specifies the mathematical expressions.

The following lists the allowable mathematical expressions:

• Allowed operators: +, - (unary and binary) *, /, ^

(power), Sin(), Cos(), Sqrt(), Atan() and Abs().

• Allowed operands: Numeric constants, PI, and

Numeric dynamic properties on the current smart

component and any child smart components.

NOTE! The text box has the IntelliSense-like funtionality which

allows you to select from the available properties. If the

expression entered in the text box is invalid, an error icon is

displayed.

Target Object Specifies the owner of the target property.

Target Property Specifies the target of the binding.

NOTE! Only numeric properties are listed.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.5. The Signals and Connections tab

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9.4.5. The Signals and Connections tab

Overview

The Signals and Connections tab consists of the following:

• I/O Signals on page 244

• I/O Connections on page 245

I/O Signals

The I/O Signals contained in the component are displayed in a grid.

The following commands are available:

Add or Edit I/O signals

The Add I/O Signals dialog box allows you to edit an I/O signal, or add one or more I/O

signals to the component.

The following controls are available:

Command Description

Add I/O Signals Opens the Add I/O Signals dialog box.

Expose Child Signal Opens the Expose Child Signal dialog box.

Edit Opens the Edit Signal dialog box.

Delete Deletes the selected signal.

Control Description

Type of Signal Specifies the type and direction of the signal.

The following are the available types of signals:

• Digital

• Analog

•Group

Signal Base Name Specifies the name of the signal.

The name must contain an alphanumeric character and start

with a letter (a-z or A-Z).

NOTE! If more than one signal is created, numeric suffixes

specified by Start Index and Step are added to the names.

Signal Value Specifies the initial value of the signal.

Description Text that describes the signal. When creating multiple signals,

all will have the same description.

Auto-reset Specifies that a digital signal should have transient behavior.

NOTE! This applies to digital signals only. Indicates that the

signal value is automatically reset to 0.

Number of Signals Specifies the number of signals to create.

Start Index Specifies the first suffix when creating multiple signals.

Step Specifies the suffix interval when creating multiple signals.

Minimum Specifies the minimum value for an analog signal.

NOTE! This applies to Analog signal only.

Maximum Specifies the maximum value for an analog signal.

NOTE! This applies to Analog signal only.

Hidden Indicates if the property should not be visible in GUI such as the

Property Editor and I/O Simulator.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.5. The Signals and Connections tab

2453HAC032104-001 Revision: D

NOTE! When editing an existing signal, only the Signal Value and Description can be

modified, while all other controls are locked.

If the input is valid,OK is enabled allowing you to create or update the signal. If not, an error

icon is displayed.

Expose Child signal

The Expose Child Signal dialog box allows you to add a new I/O signal that is connected to

a signal in a child object.

The following controls are available:

I/O Connections

The I/O Connections contained in the component are displayed in a grid.

The following controls are available:

Add or Edit I/O Connection

The Add I/O Connection dialog box allows you to create an I/O connection or edit an

existing connection.

The following controls are available:

Read only Indicates if the property value should be possible to modify in

GUI such as the Property Editor and I/O Simulator.

Control Description

Signal Name Specifies the name of the signal to be created. By default, it is

the same as the name of the selected child signal.

Child Object Specifies the object for which to expose a signal.

Child Signal Specifies the child signal.

Control Description

Add I/O Connection Opens the Add I/O Connection dialog box.

Edit Opens the Edit I/O Connection dialog box.

Manage I/O Connections Opens the Manage I/O Connections dialog box.

Delete Deletes the selected connection.

Move Up or Move Down Sorts by moving the selected connections up and down the list.

Control Description

Source Object Specifies the owner of the source signal.

Source Signal Specifies the source of the connection. The source must either

be an output from a child component, or an input to the current

component.

Target Object Specifies the owner of the target signal.

Target Signal Specifies the target of the connection. The target must be of the

same type as the source, and either an input to a child

component or an output from the current component.

Allow cyclic connection Allows the target signal to be set two times in the same context,

which would otherwise generate an error.

Continued

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.5. The Signals and Connections tab

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Manage I/O Connections

The Manage I/O Connections dialog box displays a graphical view of the I/O connections of

the component.

It allows you to add, remove, and modify connections. Only digital signals are displayed.

The following controls are available:

Managing I/O connections

Use this procedure to add, remove, and create new I/O connections:

1. Click Add and select Add Source or Add Target or Add Logic Gate to add a source

signal or target signal or logic gate respectively.

2. Move the cursor towards the Source Signal until a cross hair appears.

3. Click and drag the left mouse button towards the logic gate to create a new I/O

connection.

4. Select the signal, connection, or logic gate and click Remove to delete.

Control Description

Source / Target Signals Lists the signals used in the connections, source signals to the

left and target signals to the right. Each signal is specified by the

owner object and the signal name.

Connections Displays connections as an arrow from source to target

Logic Gates Specifies a logic operator and a delay time. It performs digital

logic on input signals.

Add • Add Source - Adds a source signal to the left.

• Add Target - Adds a target signal to the right.

• Add Logic Gate - Adds a logic gate at the center

Remove Removes the selected signal, connection or logic gate.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.6. The View tab

2473HAC032104-001 Revision: D

9.4.6. The View tab

Overview

The View tab displays a graphical view of the structure of the component. It includes the child

components, internal connections, and bindings.

The Smart Component can be organized on the viewing screen and their viewing position will

be stored with the station.The view can be zoomed using a slider. Connections and bindings

are color coded.

NOTE!

This tab requires.NET Framework 3.5 SP1to be installed, if not a blank page is displayed.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.7. Basic Smart Components

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9.4.7. Basic Smart Components

Overview

The base components represent a complete set of basic building block components. They can

be used to build user defined Smart Components with more complex behavior.

This lists the basic Smart Components available and are described in the following sections:

• Signals and Properties on page 248

• Parametric Primitives on page 252

• Sensors on page 254

• Actions on page 257

• Manipulators on page 259

• Other on page 261

Signals and Properties

LogicGate

The signal Output is set by the logical operation specified in Operator of the two signals

InputAand InputB, with the delay specified in Delay.

LogicMux

Output is set according to: Output = (Input A * NOT Selector) + (Input B * Selector)

Properties Description

Operator The logical operator to use.

The following lists the various operators:

•AND

•OR

•XOR

•NOT

•NOP

Delay Time to delay the output signal.

Signals Description

InputA The first input.

InputB The second input.

Output The result of the logic operation.

Signals Description

Selector When low, the first input is selected.

When high, the second input is selected.

InputA Specifies the first input.

InputB Specifies the second input.

Output Specifies the result of the operation.

Continues on next page

9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.7. Basic Smart Components

2493HAC032104-001 Revision: D

LogicSplit

The LogicSplit takes Input and sets OutputHigh to the same as Input, and OutputLow as the

inverse of Input.

PulseHigh sends a pulse when Input is set to high, and PulseLow sends a pulse when Input is

set to low.

LogicSRLatch

TheLogicSRLatch has one stable state.

• When Set=1, Output=1 and InvOutput=0

• When Reset=1, Output=0 and InvOutput=1

Converter

Converts between property values and signal values.

Signals Description

Input Specifies the input signal.

OutputHigh Goes high (1) when input is 1.

OutputLow Goes high (1) when input is 0.

PulseHigh Sends pulse when input is set to high.

PulseLow Sends pulse when input is set to low.

Signals Description

Set Sets the output signal.

Reset Resets the output signal.

Output Specifies output signal.

InvOutput Specifies Inverse output signal.

Properties Description

AnalogProperty Converts to AnalogOutput.

DigitalProperty Converts to DigitalOutput.

GroupProperty Converts to GroupOutput.

BooleanProperty Converts from DigitalInput and to DigitalOutput.

Signals Description

DigitalInput Converts to DigitalProperty.

DigitalOutput Converted from DigitalProperty.

AnalogInput Converts to AnalogProperty.

AnalogOutput Converted from AnalogProperty.

GroupInput Converts to GroupProperty.

GroupOutput Converted from GroupProperty.

Continued

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.7. Basic Smart Components

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VectorConverter

Converts between Vector3 and X, Y,and Z values.

Expression

The Expression consists of numeric literals (including PI), parentheses, mathematical

operators +,-,*,/,^ (power) and mathematical functions sin, cos, sqrt, atan, abs. Any other

strings are interpreted as variables, which are added as additional properties. The result is

displayed in Result.

Comparer

The Comparer compares First value with Second value, using Operator. Output is set to 1 if

the condition is met.

Properties Description

X Specifies the X-value of Vector.

Y Specifies the Y-value of Vector.

Z Specifies the Z-value of Vector

Vector Specifies the vector value..

Signals Description

Expression Specifies the expression to evaluate.

Result Specifies the result of evaluation.

NNN Specifies automatically generated variables.

Properties Description

ValueA Specifies the first value.

ValueB Specifies the second value.

Operator Specifies the comparison operator.

The following lists the various operators:

•==

•!=

•>

•>=

•<

•<=

Signals Description

Output True if the comparison evaluates to true, otherwise false.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.7. Basic Smart Components

2513HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Counter

Count is increased when the input signal Increase is set, and decreased when the input signal

Decrease is set. Count is reset when the input signal Reset is set.

Repeater

Pulses Output signal Count number of times.

Timer

The Timer pulses the Output signal based on the given interval.

If Repeat is unchecked, one pulse will be triggered after the time specified in Interval.

Otherwise, the pulse will be repeated at the interval given by Interval.

Properties Description

Count Specifies the current count.

Signals Description

Increase Adds one to the Count when set to True.

Decrease Subtracts one from the Count when set to True.

Reset Resets the Count to zero when set to high.

Properties Description

Count Number of times to pulse Output.

Signals Description

Execute Set to high (1) to pulse Output Count times.

Output Output pulse.

Properties Description

StartTime Specifies the time to pass before the first pulse.

Interval Specifies the simulation time between the pulses.

Repeat Specifies if the signal should be pulsed repeatedly or only once.

Current time Specifies the current simulation time.

Signals Description

Active Set to True to activate the timer, and False to deactivate it.

Output Sends pulses at the specified time intervals.

Continued

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.4.7. Basic Smart Components

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StopWatch

The StopWatch measures time during simulation (TotalTime). A new lap can be started by

triggering the Lap input signal. LapTime shows the current lap time. The time is only

measured when Active is set to 1. The times are reset when the input signal Reset is set.

Parametric Primitives

ParametricBox

The ParametricBox generates a box with dimensions specified by length, width, and height.

ParametricCircle

The ParametricCircle generates a circle with a given radius.

Properties Description

TotalTime Specifies the accumulated time.

LapTime Specifies the current lap time.

AutoReset If true, TotalTime and LapTime will be set to 0 when the

simulation starts.

Signals Description

Active Set to True to activate the stop watch, and False to deactivate it.

Reset Resets Total time and Lap time when set to high.

Lap Starts a new lap.

Properties Description

SizeX Specifies the length of the box in the X-axis direction.

SizeY Specifies the length of the box in the Y-axis direction.

SizeZ Specifies the length of the box in the Z-axis direction

GeneratedPart Specifies the generated part.

KeepGeometry False to remove the geometry data from the generated part.

This can make other components such as Source execute

faster.

Signals Description

Update Set to high (1) to update the generated part.

Properties Description

Radius Specifies the radius of the circle.

GeneratedPart Specifies the generated part.

GeneratedWire Specifies the generated wire object.

KeepGeometry False to remove the geometry data from the generated part.

This can make other components such as Source execute faster

Signals Description

Update Set to high (1) to update the generated part.

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ParametricCylinder

The ParametricCylinder generates a cylinder with the dimensions given by Radius and

Height.

ParametricLine

The ParametricLine generates a line with a given end point or a given length. If either of them

is changed, the other one will be updated accordingly.

LinearExtrusion

The LinearExtrusion extrudes SourceFace or SourceWire along the vector given by

Projection.

Properties Description

Radius Specifies the radius of the cylinder.

Height Specifies the height of the cylinder.

GeneratedPart Specifies the generated part.

KeepGeometry False to remove the geometry data from the generated part.

This can make other components such as Source execute

faster.

Signals Description

Update Set to high (1) to update the generated part.

Properties Description

EndPoint Specifies the end point for the line.

Length Specifies the length of the line.

GeneratedPart Specifies the generated part.

GeneratedWire Specifies the generated wire object.

KeepGeometry False to remove the geometry data from the generated part.

This can make other components such as Source execute

faster.

Signals Description

Update Set to high (1) to update the generated part.

Properties Description

SourceFace Specifies the face to extrude.

SourceWire Specifies the wire to extrude.

Projection Specifies the vector to extrude along.

GeneratedPart Specifies the generated part.

KeepGeometry False to remove the geometry data from the generated part.

This can make other components such as Source execute

faster.

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CircularRepeater

The CircularRepeater creates a number of given copies of Source around the center of the

SmartComponent with a given DeltaAngle.

LinearRepeater

The LinearRepeater creates a number of copies of Source, with the spacing and direction

given by Offset.

MatrixRepeater

The MatrixRepeater creates a specified number of copies in three dimensions, with the

specified spacing of the object in Source.

Sensors

CollisionSensor

The CollisionSensor detects collisions and near miss events between the First object and the

Second object. If one of the objects is not specified, the other will be checked against the

entire station. When the Active signal is high and a collision or a near miss event occurs and

the component is active, the SensorOut signal is set and the parts that participate in the

collision or near miss event are reported in the first colliding part and second colliding partof

the Property editor.

Properties Description

Source Specifies the object to copy.

Count Specifies the number of copies to create.

Radius Specifies the radius of the circle.

DeltaAngle Specifies the angle between the copies.

Properties Description

Source Specifies the object to copy.

Offset Specifies the distance between copies.

Count Specifies the number of copies to create.

Properties Description

Source Specifies the object to copy.

CountX Specifies the number of copies in the X-axis direction.

CountY Specifies the number of copies in the Y-axis direction.

CountZ Specifies the number of copies in the Z-axis direction.

OffsetX Specifies the offset between the copies in the X-axis direction.

OffsetY Specifies the offset between the copies in the Y-axis direction.

OffsetZ Specifies the offset between the copies in the Z-axis direction.

Properties Description

Object1 The first object to check for collisions.

Object2 The second object to check for collisions.

NearMiss Specifies the near miss distance.

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LineSensor

The LineSensor defines a line by the Start, End, and Radius. When an Active signal is high,

the sensor detects objects that intersect the line. Intersecting objects are displayed in the

ClosestPart property and the point on the intersecting part that is closest to the line sensors

start point is displayed in the ClosestPoint property. When intersection occurs the SensorOut

output signal is set.

PlaneSensor

The PlaneSensor defines a plane by Origin, Axis1, and Axis2. When the Active input signal

is set the sensor detects objects that intersect this plane. Intersecting objects are displayed in

the SensedPart property and when intersection occurs the SensorOut output signal is set.

Part1 The part of First object that has a collision.

Part2 The part of Second object that has a collision.

CollisionType •None

• Near miss

• Collision

Signals Description

Active Specifies if the CollisionSensor is active or not.

SensorOut True if there is a NearMiss or Collision.

Properties Description

Start Specifies the start point.

End Specifies the end point.

Radius Specifies the radius.

SensedPart Specifies the part that intersects the line sensor.

If several parts intersect, then the one closest to theStart point is

listed.

SensedPoint Specifies the point on the intersecting part, closest to the Start

point.

Signals Description

Active Specifies if the LineSensor is active or not.

SensorOut True if the sensor intersects with an object.

Properties Description

Origin Specifies the origin of the plane.

Axis1 Specifies the first axis of the plane.

Axis2 Specifies the second axis of the plane.

SensedPart Specifies the part that intersects the PlaneSensor.

If several parts intersect, then the one listed first in the Layout

browser is selected.

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PositionSensor

The PositionSensor monitors the position and orientation of an object.

NOTE! The position and orientation of an object is updated only during the simulation.

ClosestObject

The ClosestObject defines a Reference object or a Reference point. When the Execute signal

is set, the component finds the ClosestObject, ClosestPart, and the Distance to the reference

object, or to the reference point if the reference object is undefined. If RootObject is defined,

the search is limited to that object and its descendants. When finished and the corresponding

properties are updated the Executed signal is set.

Signals Description

Active Specifies if the PlaneSensor is active or not.

SensorOut True if the sensor intersects with an object.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to monitor.

Reference Specifies the reference coordinate system (Parent or Global).

ReferenceObject Specifies the reference object, if Reference is set to Object.

Position Specifies the position of the object relative to Reference.

Orientation Specifies the orientation (Euler ZYX) relative to Reference.

Properties Description

ReferenceObject Specifies the object to get the closest object to.

ReferencePoint Specifies the point to get the closest object to.

RootObject Specifies the object whose children to search.

Empty means entire station.

ClosestObject Specifies the object closest to Reference object or Reference

point.

ClosestPart Specifies the part closest to Reference object or Reference

point.

Distance Specifies the distance between the Reference object and the

Closest object.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to find the Closest part.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

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Actions

Attacher

The Attacher will attach Child to Parent when the Execute signal is set. If the Parent is a

mechanism, the Flange to attach to must also be specified. When the input Execute is set, the

child object is attached to the parent object. If Mount is checked, the child will also be

mounted on the parent, with the Offset and Orientation specified. The output Executed will

be set when finished.

Detacher

The Detacher will detach the Child from the object it is attached to when the Execute signal

is set. If Keep position is checked, the position will be kept. Otherwise the child is positioned

relative to its parent. When finished, the Executed signal will be set.

Properties Description

Parent Specifies the object to attach to.

Flange Specifies the Index of mechanism flange to attach to.

Child Specifies the object to attach.

Mount If true, the object to attach mounts on the attachment parent.

Offset Specifies the position relative to the attachment parent when

using Mount.

Orientation Specifies the orientation relative to the attachment parent when

using Mount.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to attach.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

Properties Description

Child Specifies the object to detach.

KeepPosition If false, the attached object is returned to its original position.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to remove the attachment.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

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Source

The Source property of the source component indicates the object that should be cloned when

the Execute input signal is received. The parent of the cloned objects is specified by the Parent

property and a reference to the cloned object is specified by the Copy property. The output

signal Executed signifies that the clone is complete.

Sink

The Sink deletes the object referenced by the Object property. Deletion happens when the

Execute input signal is received. The Executed output signal is set when the deletion is

finished.

Show

When the Execute signal is set, the object referenced in Object appears. When finished,

Executed signal will be set.

Properties Description

Source Specifies the object to copy.

Copy Specifies the copied object.

Parent Specifies the parent to the copy.

If not specified, the copy gets the same parent as the source.

Position Specifies the position of the copy relative its parent.

Orientation Specifies the orientation of the copy relative its parent.

Transient Marks the copy as transient if created during simulation. Such

copies are not added to the undo queue and are automatically

deleted when the simulation is stopped. This is used to avoid

increased memory consumption during simulation.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to create a copy of the object.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to remove.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to remove the object.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to show.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to show the object.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

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Hide

When the Execute signal is set, the object referenced in Object will be hidden. When finished,

Executed signal will be set.

Manipulators

LinearMover

The LinearMover moves the object referenced in the Object property with a speed given by

the Speed property in the direction given by the Direction property. The motion starts when

the Execute input signal is set and stops when Execute is reset.

Rotator

The Rotator rotates the object referenced in the Object property with an angular speed given

by the Speed property. The axis of rotation is given by CenterPoint and Axis. The motion

starts when the Execute input signal is set and stops when the Execute is reset.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to hide.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to hide the object.

Executed Sends a pulse when completed.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to move.

Direction Specifies the direction to move the object.

Speed Specifies the speed of movement.

Reference Specifies the coordinate system in which values are specified. It

can be Global, Local, or Object.

ReferenceObject Specifies the reference object, if Reference is set to Object.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to start move the object, and False to stop.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to rotate.

CenterPoint Specifies the point to rotate around.

Axis Specifies the axis of the rotation.

Speed Specifies the speed of the rotation.

Reference Specifies the coordinate system in which values are specified. It

can be Global, Local, or Object.

ReferenceObject Specifies the object which are relative to CenterPoint and Axis,

if Reference is set to Object.

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Positioner

The Positioner takes an Object, Position, and Orientation as properties. When the Execute

signal is set the object is repositioned in the given position relative to the Reference. When

finished the Executed output is set.

PoseMover

The PoseMover has a Mechanism, a Pose, and Duration as properties. When the Execute

input signal is set the mechanism joint values are moved to the given pose. When the pose is

reached the Executed output signal is set.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to start rotating the object, and False to stop.

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to position.

Position Specifies the new position of the object.

Orientation Specifies the new orientation of the object.

Reference Specifies the coordinate system in which values are specified. It

can be Global, Local, or Object.

ReferenceObject Specifies the object which are relative to Position and Orienta-

tion, if Reference is set to Object.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True to start move the object, and False to stop.

Executed Set to 1 when operation is completed.

Properties Description

Mechanism Specifies the mechanism to move to a pose.

Pose Specifies the Index of the pose to move to.

Duration Specifies the time for the mechanism to move to the pose.

Signals Description

Execute Set to True, to start or resume moving the mechanism.

Pause Pauses the movement.

Cancel Cancels the movement.

Executed Pulses high when the mechanism has reached the pose.

Executing Goes high during the movement.

Paused Goes high when paused.

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JointMover

The JointMover has a Mechanism, a set of Joint Values and a Duration as properties. When

the Execute input signal is set the mechanism joint values are moved to the given pose. When

the pose is reached the Executed output signal is set. The GetCurrent signal retrieves the

current joint values of the mechanism.

Other

GetParent

The GetParent return the parent object of the input object. The executed signal is triggered if

a parent is found.

GraphicSwitch

Switches between two parts, either by clicking on the visible part in the graphics or by setting

and resetting the input signal.

Properties Description

Mechanism Specifies the mechanism to move to a pose.

Relative Specifies if J1-Jx are relative to the start values, rather than

absolute joint values.

Duration Specifies the time for the mechanism to move to the pose.

J1 - Jx Joint values.

Signals Description

GetCurrent Retrieve current joint values.

Execute Set to True to start moving the mechanism.

Pause Pauses the movement

Cancel Cancels the movement

Executed Pulses high when the mechanism has reached the pose.

Executing Goes high during the movement.

Paused Goes high when paused.

Properties Description

Child Specifies the object to whose parent is to be found.

Parent Specifies the parent of the child

Signals Description

Output Goes high (1) if the parent exists.

Properties Description

PartHigh Displayed when the signal is high.

PartLow Displayed when the signal is low.

Signals Description

Input Input signal.

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Highlighter

The Highlighter temporarily sets the color of the Object to the RGB-values specified in Color.

The color is blended with the original color of the objects as defined by Opacity When the

signal Active is reset, Object gets its original colors.

Logger

Prints a message in the output window.

MoveToViewPoint

Moves to the selected viewpoint in the given time, when the input signal Execute is set. The

output signal Executed is set when the operation is completed.

Output Output signal.

Signals Description

Properties Description

Object Specifies the object to highlight.

Color Specifies the RGB-values of the highlight color.

Opacity Specifies the amount to blend with the object's original color (0-

255).

Signals Description

Active True sets the hightlight. False restores the original color.

Properties Description

Format Format string.

Supports variables like {id:type}, where type can be d (double),

i (int), s (string), o (object)

Message Formatted message.

Severity Message severity: 0 (Information), 1 (Warning), 2 (Error).

Signals Description

Execute Set to high (1) to print the message.

Properties Description

Viewpoint Specifies the viewpoint to move to.

Time Specifies the time to complete the operation.

Signals Description

Execute Set to high (1) to start the operation.

Executed Goes high (1) when the operation is completed.

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ObjectComparer

Determines if ObjectA is the same as ObjectB.

Queue

The Queue represents a FIFO (first in, first out) queue. The object in Back is added to the

queue when the signal Enqueue is set. The front object of the queue is shown in Front. The

object in Front is removed from the queue when the signal Dequeue is set. If there are more

objects in the queue, the next object is shown in Front. All objects in the queue are removed

from the queue when the signal Clear is set.

If a transformer component (such as LinearMover) has a queue component as its Object, it

will transform the contents of the queue, rather than the queue itself.

SoundPlayer

Plays the sound specified by Sound Asset when the input signal Execute is set. The asset must

be a .wav file

Properties Description

ObjectA Specifies the object to compare.

ObjectB Specifies the object to compare.

Signals Description

Output Goes high if the objects are equal.

Properties Description

Back Specifies the object to enqueue.

Front Specifies the first object in queue.

Queue Contains unique IDs of the queue’s elements.

NumberOfObjects Specifies the number of objects in the queue.

Signals Description

Enqueue Adds the object in Back to the end of the queue.

Dequeue Removes the object in Front from the queue.

Clear Removes all objects from the queue.

Delete Removes the object in Front from the queue and from the

station.

DeleteAll Clears the queue and removes all objects from the station

Properties Description

SoundAsset Specifies the sound file that should be played. Must be a .wav

file.

Signals Description

Execute Set to high to play the sound.

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StopSimulation

Stop a running simulation when the input signal Execute is set.

Random

Random generates a random number between Min and Max in Value when Execute is

triggered.

Signals Description

Execute Set to high to stop the simulation.

Properties Description

Min Specifies minimum value.

Max Specifies maximum value.

Value Specifies a random number between Min and Max.

Signals Description

Execute Set to high to generate a new random number.

Executed Goes high when the operation is completed.

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9.4.8. Property Editor

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9.4.8. Property Editor

Overview

The Property editor is used to modify the values of dynamic properties and I/O signals for a

Smart Component. By default, the Property editor is displayed as a tool window to the left.

Each dynamic property is represented by a control. The type of control that is displayed

depends on the property type and property attributes.

Properties with the Hidden flag set to true are not displayed. Read-only properties cannot be

modified but are only displayed.

The values are validated according to the property attributes. If an invalid value is entered, an

error icon is displayed next to the control and the Apply button is disabled.

If you set the AutoApply attribute of a property to true, the value is applied whenever you

change the value in the control. You can apply the values of other properties by clicking the

Apply button. If the component has no properties without AutoApply, then the Apply button

will never be enabled.

You can toggle the value of a digital signal by clicking the control. Similarly, you can change

the value of an analog or group signal by entering the new value in the text box.

Opening the Property editor

You can open the Property editor dialog box in any one of the following ways:

• Right-click context menu for a Smart Component and select Properties.

• Launches automatically when the Smart Component Editor is started.

• Launched when you add a base component. See Basic Smart Components on page

248.

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9.4.9. The Simulation Watch window

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9.4.9. The Simulation Watch window

Overview

The Simulation Watch allows you to monitor the values of dynamic properties and I/O signals

in Smart Components. It specifies the simulation that should be paused when a value changes

or meets a condition.

Layout of the Simulation Watch window

The Simulation Watch window by default takes the lower tab area in the RobotStudio GUI.

The window contains a list view of four columns with one row for each watch item:

Adding and Deleting the Watch items

Use this procedure to add or delete a watch item.

NOTE!

As a prerequisite, you should add smart component, its properties and signals. For more

information, see Smart Component Editor on page 237.

1. In the Simulation Watch window, right-click and select Add to display the Add

submenu.

The Add submenu displays a recursive view of all the smart components, their properties

and signals. The top level submenu displays the station signals.

NOTE!

Watch items that are already watched are not displayed in the recursive view.

2. From the Add submenu, select property or signal to add a single property or signal of a

component.

Watch item Description

Break Specifies the Simulation break point and Break Condition.

For more information, see Setting Breakpoints on page 267.

Object Specifies the object that owns the property or signal (for station

signals the name of the station is displayed).

Property/Signal Specifies the watched property or signal.

Value Specifies the current value of the property or signal.

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3. From the Add submenu, select Add all to add all the properties and signals of a

component.

4. In the Simulation Watch window, right-click on the row of the watch item and select

Delete to delete one or more watch items.

NOTE!

The Watch items are saved in the station and are restored when the station is opened.

Setting Breakpoints

You can set the breakpoint in one of the following ways:

1. To set the simulation breakpoint, select the check box next to a watch item.

NOTE!

By default, the simulation is paused whenever the value of the property or signal changes.

2. In the Simulation Watch window, right-click on the row of the watch item and select

Break Condition.

The Break Condition dialog box appears.

• Set the simulation to paused, when the value meets a certain logical condition. The

condition can be viewed in the Break column of the Watch window.

• When a breakpoint is reached, the simulation is paused which is indicated by both the

Play and Stop buttons being enabled.

• If the Simulation Watch window is hidden behind the other windows, it is brought to

the front and the text of the corresponding watch item turns red.

NOTE!

• Break condition can be specified only for the properties of numeric and string types,

and not for the object types.

• After the current simulation time step is completed, all the remaining Smart

component events are executed before the simulation is actually paused.

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9.5. Solid

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9.5. Solid

Creating a solid

1. Click Solid and then click the type of solid you want to create to bring up a dialog box.

2. Enter requested values in in the dialog box and click Create. For detailed information

about the specific dialog box for the curve to create, see below:

The Create Box dialog box

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The Create Box from 3-Points dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Corner Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the corner point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Corner Point

boxes, or type the position. The corner point will be the local

origin of the box.

Orientation If the object shall be rotated relative to the reference coordinate

system, specify the rotation.

Length (B) Specify the box dimension along its X axis.

Width (C) Specify the box dimension along its Y axis.

Height (D) Specify the box dimension along its Z axis.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Corner Point (A) This point will be the local origin of the box.

Either type the position, or click in one of the boxes and then

select the point in the graphics window.

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The Create Cone dialog box

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Point on diagonal of XY-

plane (B)

This point is the the corner, diagonal to the local origin. It sets

the X and Y directions of the local coordinate system, as well as

the dimension of the box along these axes.

Either type the position, or click in one of the boxes and then

select the point in the graphics window.

Indication Point Z-axis

(C)

This point is the corner above the local origin, It sets the Z

direction of the local coordinate system, as well as the

dimension of the box along the Z axis.

Either type the position, or click in one of the boxes and then

select the point in the graphics window.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Base Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Base Center

Point boxes, or type the position. The center point will be the

local origin of the cone.

Orientation If the object shall be rotated relative to the reference coordinate

system, specify the rotation.

Radius (B) Specify the radius of the cone.

Diameter Specify the diameter of the cone.

Height (C) Specify the height of the cone.

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The Create Cylinder dialog box

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The Create Pyramid dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Base Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Base Center

Point boxes, or type the position. The center point will be the

local origin of the cylinder.

Orientation If the object shall be rotated relative to the reference coordinate

system, specify the rotation.

Radius (B) Specify the radius of the cylinder.

Diameter Specify the diameter of the cylinder.

Height (C) Specify the height of the cylinder.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Base Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Base Center

Point boxes, or type the position. The center point will be the

local origin of the pyramid.

Orientation If the object shall be rotated relative to the reference coordinate

system, specify the rotation.

Center to Corner Point

(B)

Either type the position, or click in the box and then select the

point in the graphics window.

Height (C) Specify the height of the pyramid.

Number of Sides Specify the number of sides of the pyramid. The maximum

number of sides is 50.

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The Create Sphere dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Center Point

boxes, or type the position. The center point will be the local

origin of the sphere.

Radius (B) Specify the radius of the sphere.

Diameter Specify the diameter of the sphere.

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9.6. Surface

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9.6. Surface

Creating a surface

1. Click Surface and then click the type of solid you want to create to bring up a dialog box.

2. Enter requested values in in the dialog box and click Create. For detailed information

about the specific dialog box for the curve to create, see below:

The Create Surface Circle dialog box

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The Create Rectangle dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system, to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Center Point

boxes, or type the position. The center point will be the local

origin of the circle.

Orientation If the object shall be rotated relative to the reference coordinate

system, specify the rotation.

Radius (B) Specify the radius of the circle.

Diameter Specify the diameter of the circle.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Start Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Start Point boxes,

or type the position. The start point will be the local origin of the

rectangle.

Orientation If the object shall be rotated relative the reference coordinate

system, specify the rotation.

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The Create Surface Polygon dialog box

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The Create Surface from Curve dialog box

Length (B) Specify the length of the rectangle.

Width (C) Specify the width of the rectangle

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center Point Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Center Point

boxes, or type the position. The center point will be the local

origin of the polygon.

First Vertex Point Either type the position, or click in one of the boxes and then

select the point in the graphics window.

Vertices Specify the number of the vertices here. The maximum number

of vertices is 50.

Select Curve from

graphics

Select a curve by clicking it in the graphics window.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.7. Curve

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9.7. Curve

Creating a curve

1. Click Curve and then click the curve you want to create to bring up a dialog box.

2. Enter requested values in in the dialog box and click Create. For detailed information

about the specific dialog box for the curve to create, see below:

The Create Line dialog box

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The Create Circle dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Start point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the start point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Start Point boxes.

End Point (B) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the end point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the End Point boxes.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Center Point

boxes.

Orientation Specify the orientation coordinates for the circle.

Radius (A-B) Specify the radius of the circle.

Diameter Alternatively, specify the diameter.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.7. Curve

2753HAC032104-001 Revision: D

The Create Three Points Circle dialog box

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The Create Arc dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

First Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the first point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the First Point boxes.

Second Point (B) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the second point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Second Point

boxes.

Third Point (C) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the third point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Third Point

boxes.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Start Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the start point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Start Point boxes.

Mid Point (B) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the second point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Mid Point

boxes.

End Point (C) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the end point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the End Point boxes.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.7. Curve

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The Create Elliptical Arc dialog box

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The Create Ellipse dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Center Point

boxes.

Major Axis End Point (B) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the end point for the

major axis of the ellipse in the graphics window to transfer the

values to the Major Axis End Point boxes.

Minor Axis End Point (C) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the end point for the

minor axis of the ellipse in the graphics window to transfer the

values to the Minor Axis End Point boxes.

Start Angle (α) Specify the start angle for the arc, measured from the major

axis.

End Angle (β) Specify the end angle for the arc, measured from the major axis.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center Point (A) Click in one of the Center Point boxes, and then click the center

point in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Center

Point boxes.

Major Axis End Point (B) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the end point for the

major axis of the ellipse in the graphics window to transfer the

values to the Major Axis End Point boxes.

Minor Radius (C) Specify the length of the minor axis of the ellipse. The minor

radius will be created perpendicular to the major axis.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.7. Curve

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The Create Rectangle dialog box

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The Create Polygon dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Start Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the start point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Start Point boxes.

The rectangle will be created in the positive coordinate

directions.

Orientation Specify the orientation coordinates for the rectangle.

Length (B) Specify the length of the rectangle along the x axis.

Width (C) Specify the width of the rectangle along the y axis.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Center Point (A) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the center point in the

graphics window to transfer the values to the Center Point

boxes.

First Vertex Point (B) Click in one of these boxes, and then click the first vertex point

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the First Vertex

Point boxes. The distance between the center point and the first

vertex point will be used for all vertex points.

Vertices Specify the number of points to be used when creating the

polygon. The maximum number of vertices is 50.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.7. Curve

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The Create Polyline dialog box

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The Create Spline dialog box

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Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Point Coordinates Specify each node of the polyline here, one at a time, by either

typing the values, or by clicking in one of these boxes, and then

selecting the point in the graphics window to transfer its coordi-

nates.

Add Click this button to add a point and its coordinates to the list.

Modify Click this button to modify an already defined point, after you

have selected it in the list and entered new values.

List The nodes of the polyline. To add more nodes, click Add New,

click the desired point in the graphics window, and then click

Add.

Reference Select the Reference coordinate system to which all positions

or points will be related.

Point Coordinates Specify each node of the spline here, one at a time, by either

typing the values, or by clicking in one of these boxes, and then

selecting the point in the graphics window to transfer its coordi-

nates.

Ad Click this button to add a point and its coordinates to the list.

Modify Click this button to modify an already defined point, after you

have selected it in the list and entered new values.

List This nodes of the spline. To add more nodes, click Add New,

click the desired point in the graphics window, and then click

Add.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.8. Border

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9.8. Border

Creating a curve

1. Click Border and then click the border you want to create to bring up a dialog box.

2. Enter requested values in in the dialog box and click Create. For detailed information

about the specific dialog box for the border to create, see below:

The Create Border Between Bodies dialog box

To use the create border between bodies command, the station must contain at least two

objects.

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The Create Border Around Surface dialog box

To use the create border around surface command, the station must contain at least one object

with a graphical representation.

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First Body Click in this box and then select the first body in the graphics

window.

Second Body Click in this box and then select the second body in the graphics

window.

Select Surface Click in this box and then select a surface in the graphics

window.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.8. Border

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The Create Border From Points dialog box

To use the create border from points command, the station must contain at least one object.

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Selected Object Click in this box and then select an object in the graphics

window.

Point Coordinates Specify the points that define the border here, one at a time, by

either typing the values, or by clicking in one of these boxes, and

then selecting the point in the graphics window to transfer its

coordinates.

Add Click this button to add a point and its coordinates to the list.

Modify Click this button to modify an already defined point, after you

have selected it in the list and entered new values.

List The points that define the borders. To add more points, click

Add New, click the desired point in the graphics window, and

then click Add.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.9. Intersect

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9.9. Intersect

The Intersect dialog box

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Keep Original Select this check box to keep the original bodies when creating

the new body.

Intersect... (A) Select the body from which you want to make an intersection (A)

by clicking it in the graphics window.

...and (B) Select the body with which you want to make an intersection (B)

by clicking it in the graphics window.

A new body will be created based on the common area between

the selected bodies A and B.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.10. Subtract

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9.10. Subtract

The Subtract dialog box

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Keep Original Select this check box to keep the original bodies when creating

the new body.

Subtract... (A) Select the body from which you want to subtract (A) by clicking

it in the graphics window.

...with (B) Select the body you want to subtract (B) by clicking it in the

graphics window.

A new body will be created based on the area of body A

subtracted with the common volume between body A and B.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.11. Union

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9.11. Union

The Union dialog box

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Keep Original Select this check box to keep the original bodies when creating

the new body.

Union... (A) Select the body that you want to unify (A) by clicking it in the

graphics window.

...and (B) Select the body that you want to unify (B) by clicking it in the

graphics window.

A new body will be created based on the areas of the two

selected bodies A and B.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.12. Extrude Surface or Curve

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9.12. Extrude Surface or Curve

Extruding a surface or curve

1. From the selection level toolbar, select Surface or Curve, as appropriate.

2. In the graphics window, select the surface or curve you wish to extrude. Click Extrude

Surface or Extrude Curve, as appropriate. The Extrude Surface or Curve dialog box

opens below the Modeling browser.

3. For extrusion along a vector, fill in the values.

For extrusion along a curve, select the Extrude Along Curve option. Click the Curve

box, and select the curve in the Graphics window.

4. If you wish the form to appear as a surface model, clear the Make Solid check box.

5. Click Create.

The Extrude Surface or Curve dialog box

Surface or Curve Denotes the surface or curve to be extruded.

To select the surface or curve, first click in the box, then select

the surface or curve in the graphics window.

Extrude Along Vector Enables extrusion along a specified vector.

From Point (mm) The start point of the vector.

To Point (mm) The end point of the vector.

Extrude Along Curve Enables extrusion along a specified curve.

Curve Denotes the curve used as a sweep path.

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To select the curve, first click the box, then the curve in the

graphics window.

Make Solid Select this check box to convert the extruded form into a solid.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.13. Line from Normal

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9.13. Line from Normal

Creating a line from normal

1. Click Surface Selection.

2. Click Line to Normal to bring up a dialog box.

3. Click on a face to select it in the Select Face box.

4. In the Length box, specify a length for the line.

5. Optionally, select the Invert Normal check box to invert the direction of the line.

6. Click Create.

9 The Modeling Tab

9.14. The Measure Group

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9.14. The Measure Group

TIP!

Make sure to select the appropriate snap mode and selection levels before making your

measurements.

Measuring distances or angles

1. Click the type of measurement you want to use:

The mouse pointer will turn into a ruler when you have activated any of the measurement

functions.

2. In the graphics window, select the points or objects to measure between. Information

about the measuring points is displayed in the Output window.

The results will be displayed in the Measurements tab in the Output window when all

points have been selected.

3. Optionally, repeat step 3 for making a new measurement of the same type.

TIP!

You can also activate and deactivate the measurement functions from the measurement

toolbar.

To measure the Select

distance between two points you select in the graphics window. Point to point

angle defined by three points you select in the graphics window.

The first point to select is the converging point, thereafter you

shall select one point on each line.

Angle

diameter, with the circle defined by three points you select from

the graphics window.

Diameter

closest distance between two objects you select in the graphics

window.

Minimum distance

9 The Modeling Tab

9.15. Create Mechanism

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9.15. Create Mechanism

Create a new mechanism

1. Click Create Mechanism.

The Mechanism Modeler opens in create mode.

2. In the Mechanism Model Name box, enter a mechanism name.

3. From the Mechanism Type list, select a mechanism type.

4. In the tree structure, right-click Links, and then click Add Link to bring up the Create

Link dialog box.

A suggested name appears in the Link Name box.

5. In the Selected Part list, select a part (which will be highlighted in the graphics window)

and click the arrow button to add the part to the Parts list box.

The Selected Part list then automatically selects the next part, if any more are available.

Add these, as required.

6. Select a part in the Parts list box, enter any values in the Selected Parts group boxes, and

then click Apply to Part.

Repeat for each part, as required.

7. Click OK.

8. In the tree structure, right-click Joints, and then click Add Joint to bring up the Create

Joint dialog box.

A suggested name appears in the Joint Name box.

9. Complete the Create Joint dialog box, and then click OK.

10.In the tree structure, right-click Frame/Tool Data, and then click Add Frame/Tool to

bring up the Create Frame/Tool dialog box.

A suggested name appears in the Frame/Tool Data name box.

11. Complete the Create Frame/Tool dialog box, and then click OK.

The validity criteria for the Frame/Tool node are as follows:

12.In the tree structure, right-click Calibration, and then click Add Calibration to bring up

the Create Calibration dialog box.

13.

Complete the Create Calibration dialog box, and then click OK.

14.In the tree structure, right-click Dependency, and then click Add Dependency to bring

up the Create Dependency dialog box.

15.Complete the Create Dependency dialog box, and then click OK.

16.If all nodes are valid, compile the mechanism, see Compiling a mechanism on page 288.

Create Conveyor mechanism

1. Click Create Mechanism.

The Mechanism Modeler opens in create mode.

2. In the Mechanism Model Name dialog box, enter a mechanism name.

3. From the Mechanism Type list, select Conveyor.

4. From the Selected Part list, select Part.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.15. Create Mechanism

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D288

5. In the Position of Calibration frame list, enter the base frame values relative to the local

origin of the selected graphic component.

6. In the Conveyor length box, enter the length of the conveyor.

The Compile Mechanism button is enabled.

7. In the Attachment Points box, set the Pitch and Count value.

8. Click Add to create new attachment points.

9. Click Compile Mechanism, to compile the mechanism. See Compiling a mechanism on

page 288.

10. In the Layout browser, right-click the conveyor mechanism and select Save As Library.

Close the station.

11. Build a new system. See Building a new system on page 148.

NOTE! On the Modify Options page of the System Builder, scroll down to the Motion

coordination part 3 group and select 606-1 Conveyor Tracking check box.

12. Create new station using this new system. See Robot System on page 192.

NOTE! After starting the system, when asked to select the library for the conveyor

mechanism browse and select the already saved library.

Compiling a mechanism

When compiling, a new mechanism, created in the create mode of the Mechanism Modeler,

is added to the station with the default name "Mechanism_" followed by an index number.

When compiling, an existing editable mechanism, modified in the modify mode of the

Mechanism Modeler, is saved without any poses, joint mapping ot transition times.

To compile a mechanism, follow these steps:

1. To compile a new or edited mechanism, click Compile Mechanism.

The mechanism is inserted into the active station. The link parts are cloned with new

names, but the corresponding links will update their part references. When the

Mechanism modeler is closed, these cloned parts will be removed.

2. The Mechanism Modeler now switches to modify mode. To complete the mechanism, see

below.

Completing or modifying a mechanism

To complete the modeling of a mechanism, follow these steps:

1. If the values in the Joint Mapping group are correct, click Set.

2. Configure the Poses grid. To add a pose, click Add and then complete the Create Pose

dialog box. Click Apply, followed by OK.

To add a pose, click Add and then complete the Create Pose dialog box. Click Apply,

followed by OK.

To edit a pose, select it in the grid, click Edit, and then complete the Modify Pose dialog

box. Click OK.

To remove a pose, select it in the grid and then click Remove.

3. Click Edit Transition Times to edit transition times.

4. Click Close.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.15. Create Mechanism

2893HAC032104-001 Revision: D

The Create Mechanism dialog box

The Create Conveyor Mechanism dialog box

The Create/Modify Link dialog box

A link is a moving component of a mechanism. Selecting a link node will highlight it in the

graphics window.

Mechanism Model Name Specifies the model name of the mechanism.

Mechanism Type Specifies the mechanism type.

Tree structure The components of the mechanism in a tree structure. The tree

structure will not be visible unless the mechanism is editable.

Each node (link, joint, frame, calibration and dependency) can

be edited in its own dialog box, see below.

Compile Mechanism Click this button to compile the mechanism. This button will not

be visible unless the mechanism is editable and the mechanism

model name is valid.

Mechanism Model Name Specifies the model name of the conveyor mechanism.

Mechanism Type Specifies the diffrent mechanism types.

Selected Part Specifies the part to be selected for the conveyor.

Position of Calibration

frame

Specifies the baseframe value relative to the local origin of the

selected graphic component.

Conveyor Length Specifies the length of the conveyor.

Attachment Points Specifies the conveyor position to attach the workpieces.

Compile Mechanism Click this button to compile the mechanism. This button will not

be visible unless the mechanism is editable and the mechanism

model name is valid.

Link Name Specifies the name of the link.

Selected Part Specifies the parts to add to the Part list box.

Set as BaseLink The BaseLink is where the kinematical chain begins. This must

be the parent of the first joint. A mechanism may have only one

BaseLink.

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Adds a selected part to the Part list box.

Remove Part Click this button to remove a selected part from the Part list box.

Selected Part This group manipulates the transform of the selected part.

Part Position Specify the position of the part.

Part Orientation Specify the orientation of the part.

Apply to Part Click this button to apply the settings to the part.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.15. Create Mechanism

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D290

The Create/Modify Joint dialog box

A joint is the axis where two links move in relation to each other, rotationally or prismatically.

Selecting a joint node will display a yellow-green line in the graphics window.

Joint Name Specifies the name of the joint.

Joint Type. Specifies the joint type. The default option is Rotational.

Changing the Joint Type clears the Joint Limits below.

Parent Link Specifies the parent link, usually the first joint of the mechanism.

Child Link Specifies the child link. To be valid, the parent and child links

may not be identical to each other, and the pair must be unique.

Active Select this check box to make the joint active. An active joint is

one that a user can move, while an inactive joint is a slave to an

active joint.

Joint Axis This group specifies the axis around or along which the child

moves.

First Position Specify the start point of the axis vector.

Second Position Specify the end point of the axis vector.

Jog Axis Demonstrates how the child link moves along its axis.

Limit Type Specifies the limits in each direction to which a joint may move.

The options are Constant, Variable and No.

Joint Limits This group is visible in Constant or Variable mode.

Min Limit Specifies the minimum joint limit.

Max Limit Specifies the maximum joint limit.

Joint Limits This group is visible in Constant or Variable mode.

Variable Limits In Variable mode, variable limit points may be added as an

advanced way of delimiting the area of movement.

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Adds a selected point to the Point list box.

Remove Click this button to remove a selected point from the Point list

box.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.15. Create Mechanism

2913HAC032104-001 Revision: D

The Modify Frame/Tool Data dialog box

A frame/tool data node determines the link and location of a frame.

The Create Calibration dialog box

A calibration contains transforms for calibrating the joints. Two calibrations cannot share the

same joint.

The Create Dependency dialog box

A dependency is a relationship between two joints, by either a factor or a complex formula.

The Modify Mechanism dialog box

The Modify Mechanism dialog box contains the objects found in the Create mechanism

dialog box, as well as the following:

Frame/Tool Data name Specifies the name of the frame or tool data.

Belongs to Link Specifies the link to which the frame or tool belongs.

Position Specify the position of the transform.

Orientation Specify the orientation of the transform.

Select values from target/

Frame

Select this box to select the values from a target or frame, which

is selected in the box beneath the check box.

Tool Data This group is visible if the mechanism is a tool.

Mass Specifies the mass of the tool.

Center of Gravity Specify the center of gravity of the tool.

Moment of Inertia lx, ly, lz Specify the moment of inertia of the tool.

Calibration belongs to

Joint

Specifies the joint to be calibrated.

Position Specify the position of the transform.

Orientation Specify the orientation of the transform.

Joint Specifies the joint whose motion will be controlled by other

joints.

Use LeadJoint and factor Select this option to specify a lead joint and factor.

LeadJoint Specifies the lead joint.

Factor This list holds a double which denotes the extent to which the

lead joint will control the main joint.

Use Formula Select this option to enter a formula in the box.

Joint Mapping These boxes handle the joint mapping of the mechanism. When

editing, the mechanism must be disconnected from its library.

The values must be integers from 1 – 6 in ascending order.

Set Click this button to set the joint mapping.

Poses Displays the poses and their joint values.

Selecting a pose will move the mechanism to it in the graphics

window.

Add Click this button to bring up the Create Pose dialog box for

adding a pose.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.15. Create Mechanism

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The Create/Modify Pose dialog box

The Set Transition Times dialog box

The Set Transition Times dialog box is designed like a distance table in a road atlas. The

default values are zero.

Edit Click this button to bring up the Modify Pose dialog box for

editing a selected pose.

A SyncPose cannot be edited unless the mechanism is discon-

nected from its library.

Remove Click this button to remove the selected pose.

A single SyncPose cannot be removed.

Set Transition Times Click this button to edit the transition times.

Pose Name Specifies the name of the pose. If the pose is a SyncPose, this

box is not editable.

The names "HomePosition" and "SyncPosition" are disallowed.

Home Pose Select this box to specify the home pose of the mechanism. If

selected, the non-editable pose name will be "HomePose".

Launch Joint Jog Tool Click this button to bring up the joint jog tool.

Use Current Click this button to set the current joint values in the Joint

Values group.

Reset Values Click this button to reset the joint values in the Joint Values

group to what they were when the dialog box was opened.

Joint Values Specify the joint values of the pose.

From Pose Specifies the start of the transition for the named pose.

To Pose Specifies the end of the transition for the named pose.

Continued

9 The Modeling Tab

9.16. Create Tool

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9.16. Create Tool

Creating a tool

You can create a robot hold tool by using the Create Tool Wizard. The wizard allows you to

easily create a tool from an existing part or by using a dummy part to represent a tool. To

create a tool complete with tooldata, follow these steps:

1. Click Create Tool.

2. In the Tool Name box, enter a tool name and choose one of the following options:

3. Continue entering the Mass of the tool, the Center of Gravity and the Moment of Inertia

Ix, Iy, Iz, if these values are known. If you do not know the correct values, the tool can

still be used for programming motions, but this data must be corrected before running the

program on real robots or measuting cycle times.

Tip! If the tool is built from materials with a similar density, you can find the center of

gravity by clicking the tool model using the Center of gravity snap mode.

4. Click Next to go the next page of the wizard.

5. In the TCP Name box, enter a name for the Tool Center Point (TCP). The default name

is the same as the name of the tool. If creating several TCPs for one tool, each TCP must

have a unique name.

6. Enter the position of the TCP relative to the world coordinate system, which represents

the tool mounting point, by any of the methods below:

7. Click the arrow right button to transfer the values to the TCP(s): box.

If the tool shall have several TCPs, repeat steps 5 to 7 for each TCP.

8. Click Done. The tool will be created and appear in the Objects browser and in the

graphics window.

Option Action

Use Existing Select one of the existing parts from the list. The selected part

will represent the tool graphics.

The selected part must be a single part. Parts with attache-

ments cannot be selected.

Use Dummy A cone will be created to represent the tool.

Method Description

Read values from existing

target or frame

Click in the Values from Target/Frame box, then select the

frame either in the graphics window or the Paths&Targets

browser.

Enter position and

orientation manually.

In the Position and Orientation boxes, type the values.

NOTE: If Use Dummy Part is selected, the position value can

not be 0,0,0. At least one coordinate has to be > 0 in order for a

cone to be created.

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9 The Modeling Tab

9.16. Create Tool

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Creating tooldata for an existing geometry

To create tooldata for an existing geometry, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the robot in which to create the tooldata is selected.

2. Click Create Tool and select Use Existing and the imported tool from the list.

3. Enter the requested data in the boxes in the Create Tool Wizard.

4. Attach the tool by dragging it to the robot.

What to do next

To make the tool ready to use, do one of the following:

• To make the robot hold the tool, attach the tool to the robot.

• In the graphics window, check the position and orientation of the TCP. If it is incorrect,

modify the values in the tool frame part of the tooldata.

• To simplify future usage of the created tool, save it as a library. On the File menu, click

Save As Library. Browse to the folder where you want to store the tool component,

enter a name for the tool component and click Save.

Continued

10 The Simulation Tab

10.1. Overview

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10 The Simulation Tab

10.1. Overview

The Simulation tab

The Simulation tab contains the controls for setting up, configuring, controlling, monitoring

and recording simulations.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.2. Create Collision Set

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10.2. Create Collision Set

Overview

A collision set contains two groups, Objects A and Objects B, in which you place the objects

to detect any collisions between them. When any object in Objects A collides with any object

in Objects B, the collision is displayed in the graphical view and logged in the output window.

You can have several collision sets in the station, but each collision set can only contain two

groups.

Creating a collision set

1. Click Create Collision Set to create a collision set in the Layout browser.

2. Expand the collision set and then drag one of the objects to the ObjectsA node to check

for collisions.

If you have several objects you want to check for collisions with objects in the ObjectsB

node, for example, the tool and the robot, drag all of them to the ObjectsA node.

3. Drag the objects to the ObjectsB node to check for collisions.

If you have several objects you want to check for collisions with objects in the ObjectsA

node, for example, the work piece and the fixture, drag all of them to he ObjectsB node.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.3. Simulation Setup

2973HAC032104-001 Revision: D

10.3. Simulation Setup

Prerequisites

To set up a simulation, the following conditions must be met:

• At least one path must have been created in the station.

• The paths to be simulated must have been synchronized to the virtual controller.

Setting up a simulation

1. Click Simulation Setup to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Select Active Tasks box, select the tasks to be active in the simulation.

3. If a single controller has been selected, select either the Continuous or Single Cycle

option.

4. From the Available Procedures list, transfer the procedures to be active in the simulation

to the Main Sequence lists by selecting them and clicking the left arrow button between

the lists. (This creates a procedure call in the main procedure).

5. To start the simulation from another procedure than the actual Main procedure (that is, to

set a temporary Main procedure instead of overwriting the current one), click Select entry

point and then specify the procedure to use as Main.

6. Click Apply to set the simulation. If you click OK, the simulation will be set and the

dialog box will be closed.

NOTE!

If the simulation uses events or involves several different controllers, the virtual time mode

Time Slice shall be used to make sure that the timing between the controllers is simulated

correctly. For more information about virtual time modes, see Simulation Overview on page

125.

The Setup Simulation dialog box

Select Active Tasks Select the tasks to be active in the simulation.

The Run Mode options Select the run mode when a single controller is selected. The

options are Continuous and Single Cycle.

Main Sequence Displays the procedures that will be run when you play the

simulation.

<- Click the arrow left button to transfer the selected procedure to

the Main Sequence box.

X Click this button to remove the selected procedures or

sequences from the Main sequence box.

arrow up Click the arrow up button to move the sequence up in the list in

the Main Sequence box or in the Available Procedures box.

arrow down Click the arrow down button to move the sequence down in the

list in the Main Sequence box or in the Available Procedures

box.

Available Procedures Displays all procedures available in the controller.

Select entry point Click this button to set up several simulations at the same time.

In the dialog box, enter a new name for the main procedure, and

select the procedures to be included in the new simulation. Click

OK.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.4. Event Manager

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D298

10.4. Event Manager

Creating an event

1. Click Event Manager.

2. Click Add to open the New Event Wizard.

3. Complete the New Event wizard to create the event.

Event manager main parts

xx0600003098

Part Description

1 The Task pane.

Here you create new events, or copy or delete existing events selected in the

Event grid.

2 The Event grid.

Displays all events in the station. Here you select events to edit, copy or

delete.

3 The Trigger editor.

Here you edit the properties of the events trigger. The upper part of the trigger

editor is the same for all triggers, and the lower part adapts to the selected

trigger type.

4 The Action editor.

Here you edit the properties of the events action. The upper part of the action

editor is the same for all actions, and the lower part adapts to the selected

action type.

Continues on next page

10 The Simulation Tab

10.4. Event Manager

2993HAC032104-001 Revision: D

The task pane parts

The event grid columns

In the event grid, each row is a an event and the columns in the grid display their properties.:

Part Description

Add Starts the Create New Event Wizard.

Delete Deletes the event selected in the Event grid.

Copy Copies the event selected in the Event grid.

Refresh Refreshes the Event manager.

Column Description

Activation Displays whether the event is active or not.

On = The action is always carried out when the trigger event

occurs.

Off = The action is not carried out when the trigger event occurs.

Simulation = The action is only carried out if the trigger event

occurs when running a simulation.

Trigger Type Displays the type of condition that triggers the action.

I/O signals changed = Changes a digital I/O signal.

I/O Connection = Simulates the behavior of a Programmable

Logic Controller (PLC).

Collision = Starts or ends a collision or near-miss between

objects in a collision set.

Simulation time = Sets the activation time.

Note: The Simulation time button is enabled once the activation

is set to Simulation.

The trigger type cannot be changed in the trigger editor. If you

want another trigger type than the current one, create a

completely new event.

Trigger System When the trigger type is I/O Signal Trigger, this column displays

to which system the signal used as trigger belongs.

A dash (-) signifies a virtual signal.

Trigger Name The name of the signal or collision set used as trigger.

Trigger Parameter Displays the condition of the event under which triggering

occurs.

0 = The I/O signal used as trigger switches to false.

1 = The I/O signal used as trigger switches to true.

Started = A collision starts within the collision set used as

trigger.

Ended = A collision ends within the collision set used as trigger.

Near miss started = A near-miss starts within the collision set

used as trigger.

Near miss ended = A near-miss ends within the collision set

used as trigger.

Continued

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10 The Simulation Tab

10.4. Event Manager

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D300

Action Type Displays the action type that occurs in conjunction with the

trigger

I/O Signal Action = Changes the value of a digital input or

output signal.

Attach Object = Attaches an object to another.

Detach Object = Detaches an object from another.

Turn On/Off Simulation Monitor = Toggles the simulation

monitor of a specific mechanism.

Turn On/Off Timer = Toggles the process timer.

Move Mechanism to Pose = Moves the selected mechanism

to a predefined pose and thereafter sends a station signal.

Activates or deactivates the process timer.

Move Graphical Object = Moves a graphical object to a new

position and orientation.

Show/Hide Graphical Object = Shows or hides the graphical

object.

Do Nothing = No action occurs.

Multiple = The event triggers multiple actions, either all at once

or one at a time, each time the trigger is activated. Each action

can be viewed in the action editor.

Action System When the action type is Change I/O, this column displays the

system to which the signal to change belongs.

A dash (-) signifies a virtual signal.

Action Name Displays the name of the signal to change, when the action type

is Change I/O.

Action Parameter Displays the condition after the action has occurred.

0 = The I/O signal will be set to false.

1 = The I/O signal will be set to true.

On = Turns the process timer on.

Off = Turns the process timer off.

Object1 -> Object2 = Displays the object to which another will

be attached when the action type is Attach object.

Object1 <- Object2 = Displays the object from which another

will be detached when the action type is Detach object.

Ended = A collision ends within the collision set used as trigger.

Near miss started = A near-miss starts within the collision set

used as trigger.

Near miss ended = A near-miss ends within the collision set

used as trigger.

Multiple = Signifies multiple actions.

Time Displays the time when the event trigger was executed.

Column Description

Continued

Continues on next page

10 The Simulation Tab

10.4. Event Manager

3013HAC032104-001 Revision: D

The trigger editor parts

In the trigger editor you set the properties of the trigger. The upper part of the editor is

common for all types of triggers, and the lower part adapts to the trigger type at hand.

Parts common to triggers

Parts specific to I/O signal triggers

Parts specific to I/O connection triggers

Parts specific to Collision triggers

Part Description

Activation Sets whether the event is active or not.

On = The action is always carried out when the trigger event

occurs.

Off = The action is not carried out when the trigger event occurs.

Simulation = The action is only carried out if the trigger event

occurs when running a simulation.

Comment Text box for comments and notes about the event.

Part Description

Active Controller Select the system to which the I/O to use as a trigger belongs.

Signals Displays all signals that can be used as triggers.

Trigger Condition For digital signals, sets whether the event shall trigger when the

signals are set as true or false.

For analog signals, which are only available for station signals,

the event shall trigger under any of the following conditions:

Greater than, Greater/Equal, Less than, Less/Equal, Equal

to, Not equal to.

Part Description

Add Opens a dialog box for adding an activator signal to the

Activator Signals pane.

Remove Removes a selected activator signal.

Add > Opens a dialog box for adding an operator symbol to the

Connections pane.

Remove Removes a selected operator symbol.

Delay (s) Specifies the delay in seconds.

Part Description

Collision Type Set the kind of collision to use as trigger.

Started = Triggers when a collision starts.

Ended = Triggers when a collision ends.

Near miss started =Triggers when a near-miss starts.

Near miss ended = Triggers when a near-miss ends.

Collision set Select the collision set to use as trigger.

Continued

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10 The Simulation Tab

10.4. Event Manager

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D302

The action editor parts

In the action editor you set the properties of the actions for the event. The upper part of the

editor is common to all types of actions, and the lower part adjusts to the selected action.

Parts common to all actions

Parts specific to I/O Actions

Parts specific to Attach actions

Part Description

Add Action Adds a new action that occurs when the triggering condition

fulfills. You can add several different actions that either are

performed at once or one at a time each time the event triggers.

The following types of actions are available:

Change I/O = Changes the value of a digital input or output

signal.

Attach object = Attaches an object to another.

Detach object = Detaches and object from another.

Turn On/Off Timer = Activates or deactivates the process timer.

Do Nothing = No action occurs (might be useful for manipulat-

ing sequences of actions).

Remove Action Removes the action selected in the Added Actions list.

Cyclic When selected, the actions are performed one at a time each

time the trigger occurs. When all actions in the list have been

performed, the event will restart with the first action in the list.

When cleared, all actions are performed at once every time the

trigger occurs.

Added Actions Lists all actions of the event, in the order they will be executed.

Arrow Rearranges the order in which the actions are executed.

Part Description

Active Controller Displays all systems of the station. Select the system to which

the I/O to change belongs.

Signals Displays all signals that can be set.

Action Sets whether the event shall set the signals to true or false.

If the action is connected to an I/O Connection, this group will

not be available.

Part Description

Attach object Select an object in the station to attach.

Attach to Select the object in the station to attach to.

Update position / Keep

position

Update position = Moves the local origin of the attached object

to the attachment point of the other object when making the

attachment. For mechanisms, the attachment point is the TCP

or the flange; for other objects, it is the local origin.

Keep position = Keeps the current position of the object to

attach when making the attachment.

Flange index If the mechanism you attach the object to has several flanges

(attachments points), select the one to use.

Offset Position Optionally, specify an offset between the objects when making

the attachment

Continued

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10 The Simulation Tab

10.4. Event Manager

3033HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Parts specific to Detach actions

Parts specific to Turn On/Off Simulation Monitor actions

Parts specific to Turn On/Off Timer actions

Parts specific to Move Mechanism to Pose actions

Parts specific to Move Graphical Object actions

Parts specific to Show/Hide Graphical Object actions

Parts specific for a Call VSTA Macro action

Offset Orientation Optionally, specify an offset between the objects when making

the attachment

Part Description

Detach object Select an object in the station to detach.

Detach from Select the object in the station to detach from.

Part Description

Mechanism Selects the mechanism.

Turn Simulation Monitor

On/Off

Sets whether the action shall start or stop the simulation monitor

function.

Part Description

Turn On/Off Timer Sets whether the action shall start or stop the process timer.

Part Description

Mechanism Selects the mechanism.

Pose Selects between SyncPose and HomePose.

Station signal to set

when Pose reached

Lists the station signals that are sent after the mechanism

reaches its pose.

Add Digital Click this button to add a digital signal to the grid.

Remove Click this button to remove a digital signal from the grid.

Part Description

Graphical Object to Move Select a graphical object in the station to move.

New Position Sets the new position of the object.

New Orientation Sets the new orientation of the object.

Part Description

Graphical Object Select a graphical object in the station.

Show/Hide Sets whether the object is shown or hidden.

Part Description

Available Macros Displays all available macros in the station.

Continued

10 The Simulation Tab

10.5. Station Logic

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10.5. Station Logic

Introduction to Station Logic

The Station Logic has some of the characteristics of a Smart Component. It can be used to

work with these characteristics on the station level.

The Station Logic editor consists of the following tabs similar to that of a Smart Component

editor:

• Compose

• Properties and Bindings

• Signals and Connections

• View

For more information on the characteristics of a Smart Component editor, see Smart

Component on page 236.

Opening Station Logic

You can launch Station Logic in any of the following two ways:

• In the Simulation tab, select Station Logic.

• In the Layout browser, right-click the station and select Station Logic.

Differences between Station Logic and Smart Component

The following table lists some of the differences while working with Station Logic and a

Smart Component:

Smart Component Station Logic

The Editor window consists of a text box

displaying the description of the component

that is used for modifying the text.

The Editor window do not have the

description text box wherein the description

can be modified.

The Compose tab has the following options:

• Child components

• Saved States

• Assets

The Compose tab has the following options:

• Child components

• Saved States

The Properties and Bindings tab has the

following options:

• Dynamic Properties

• Property Bindings

The Properties and Bindings tab has the

following options:

• Property Bindings

In the Signals and Connections tab, when

working with Add or Edit I/O Connections,

you do not have the option of selecting the

VCs in the station from the the Source

Object and Target Object list.

You can create connections to and from I/O

signals in a VC.

In the Signals and Connections tab, when

working with Add or Edit I/O Connections,

you have the option of selecting the VCs in

the station from the the Source Object and

Target Object list.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.6. Activate Mechanical Units

3053HAC032104-001 Revision: D

10.6. Activate Mechanical Units

To activate or deactivate mechanical units manually

1. Click Activate Mechanical Units to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Activate Mechanical Units dialog box, select the check boxes for the mechanical

units to set as active. When activating a mechanical unit that shares a common drive unit,

the other mechanical unit sharing that drive unit will be deactivated automatically.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.7. Simulation Control

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10.7. Simulation Control

Running a simulation

1. Optionally, click Enable Process Timer.

2. In the Simulation Control group, click the Play button.

The output window will now display messages from the virtual controller.

3. To pause the simulation, click the Pause button.

4. To stop the simulation, click the Stop button.

5. To reset the simulation to its initial state, click the Reset button.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.8. I/O Simulator

3073HAC032104-001 Revision: D

10.8. I/O Simulator

Setting I/O signals using the I/O Simulator

1. Click I/O Simulator. This opens the I/O simulator.

2. If the station contains several systems, select the appropriate one in the Select System list.

3. In the Filter list and I/O Range list, make selections that display the signals to set.

Depending on the filter used, you might also set a filter specification.

4. To change the value of a digital I/O signal, click it.

To change the value of an analog signal, type the new value in the value box.

The I/O Simulator window

With RobotStudio’s I/O simulator you view and manually set existing signals, groups and

cross-connections during program execution, thus making it possible to simulate or

manipulate the signals.

The I/O simulator displays the signals for one system at a time in groups of 16 signals. For

handling large sets of signals, you can filter which signals to display and also create custom

lists with favorite signals for quick access.

xx0500002555

Part Description

1. Select System. Select the system whose signals you want to view.

2. Filter type. Select the type of filter to use.

3. Filter Specification. Select the filter for limiting the signal display. For

example, if Board is set as filter type, then you select the board whose signals

you want to view.

Continues on next page

10 The Simulation Tab

10.8. I/O Simulator

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D308

Types of signal filters

Signal icons

4. Inputs. Displays all input signals that pass the applied filter.

If more than 16 signals pass, only 16 signals at a time are displayed. Then use

the I/O range list to select the signals to view.

5. Outputs Displays all output signals that pass the applied filter. If more than 16

signals pass, only 16 signals at a time are displayed. Then use the I/O range

list to select the signals to view.

6. Edit Lists. Click this button to create or edit lists of favorite signals.

7. I/O Range. When more than 16 signals pass the filter, use this list to select the

range of signals to display.

Part Description

Filter Description

Board Displays all signals on a specific board. To select a board, use

the Filter Specification list.

Group Displays all signals that belong to a specific group. To select a

group, use the Filter Specification list.

User List Displays all signals in a favorite list. To select a list, use the

Filter Specification list.

Digital Inputs Displays all digital input signals of the system.

Digital Outputs Displays all digital output signals of the system.

Analog Inputs Displays all analog input signals of the system.

Analog Outputs Displays all analog output signals of the system.

xx0500002558

Digital signal with value 1.

xx0500002558

Digital signal with value 0.

xx0500002558

The cross in the upper right corner indicates that the signals are

a cross-connection.

xx0500002558

The -1 in the upper right corner indicates that the signal is

inverted.

xx0500002562

Value box for groups or analog signals.

Continued

10 The Simulation Tab

10.9. Monitor

3093HAC032104-001 Revision: D

10.9. Monitor

The TCP Trace tab

The Alerts tab

Enable TCP Trace Select this check box to activate tracing of the TCP path for the

selected robot.

Trace length Specify the maximum length of the trace in millimeters.

Trace Color Displays the color of the trace when no alerts are activated. To

change the color of the trace, click the colored box.

Alert color Displays the color of the trace when any of the alerts defined on

the Alerts tab exceeds a threshold value. To change the color

of the trace, click the colored box.

Clear Trace Click this button to remove the current trace from the graphics

window.

Enable Simulation Alerts Select this check box to activate simulation alerts for the

selected robot.

Log Alerts to Output

Window

Select this check box to see a warning message when a

threshold value is exceeded. If TCP trace is not enabled, this is

the only display of the alert.

TCP Speed (m/s) Specify the threshold value for TCP speed alerts.

TCP Acceleration (m/s2) Specify the threshold value for TCP acceleration alerts.

Wrist Singularity (deg) Specify how close joint five can be to zero rotation before

alerting.

Joint Limits (deg) Specify how close each joint can be to its limits before alerting.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.10. Record Movie

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10.10. Record Movie

Prerequisites

For optimal results, first configure the options, see Options:General:Screen Recorder on

page 183.

Recording the screen

1. In the Record Movie group, click Record application to capture the entire application

window, or Record graphics to capture just the graphics window.

2. When you are done, click Stop Recording. A dialog box appears in which you may

choose to save the recording or discard it.

3. Click View Recording to playback the latest capture.

Recording the simulation

1. In the Record Movie group, click Record Simulation to record the next simulation to a

video clip.

2. When you are done, click Stop Recording.

The simulation is saved in a default location which is displayed in the output window.

3. Click View Recording to playback the recording.

The recording of simulation starts when you click Play in the Simulation tab.

NOTE!

Record Simulation gives better output quality than Record application or Record

graphics.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.11.1. Conveyor Tracking

3113HAC032104-001 Revision: D

10.11 Conveyor Tracking Mechanism

10.11.1. Conveyor Tracking

Overview

Conveyor tracking is the function where the robot follows a workobject mounted on a moving

conveyor.

This section describes how to create a conveyor, add and remove objects to and from the

conveyor, create targets during tracking, and simulate conveyor.

For more information, see the Application manual - Conveyor tracking.

Conveyor tracking mechanism

This procedure describes the workflow for making a conveyor tracking system work in

RobotStudio.

1. Create a conveyor mechanism. See Create Conveyor mechanism on page 287.

2. Setup the conveyor. See Setting up a conveyor on page 194and Encoder Unit on page 372.

NOTE! To setup a conveyor tracking station with two robots working on the

sameconveyor. See

3. Jog the conveyor as well as the robot and teach some targets. See Mechanism Joint Jog

on page 394.

4. Simulate the conveyor. See Conveyor Simulation on page 312.

5. Remove objects from conveyor. See Removing objects from conveyor on page 194.

10 The Simulation Tab

10.11.2. Conveyor Simulation

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D312

10.11.2. Conveyor Simulation

Running a conveyor simulation

1. Create Action Instructions. See Action Instruction on page 221.

NOTE! Create the following five action instructions along with Move instructions:

ConfL\Off,ActUnit CNV1,WaitWObj Workobject_1, DropWObjWorkobject_1

and DeactUnit CNV1

The following program is an example showing how the sequence of instructions appears:

en080000451

NOTE! If an error occurs while executing the program, the controller reaches Guard state.

In this state, RobotStudio cannot execute the program during the next simulation. To

recover from this state, open the Control Panel and switch to Manual Mod and then to

Auto Mode.

For more information, see Application manual - Conveyor Tracking.

2. Synchronize to VC. See Synchronize to VC on page 364.

3. Set up the Simulation. See Simulation Setup on page 297.

4. Click Simulation.

The Conveyor Simulation dialog appears.

5. In the Conveyor Speed box, set the speed during simulation.

NOTE! To move the conveyor in the backward direction, select the Reverse check box.

6. Click Apply.

7. Click Play to run the simulation.

NOTE! The conveyor speed and direction can be changed while running the simulation.

NOTE!

To jump the conveyor back to the start position, click Reset. This button remains enabled as

long as the station has at least one conveyor.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.1. Overview

3133HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.1. Overview

The Online and Offline tabs

The Online tab contains the controls for managing the real controller whereas the Offline tab

contains the controls for synchronization, configuration and tasks assigned to the virtual

controller.

The Online and Offline tabs can be broadly classified into the following three categories:

• Common features in Online and Offline tabs

• Online specific features

• Offline specific features

For more information on working with the Online tab, see Working online on page 139.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.1. Events

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D314

11.2 Common features in Online and Offline tabs

11.2.1. Events

The Event Log tab

en0400000842

Parts

1. Category

This list contains the following different event categories.

NOTE! The default category Common includes all categories.

• Common

• Operational

• System

• Hardware

• Program

• Motion

• IO & Communication

• User

• Internal

• Process

• Configuration

• RAPID

2. Auto Update

This checkbox is checked by default, meaning that new events will appear in the list when

they occur. Clearing the checkbox disables this automatic update. Checking it again,

however, will fetch and display the events missed while it was cleared.

3. Clear

This button clears the current event record. This does not affect the event log of the

controller, which can be retrieved again by clicking the Get button.

4. Get

This button retrieves and displays all events currently stored in the controller.

Continues on next page

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.1. Events

3153HAC032104-001 Revision: D

5. Save

This button saves the event records of the selected event categories to log files on the

computer.

6. Log to file

This checkbox enables all events currently shown by the Event Log to be saved to a log

file on the computer. If it remains checked the log file will be updated with new events as

they occur.

7. Event Information

This box displays information about the event selected in the event list.

8. Event Record

The event record is shown as a list of events of a selected category. The severity of the

event is indicated by color: blue for information, yellow for warning and red for an error

which needs to be corrected in order to proceed.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.2. RAPID editor

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D316

11.2.2. RAPID editor

Buttons on the RAPID editor toolbar

The table below describes the buttons on the RAPID editor toolbar:

Button Description

xx0600003383

Start

Starts the execution of all normal RAPID tasks in the system.

xx0600003384

Stop

Stops the execution of all normal RAPID tasks in the system.

xx0600003385

Step over

Starts and executes one statement in all normal tasks in the

system.

xx0600003386

Step in

Starts and executes into a routine, while stopping at the

beginning of the routine.

xx0600003387

Step out

Executes all remaining statements of the current routine, and

stops after the call to the current routine.

xx0600003394

Ignore breakpoints

Ignores all breakpoints during simulation.

xx0600003388

Toggle breakpoint

Toggles a breakpoint at the cursor.

xx0600003389

Apply changes

Applies the changes to the module in the program editor to the

system and also checks the program.

xx0600003391

Prints the contents of the program editor.

Continues on next page

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.2. RAPID editor

3173HAC032104-001 Revision: D

About RAPID Editor

The RAPID editor enables you to view and edit programs loaded into the controller program

memory. With the RAPID editor you edit the RAPID code of the program's modules. Each

module you open will appear in a program editor window of its own, where you type in the

code. For more information, see Using the RAPID editor on page 121.

RAPID Editor functions

RAPID editor has the following functions:

• Cut, copy, paste and drag and drop - supports clipboard handling of rich text.

• Undo and redo - supports undo and redo operations.

• Go To Line - navigates to a specific line within the Editor using a keyboard shortcut.

• Selection modes - possibility to select text by character, row and column.

• Line numbers - appears in the left margin of the editor.

• Keyboard shortcuts - see Keyboard shortcuts on page 57.

Programming functions

The RAPID Editor has the following RAPID specific functions.

Function Description

Syntax coloring Writes each part of the code with a specific color, based on its

syntactic function in RAPID.

Helps to quickly recognize words and misspellings.

The automatic coloring of the text is based on the syntax of the

RAPID language.

You can change the text color of the RAPID editor. For more

information, see Options:Robotics:Editor on page 184.

Parameter Info Shows available parameters in a tool tip for the RAPID instruc-

tions you type.

Helps to type in a procedure or function call in the editor by

showing all the optional and required arguments that must be

specified.

Pick list Helps to navigate through a hierarchy of small code snippets

which can be inserted at the insertion position.

Complete word Automatically completes the keyword by predicting the

keyword or identifier that you want to type in without you

actually typing.

Select Routine Is a combo box containing all routines in the RAPID module of

the editor.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.3.1. New Module

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D318

11.2.3. RAPID File Management

11.2.3.1. New Module

Creating a new RAPID module

1. Click New Module to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Module name field, enter a module name.

3. Select either Program or System as the Module type.

4. Select one of the following options:

5. Click Create.

If you select... then the module...

NOSTEPIN cannot be entered during stepwise execution.

READONLY cannot be modified.

VIEWONLY cannot be modified, but the attribute can be removed.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.3.2. Load Module

3193HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.2.3.2. Load Module

Loading a RAPID module

1. Click Load Module to bring up a dialog box.

2. Browse to the location of the module to be loaded to your station and click Open.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.3.3. Save Module As

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11.2.3.3. Save Module As

Saving a module

1. Click Save Module As to bring up a dialog box.

2. Browse to the location of the module to be loaded to your station and click Save.

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11.2.3.4. Load Program

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11.2.3.4. Load Program

Loading a RAPID program

1. Click Load Program to bring up a dialog box.

2. Browse to the location of the program to be loaded to your station and click Open.

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11.2.3.5. Save Program As

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11.2.3.5. Save Program As

Saving a program

1. Click Save Program As to bring up a dialog box.

2. Browse to the location where you want to save your program, and click Save.

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11.2.4. Rapid Tasks

3233HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.2.4. Rapid Tasks

Prerequisites

You must also be logged on to the controller as a user who has either of the grants Full access

or Execute program.

Different states

The following table shows different states when actions are not possible in the Task Window:

The safety system of the controller

It is not possible to override the controller’s safety system, that is, you cannot stop a

background task (Static and SemiStatic) that has the TrustLevel set to another value than

NoSafety.

For detailed information about the different TrustLevel values, see Technical reference

manual - system parameters.

The Task window

The Task window is divided in two parts, one left part with functionality (1) to operate the

task(s) and one right part (2) with the task list and information about the tasks.

en0500002159

If...

RobotStudio gives a message that

informs the user that...

the user does not have the grant Execute

program or Full access

the operation is not possible.

the user changes from manual mode to

automatic mode, or vice versa, the user loses

the write access and

the operation is not possible.

the motors are in off state the Start operation is not possible.

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11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.4. Rapid Tasks

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If the prerequisites are met, you can operate the task, such as start and stop the task, move the

program pointer to main and set the run mode. This part will be opened as default when you

open the Task Window, but you can hide this part.

The following table describes the different buttons in the functionality part:

3 The show/hide button. Shows/hides the functionality part.

4 The start button. Starts the selected tasks.

Note! You can start Normal tasks, but you can only start a Static or SemiStatic task

if the TrustLevel is set to NoSafety.

Danger!

When starting a task, the manipulator axes may move very quickly and sometimes

in unexpected ways! Make sure no personnel is near the manipulator arm!

5 The stop button. Stops the selected tasks.

Note! You can stop Normal tasks, but you can only stop a Static or SemiStatic task

if the TrustLevel is set to NoSafety.

6 The Move PP to Main button. Moves the program pointer to Main. Applies to all

selected tasks.

7 The Task names check box. Selected check box indicates that the task will be

operated.

8 The Select buttons. Select All or None of the tasks.

9 The Run Mode buttons. Set run mode to Continuous or Single cycle.

The Run Mode indicates the mode of the controller.

Task Name The task name.

Task in Foreground Which task that is in the foreground, for example main.

Gives indirectly the priority.

Type Normal/Static/SemiStatic:

• Normal: The task reacts on START/STOP requests. The

task is stopped when an emergency stop occurs. The

TrustLevel for the Normal task corresponds to the

TrustLevel NoSafety.

• Static: At warm start of the controller, the task restarts at

the current position.

• SemiStatic: The task restarts from the beginning at all

warm starts of the controller.

Default value is SemiStatic.

Note!

If the type of task is Static or SemiStatic, the following is valid only

for the Task Window : If the TrustLevel is set to NoSafety, the task

can be stopped by the stop button on the Task Window. If the

TrustLevel is set to SysFail, SysHalt or SysStop, the task cannot

be stopped.

Mech. Unit If the task has robot specific instructions, this specifies which

robots they are valid for.

Run Mode Continuous or single cycle.

Program Name The name of the program in the specific task.

Module Name The current module name.

Routine Name The current routine name.

Continued

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11.2.4. Rapid Tasks

3253HAC032104-001 Revision: D

You can operate the task list as following:

• All columns can be adjusted in the standard windows way - drag or double-click

between the column headers.

• If all the columns do not fit into the window, a horizontal scroll bar will occur.

• If all the tasks do not fit into the window, a vertical scroll bar will occur.

• You can sort the task information in all columns by clicking the column heading.

State Ready/Running/Stopped:

• Ready: The program has no PP (program pointer). To get

a PP to the program, click the Move PP to main button.

• Running: The program is running.

• Stopped: The program has stopped.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.5. Inputs / Outputs

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11.2.5. Inputs / Outputs

The I/O system window

From the I/O system you can view and set input and output signals.

en0900000926

Parts

1. The Name column

This column shows the name of the signal. The name is set by the I/O unit's configuration

and cannot be changed from the I/O system.

2. The Type column

This column shows which type of signal it is, by using any of the abbreviations described

below. The signal type is set by the I/O unit's configuration and cannot be changed from

the I/O system.

3. The Value column

This column shows the value of the signal. The value can be changed by double-clicking

the signal row.

Abbreviation Description

DI Digital input signal

DO Digital output signal

AI Analog input signal

AO Analog output signal

GI Group of signals, working as one input signal

GO Group of signals, working as one output signal

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11.2.5. Inputs / Outputs

3273HAC032104-001 Revision: D

4. The Logical State column

This column shows whether the signal is simulated or not. When a signal is simulated, you

specify a value that overrides the actual signal. Changing the logical state by turning the

simulation on or off can be done from the I/O system.

5. The Unit column

This column shows to which I/O unit the signal belongs. This is set by the I/O unit's

configuration and cannot be changed from the I/O system.

6. The Bus column

This column shows to which I/O bus the signal belongs. This is set by the I/O bus'

configuration and cannot be changed from the I/O system.

7. The Information column

This column shows which signals will not be updated.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.6. ScreenMaker

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11.2.6. ScreenMaker

Overview

ScreenMaker is a tool in RobotStudio for developing custom screens. It is used to create

customized FlexPendant GUIs without the need to learn Visual Studio development

environment and .NET programming.

For more information on ScreenMaker, see The ScreenMaker tab on page 427.

Prerequisites

To use ScreenMaker, the following requirements have to be met.

• RobotStudio 5.13 or later must be installed with Premium license activated.

• RobotWare FlexPendant Interface option must be enabled. See Testing on Virtual

controller/Real controller on page 328.

• Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 must be installed.

For more information on the system requirements, hardware requirements, and the supported

Operating Systems, see RobotStudio Release Notes.

Testing on Virtual controller/Real controller

RobotWare FlexPendant Interface option is required for ScreenMaker applications.

NOTE! RobotWare PC Interface option is required only when using ScreenMaker for Robots

on a LAN (to get the data from the controller, bind, and deploy). If there is no PC Interface

option, service port can be used to design and deploy screens.

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PC Interface option is needed

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PC Interface option is not needed

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11.2.6. ScreenMaker

3293HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Launching ScreenMaker

You can launch ScreenMaker either from the Offline tab or from the Online tab.

1. In the Offline or Online tab, click ScreenMaker.

The ScreenMaker appears as a tab in the RobotStudio ribbon.

2. Click ScreenMaker tab to launch ScreenMaker.

NOTE!

For more information, see Connecting to controller on page 449.

If launched from the Offline tab... If launched from the Online tab...

the connection to all connected VCs can be

estabished.

the connection to all connected real

controllers can be established.

the option Online appears in the Project

context menu. Select this option to switch

from Offline mode to Online mode.

the option Offline appears in the Project

context menu. Select this option to switch

from Online mode to Offline mode.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.2.7. Restart

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D330

11.2.7. Restart

Restarting a VC in Offline mode

1. In the Layout browser, select the controller to restart.

2. Click Restart and then select one of the following options:

Restarting a real controller in Online mode

1. In the Layout browser, select the controller to restart.

2. Click Restart and then select one of the following options:

Warmstart Restarts the VC and activates the changes made to the system.

I-start Restarts the VC with the current system and the default settings.

P-start Restarts the VC with the current system and reinstalls RAPID.

Warmstart Restarts the real controller and activates the changes made to

the system.

Advanced The controller can be restarted with the following advanced

restart options:

• I-start

• P-start

• X-start

• C-start

• B-start

For more information, see Advanced restart options on page 74.

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11.2.8.1. Backing up a system

3313HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.2.8. Backup and Restore

11.2.8.1. Backing up a system

Overview

When backing up a system you copy all the data needed to restore the system to its current

state:

• Information about software and options installed on the system.

• System's home directory and all its content.

• All robot programs and modules in the system.

• All configuration and calibration data of the system.

Prerequisites

To backup a system you must have:

• Write access to the controller

• Logged on to the controller with appropriate grants. For more information, see User

Authorization on page 143.

Creating a Backup

To create a backup, follow these steps:

1. In the Online or Offline browser, select the system you want to backup.

2. Click Backup and select Create Backup.

The Create Backup dialog box appears.

3. Enter a new backup name and specify a location for the backup, or keep the default ones.

4. Click Backup.

The progress of the backup is displayed in the Output window.

Result

When the backup is complete you will have a folder with the name of the backup in the

specified location. This folder contains a set of subfolders which all together comprises the

backup:

CAUTION!

If the content of the Backup folder is changed, it is not possible to restore the system from

backup.

Folder Description

Backinfo Contains information necessary for re-creating the system's

software and options from the mediapool.

Home Contains a copy of the system’s home directory content.

Rapid Contains one subfolder for each task in the system’s program

memory. Each of these task folders contains separate folders

for program modules and system modules.

Syspar Contains the system's configuration files.

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11.2.8.2. Restoring a system from backup

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11.2.8.2. Restoring a system from backup

Overview

When restoring a system from backup, the current system gets the same content as when the

backup was performed. Restoring a system replaces the following contents in the current

system with the content from the backup:

• All RAPID programs and modules in the system.

• All configuration and calibration data of the system.

NOTE! The system's home directory and all its content are copied from the backup to the

current system.

Prerequisites

To restore a system you must have:

• Write access to the controller.

• Logged on to the controller with appropriate grants. For more information, see User

Authorization on page 143.

Restoring a system

To restore a system, follow these steps:

NOTE!

Before proceeding, make sure that the system from the backup is compatible with the

controller you are restoring.

1. In the Online or Offline browser, select the system you want to restore.

2. Click Backup and select Restore Backup.

The Restore from Backup dialog box appears.

3. In the Restore from Backup dialog box, select which backup to use for restoring the

system.

4. Click Restore.

The progress of the restore appears in the Output window.

5. When the restore is complete, restart the controller to load the restored system. See Restart

on page 330.

NOTE! If the system from the backup does not originate from the controller you are

restoring, you will get the following message about the mismatch.

en0900001061

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11.2.9. System Builder

3333HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.2.9. System Builder

Functions of the System Builder

For procedures using the various functions of the System Builder, see System Builder

Overview on page 145.

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11.2.10. Configuration editor

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D334

11.2.10. Configuration editor

Configuration editor

From the Configuration Editor you view and edit the system parameters of a specific topic in

a controller. The Instance Editor is a complementary editor with which you edit the details of

a type instance (a row in the Configuration Editor's instance list). The Configuration Editor

has a direct communication with the controller. This means that changes you make are applied

to the controller as soon as you complete the command.

With the Configuration Editor, including the Instance Editor, you can:

• view types, instances, and parameters

• edit instances and parameters

• copy and paste instances within a topic

• add and delete instances

Layout of the Configuration Editor

en0400000838

1. The Type name list displays all available configuration types for the selected topic.

The list of types is static. This means you cannot add, delete or rename types.

2. The Instance list displays all system parameters of the type selected in the Type name

list. Each row in the list is an instance of the system parameter type. The columns show

each specific parameter and its value for each instance of the parameter type.

The Configuration editor has the following options:

• Controller

• I/O

• Communication

• Motion

• Man-machine communication

• Add Signals

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11.2.10. Configuration editor

3353HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Controller

en0900000994

en0900000995

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11.2.10. Configuration editor

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Communication

en0900000993

Motion

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Continued

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11.2.10. Configuration editor

3373HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Man-machine information

en0900000996

Add Signals

en0900000992

Type of Signal Defines the type of signal.

Signal Base Name Defines the name for one or more signals.

Assigned to Unit Defines the I/O unit to which the signal belongs.

Signal Identification Label Optionally, offers filtering and sorting based on this category.

Number of Signals Defines the number of signals to add in a range

Start Index Defines the index (number) to start the range with.

Step Defines the number which the index should increase with.

Unit Mapping Start Defines the bits in the I/O memory map of the assigned unit to

which the signal is mapped.

Category Optionally, offer filtering and sorting based on this category.

Continued

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11.2.10. Configuration editor

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D338

NOTE! You must have write access to the controller to be able to open the add signal

window.

Layout of the Instance editor

en0400000839

1. The Parameter list displays the parameters and their value for the open instance.

2. The Value box displays the type of parameter and the value of the parameter.

3. The Restriction box displays the restrictions for the parameter. The restrictions hasve

to be fulfilled to update the controller database.

4. The Limits box displays the limits for the parameter.

Access Level Defines the write access to I/O signals for categories of I/O

controlling clients connected to the robot controller.

Default Value Specifies the I/O signal value to be used at the start.

Value at System and

Power Failure

Specifies whether the output I/O signal should keep its current

value or take the I/O signal's default value in case of system

failure or at a power fail.

Store Value at Power

Failure

Specifies if the I/O signal should be set to the value stored in the

permanent memory pool or not at the start.

Invert Physical Value Applies an inversion between the physical value of the signal

and its logical representation in the system.

Icon Description

Editable parameter

Parameter that is not applicable for this instance and

therefore not editable.

Parameter that is read-only.

Continued

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11.2.11. Load Parameters

3393HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.2.11. Load Parameters

Prerequisite

You must have write access to the controller.

Loading a configuration file

1. In the Online and Offline browser, select the system and expand the Configuration

node.

2. Click Load Parameters to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the dialog box, select how you want to combine the parameters in the configuration file

to load with the existing parameters:

4. Click Open and browse to the configuration file to load. Then click Open again.

5. In the information box, click OK to confirm that you want to load the parameters from

the configuration file.

6. When the loading of the configuration file is finished, close the Select mode dialog box.

If a restart of the controller is necessary for the new parameters to take affect, you will be

notified of this.

If you want to... then select...

replace the entire configuration of the topic

with the one in the configuration file.

Delete existing parameters before loading

add new parameters from the configuration

file to the topic, without modifying the existing

ones.

Load parameters if no duplicates

add new parameters from the configuration

file to the topic and update the existing ones

with values from the configuration file.

Parameters that only exist in the controller

and not in the configuration file will not be

changed at all.

Load parameters and replace duplicates

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11.2.12. Save Parameters

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11.2.12. Save Parameters

Overview

The system parameters of a configuration topic can be saved to a configuration file, stored on

the PC or any of its network drives.

The configuration files can then be loaded into a controller. They are thereby useful as

backups, or for transferring configurations from one controller to another.

File-naming conventions

The configuration files should be named with a name that relates to their corresponding

topics. When saving configuration files, the correct name for each file will be suggested by

default.

Saving a configuration file

1. In the Offline or Offline browser, select the system and expand the Configuration node.

2. Click Save Parameters and select the topic to save to a file and click Save.

3. In the Save As dialog box, browse for the folder to save the file in.

4. Click Save.

Saving several configuration files

1. Select the Configuration node.

2. Click Save System Parameters.

3. In the Save System Parameters dialog box, select the topics to save to files. Then click

Save.

4. In the Browse for Folder dialog box, browse for the folder to save the files in.

Then click OK.

The selected topics will now be saved as configuration files with default names in the

specified folder.

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11.2.13. Safety Configuration

3413HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.2.13. Safety Configuration

Overview

For information on safety configuration, see Application manual - SafeMove and Application

manual - Electronic Position Switches.

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11.3.1. Add Controller

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D342

11.3 Online specific features

11.3.1. Add Controller

Connecting to a controller

You can connect to a controller in the following two ways:

• Add Controller - For adding available controllers to the network

• One Click Connect - For connecting to the service port of the controller

NOTE!

To use RobotStudio in Online mode for connecting to a real controller, the controller system

must have the option PC-interface.

Add a controller

1. In the Online tab, click Add Controller to bring up a dialog box in which all available

controllers are listed.

2. If the controller is not found in the list, type its IP address in the IP Address box, and then

click Refresh.

3. Select the controller in the list and click OK.

One Click Connect

It provides an easy way to connect to a robot controller.

The following are the prerequisites:

• Connect the computer to the controller service port.

• Ensure that the network settings on the PC is correct. DHCP should either be enabled

or the IP address should have a specific value. For more information on network

settings, see Network settings on page 141.

1. In the Online tab, click One Click Connect.

Adds the controller connected to the service port in a single step.

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11.3.2. Request Write Access

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11.3.2. Request Write Access

Overview

You need Write access for editing programs and configurations or in any other way to change

data on the controller.

Prerequisites for Write access

You can get Write access to any controller as long as the prerequisites are fulfilled.

If the prerequisites are not fulfilled you will be denied, or lose, the Write access. This means

that if you have Write access in auto mode and the controller is switched over to manual mode

you will lose the Write access without any warning. This is because the FlexPendant unit by

default has the Write access in manual mode, for safety reasons. The same will happen if the

remote Write access in manual mode is recalled from the FlexPendant unit.

Result

The Controller Status window will be updated when the request for Write access is granted.

If the Write access is denied, a message is displayed.

When the

Controller is in

Mode:

This has to be fulfilled:

Auto The Write access must not be taken by any other user.

Manual The remote Write access must be granted on the FlexPendant. For

safety reasons, a FlexPendant user can also recall this remote Write

access in manual mode.

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11.3.3. Release Write Access

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11.3.3. Release Write Access

Overview

Several users can be logged on to a single controller but only one can have the write access.

You can release the write access when you do not need it anymore.

Result

The Controller Status window will be updated when your access right has changed from read/

write to read only.

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11.3.4. Authenticate

3453HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.3.4. Authenticate

Overview

The data, functionality, and commands on a controller are protected by a User Authorization

system (also called UAS). The UAS restricts the parts of the system the user has access to.

Different users can have different access grants.

You can perform the following functions from the Authenticate menu:

• Login as a Different User

• Log off

• Log off all controllers

• Edit User Accounts

• UAS Grant Viewer

1. In the Authenticate menu, click Login as a Different User. The Add new user

dialog box appears.

2. In the User Name box, enter the user name you want to log on as.

3. In the Password box, enter the password for the user name you are logging on as.

4. Click OK.

Note: If you have previously logged on as a different user and wish to revert as default user,

click Login as Default User.

Log off

In the Authenticate menu, click Log off to log the user off from the controller.

In the Authenticate menu, click Log off to log the user off from all the controllers.

Edit User Accounts

For more information on User Accounts, see User Accounts on page 354.

UAS Grant Viewer

For more information on UAS Grant Viewer, see UAS Grant Viewer on page 359.

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11.3.5. File transfer

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11.3.5. File transfer

Overview

You can transfer the files and folders between the PC and a controller through the File

Transfer window.

Prerequisites

The following are the prerequisites to be met:

• The PC must be connected to the same network as the controller, or connected to the

service port of the controller.

• You must be logged on to the controller as a user with UAS grants that allows file

transferring.

Transferring files and folders

Use this procedure to transfer files and folders between the PC and a controller:

1. On the Online tab, click File Transfer.

The File Transfer window appears.

2. In the PC explorer, browse to the folder from or to which you want to transfer the data.

3. In the Controller explorer, browse to the folder from or to which you want to transfer the

data.

4. Select the item to transfer from the list.

To select several items at once, do one of the following:

To select then press

several adjacent items the SHIFT key and select the first and the last item.

several non-adjacent items the CTRL key and select each item.

all items in the list the keys CTRL + A

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11.3.5. File transfer

3473HAC032104-001 Revision: D

5. When the files and folder to transfer are selected, do one of the following:

6. Place the insertion point either in the PC explorer or the Controller explorer and click

CTRL + V.

NOTE!

In the PC explorer or Controller explorer window, right-click to view the following

context menu:

• Transfer

• One level up

• Open

• Refresh

• Cut

• Copy

• Paste

• Delete

• Remove

To then press

cut the files CTRL + X

copy the files CTRL + C, or click Arrow

Continued

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11.3.6. FlexPendant Viewer

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D348

11.3.6. FlexPendant Viewer

Overview

FlexPendant Viewer is an add-in to RobotStudio that retrieves and displays a screenshot from

the FlexPendant. The screenshot is generated automatically at the moment of the request.

Prerequisites

The controller you want to retrieve screen shots from must be added to your robot view.

A FlexPendant must be connected to the controller. If no FlexPendant is currently connected

(option Hot plug is installed and the jumper plug is used) then no screen shot can be retrieved.

Using FlexPendant Viewer

1. Make sure you are connected to the controller.

2. Click FlexPendant Viewer.

A screen shot will be displayed in the workspace.

3. To reload the screen shot, click Reload in the workspace.

4. To set an automatic reload period for the screen shot, click on the menu Tools, point to

FlexPendant Viewer and click Configure.

Set the desired reload period and select the check-box Activated. Then click OK.

Results on the controller

The screenshot will automatically be saved as a file on the controller. When a new request is

sent, a new screenshot is generated and saved, overwriting the previous file.

No message will be displayed on the FlexPendant.

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11.3.7. Import Options

3493HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.3.7. Import Options

Importing system options

1. In the Online tab, click Import Options to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Option source box, enter the path to the folder where the options to import are

located. You can also click the Browse button and browse to the folder.

3. In the Media Pool destination box, enter the path to the media pool you want to store the

options in. You can also click the Browse button and browse to the media pool folder.

4. Select the options to import and click Import.

To select several options at once, do one of the following:

5. Click OK.

Removing system options

1. In the Online tab, click Import Options to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the Media Pool destination list, enter the path to the media pool from which you want

to delete the options. You can also click the Browse button and browse to the media pool

folder.

3. Select the options to delete and click Remove.

To select several options at once, do one of the following:

4. Click OK.

To select then hold down

several adjacent options the SHIFT key and select the first and the last option.

several non-adjacent options the CTRL key and select each option.

To select then hold down

several adjacent options the SHIFT key and select the first and the last option.

several non-adjacent options the CTRL key and select each option.

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11.3.8. Properties

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11.3.8. Properties

Overview

You can perform the following from the Properties menu:

• Renaming the controller

• Setting the controller date and time

• Setting the Controller ID

• Viewing controller and system properties

• Handling the Device Browser

Renaming the controller

The controller name is an identification of the controller that is independent of the system or

the software running on the controller. Unlike the controller ID, the controller name does not

have to be unique for each controller.

NOTE!

The controller name must be written with characters from the ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1) character

set.

1. In the Properties menu, click Rename.

The Rename Controller dialog box appears.

2. Enter the new name of the controller in the dialog box.

3. Click OK.

The new name will be activated when the controller is restarted.

You will be prompted to either click Yes to restart the controller immediately or click No

to restart later.

Setting the controller date and time

You can either set the date and time to the same as the computer you are working from, or you

can specify the date and time manually.

Use this procedure to set the controller date and time:

1. In the Properties menu, click Date and Time.

The Set Date and Time dialog box appears.

2. In the Set Controller’s date and time, click the arrow next to the date and time list to set

the date and time of the controller.

NOTE!

Click Get local computer’s time to set the date and time of the controller to the same as the

computer you are working on.

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11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.8. Properties

3513HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Setting the Controller ID

The Controller ID is by default set to the serial number of the controller and is thereby a

unique identifier of the controller.

The Controller ID is a unique identifier for the controller and should not be changed.

However, if the hard disk of the controller is replaced, the ID will be lost and you must set it

back to the serial number of the controller.

NOTE!

You must Request Write Access to the controller before setting the controller ID.

1. In the Properties menu, click Controller ID.

The Set Controller ID dialog box appears.

2. Enter the Controller ID and then click OK.

NOTE!

Use only characters from the ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1) character set and no more than 40

characters.

Viewing controller and system properties

You can view the following properties for a controller and its running sytem.

1. In the Properties menu, click Controller and System Properties.

The Controller and System Properties window appears.

2. In the Tree view at the left of the window, browse to the node for which you want to view

the properties.

The properties of the selected object are displayed in the Properties list to the right of the

window.

Viewing the Device Browser

The Device Browser displays the properties and trends of the various hardware and software

devices in a robot controller.

1. In the Properties menu, click Device Browser. The Device Browser window

appears.

2. In the Tree view at the left of the window, browse to the node for which you want to

view the properties. The properties of the selected object are displayed in the

Properties list to the right of the window.

Controller Properties System Properties

Boot Application Control Module

Controller ID Drive Module #1

Controller Name Serial Number

Installed Systems System Name

Network Connections

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11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.8. Properties

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Updating the tree view

1. Press F5, to update the tree view.

Displaying the properties of a device

1. Select a device in the tree view to view its properties or values in the right-hand panel.

Displaying a trend

1. Select a device in the tree view and then double-click any property in the right-hand

panel that has a numerical value to bring up a trend view. The trend view collects data

at a rate of one sample per second.

Hiding, stopping, starting or clearing a trend

1. Right-click anywhere in the trend view and then click the appropriate command.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.9. Go Offline

3533HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.3.9. Go Offline

Overview

The main purpose of this feature is to create a new station with a VC similar to the connected

real controller. This helps a robot technician to work offline, and not just when connected to

the real controller.

Using Go Offline

1. Connect the PC to a real controller.

2. On the Online tab, click Request Write Access.

For more information on Request Write Access, see Request Write Access on page 343.

3. Click Go Offline.

The Go Offline dialog box is displayed.

4. Enter a name for the system and browse for the location to save the system.

A new station is created with a VC with the same configuration as the real controller.

NOTE!

Go Offline transfers additional options from on a real controller and installs them on the PC.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.10. User Accounts

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11.3.10. User Accounts

Overview

All the procedures below require the following steps to be taken before managing the details:

1. In the Online browser, select the controller to which you want to manage a user or group

2. From the Online tab, click Request Write Access to provide write access to the

controller.

3. In the Online tab, click Authenticate and select Edit User Accounts, for administering

UAS accounts, grants, and groups.

Users tab

With the Users tab you set which users will be able to log on to the controller and which

groups the users shall belong to.

en0400001104

Users tab Parts

1. The Add button. Opens a dialog box for adding new users.

2. The Edit button. Opens a dialog box for changing the log on name and password of the

user.

3. The Delete button. Deletes the selected user account from the controller.

4. The Users on this Controller list. Shows the user accounts defined on this controller. The

list has two columns:

Column Description

User The name of the user account

Status Shows if the account is activated or deactivated. When deactivated,

it is not possible to log on using that account.

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11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.10. User Accounts

3553HAC032104-001 Revision: D

5. The Activated/Deactivated item box. Changes the status of the user account.

6. The User’s groups/User’s grants list.

The User’s groups list shows which group(s) the user is a member of. For changing the

membership of a group, select or clear the checkbox in front of the group name.

The User’s grants list shows the available grants for the selected User’s group(s). When

selecting a grant from the User’s grants list, a description of the selected grant appears.

en0500001572

Adding a user

1. On the Users tab, click Add to bring up a dialog box.

2. In the User Name box, enter the user name. Use only characters from the ISO 8859-1

(Latin 1) character set and no more than 16 characters.

3. In the Password box, enter the user's password. The password you type in will not be

visible. Use only characters from the ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1) character set and no more than

16 characters.

4. In the Retype Password box, enter the user's password again.

5. Click OK to add the new user and close the dialog box.

6. Click OK.

Deleting a user

1. On the Users tab, select the user to delete from the Users on this controller list and click

Delete.

2. To the question Are you sure you want to remove this user?, answer Yes .

3. Click OK.

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11.3.10. User Accounts

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Setting up group membership

1. On the Users tab, select the user from the Users on this controller list.

2. In the User’s groups list, select the groups the user shall be a member of.

3. Click OK.

Changing a name or password

1. On the Users tab, select the user to edit from the Users on this controller list and click

Edit user.

This opens the Edit dialog box.

2. To change the user name, enter the new name in the User Name box. Use only characters

from the ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1) character set and no more than 16 characters.

3. To change the password, enter the new password in the Password box, then retype the

password in the Retype Password box. Use only characters from the ISO 8859-1 (Latin

1) character set and no more than 16 characters.

4. Click OK to save the changes to the user and close the dialog box.

5. Click OK.

Activating or deactivating a user

1. On the Users tab, select the user from the Users on this controller list and click the status

text (Activated or Deactivated). An item box appears and you can change the status.

The user's new state is now displayed in the status column of the Users on this controller

list.

2. Click OK.

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11.3.10. User Accounts

3573HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Exporting a user list

1. On the Users tab, select the user from the Users for this Controller list and click Export.

This opens a Save as dialog box, in which you specify the name and location for the file

with the user list.

Importing a user list

1. On the Users tab, select the user from the Users for this Controller list and click Import.

This opens an Open file dialog box, in which you browse to the file with the list to import.

When you have selected the file, the ImportOptionsForm dialog appears.

Adding a group

1. On the Groups tab, click Add.

This opens the Add new group dialog box.

2. In the Group Name box, enter the name of the group. Use only characters from the ISO

8859-1 (Latin 1) character set and no more than 16 characters.

3. Click OK to add the new group and close the dialog box.

4. Click OK.

Renaming a group

1. On the Groups tab, select the group to rename from the Groups on this controller list

and click Rename.

This opens the Rename Group dialog box.

2. In the Group Name box, enter the name of the group. Use only characters from the ISO

8859-1 (Latin 1) character set and no more than 16 characters.

3. Click OK to rename the group and close the dialog box.

Select ... Description

Delete existing users and groups

before importing

Earlier groups and users will be deleted.

Advanced options A new dialog appears.

Import users but don’t replace duplicates means that

you will not replace the existing users.

Import users and replace duplicates means that you will

replace the existing users.

Import groups but don’t replace duplicates means that

you will not replace the existing groups.

Import groups and replace duplicates means that you

will replace the existing groups.

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11.3.10. User Accounts

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D358

4. You will now be asked if you want the users who belong to this group to continue

belonging to a group with the old name as well as the new one.

5. Click OK.

Deleting a group

1. On the Groups tab, select the group to delete from the Groups on this controller list and

click Delete.

2. You will now be asked if you want the users who belong to this group to continue

belonging to it though it is not valid.

3. Click OK.

Giving grants to a group

1. On the Groups tab, select the group from the Groups on this controller list.

2. In the Controller grants/Application grants list, select the grants to give to the group.

3. Click OK.

Click To

Yes Let the users of the group be members to groups with both the old and

the new name. However, the old group will no longer be defined in the

controller's UAS since it is replaced by the new group.

This option might be useful if you plan to recreate the old group, or copy

the user's settings to another controller who has the old group defined.

No Delete the user's memberships to the old group. This is to just replace

the old group name with the new one.

Cancel To cancel the change and keep the old group name, with its user's

memberships.

Click To

Yes Let the users of the group remain members to it even if it is no longer

defined in the controller's UAS.

This option might be useful if you plan to recreate the group, or copy

the user's settings to another controller who has the group defined.

No Delete the user's memberships to the group.

Cancel Cancel the change and keep the group, with its user's memberships.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.11. UAS Grant Viewer

3593HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.3.11. UAS Grant Viewer

Overview

The UAS Grant Viewer page displays information about the grants provided to the user

currently logged in and the groups owning them.

1. In the Authenticate menu, click UAS Grant Viewer. The UAS Grants window

appears.

en0900000852

Examples of common actions to perform

Action Necessary grants

Rename the controller

(A restart of the controller is necessary)

Modify controller properties

Remote warm start

Change system parameters and load configura-

tion files

Modify configuration

Remote warm start

Install a new system Administration of installed system

Perform a backup

(A restart of the controller is necessary)

Backup and save

Remote warm start

Restore a backup

(A restart of the controller is necessary)

Restore a backup

Remote warm start

Load/delete modules Load program

Create new module. Load program

Edit code in RAPID modules Edit RAPID code

Save modules and programs to disk Backup and save

Start program execution from Task Window Execute program

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11.3.11. UAS Grant Viewer

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D360

Controller grants

Create a new I/O signal, that is, add a new

instance of the type Signal

( A restart of the controller is necessary)

Modify configuration

Remote warm start

Set the value of an I/O signal I/O write access

Access to controller disks from File Transfer

window

Read access to controller disks

Write access to controller disks

Action Necessary grants

Full access This grant includes all controller grants, also new grants

added in future RobotWare versions. The grant does not

include any application grants or the Safety Controller con-

figuration grant.

Manage UAS settings Gives access to read and write the UAS configuration, that is

to read, add, remove and modify UAS users and groups.

Execute program Gives access to perform the following:

• Start/step program (stop is always allowed)

• Move PP to Main

• Execute service routines

Perform ModPos and HotEdit Gives access to perform the following:

• Modify or teach positions in RAPID code (ModPos)

• During execution modify positions in RAPID code as

single points or as a path (HotEdit)

• Restore ModPos/HotEdit positions to original

• Modify current value of any RAPID variable

Modify current value Gives access to modify current value of any RAPID variable.

This grant is a subset of the grant Perform ModPos and

HotEdit.

I/O write access Gives access to perform the following:

• Set I/O signal value

• Set signal as simulated and remove simulation

• Set I/O unit and bus as enabled/disabled

Backup and save Gives access to perform a backup and to save modules,

programs and configuration files.

Restore a backup Gives access to restore backup and perform B-start.

Modify configuration Gives access to modify the configuration database, that is to

load configuration files, change system parameter values

and add/delete instances.

Load program Gives access to load/delete modules and programs.

Remote warm start Gives access to perform warm start and shutdown from a

remote location. No grant is required to perform warm start

via a local device, as for example the FlexPendant.

Edit RAPID code Gives access to perform the following:

• Modify code in existing RAPID modules

• Frame calibration (tool, workobj)

• Commit ModPos/HotEdit positions to current values

• Rename program

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11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.3.11. UAS Grant Viewer

3613HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Program debug Gives access to perform the following:

• Move PP to routine

• Move PP to cursor

• HoldToRun

• Activate/deactivate RAPID tasks

• Request write access from the FlexPendant

• Enable/disable non-motion execution

Decrease production speed Gives acces to decrease speed from 100% in Auto mode.

This grant is not required if speed is already below 100%, or

controller is in Manual mode.

Calibration Gives access to perform the following:

• Fine calibrate mechanical unit

• Calibrate base frame

• Update/clear SMB data

Note! Frame calibration (tool, wobj) requires the grant Edit

RAPID code. Manual offset of mechanical unit calibration

data and loading new calibration data from file require the

grant Modify configuration.

Administration of installed

systems

Gives access to perform the following:

• Install new system

•P-start

• I-start

•X-start

• C-start

• Select System

• Install system from device

This grant gives full FTP access, that is, the grant gives the

same rights as Read access to controller disks and Write

access to controller disks.

Read access to controller

disks

Gives external read access to controller disks. This grant is

only valid for explicit disk access, for example with an FTP

client or the File Manager of RoboStudio.

It is possible, for example, to load a program from /hd0a

without this grant.

Write access to controller

disks

Gives external write access to controller disks. This grant is

only valid for explicit disk access, for example with an FTP

client or the File Manager of RoboStudio.

It is possible, for example, to save a program to the controller

disk or perform a backup without this grant.

Modify controller properties Gives access to set controller name, controller ID and

system clock.

Delete log Gives access to delete messages in the controller Event

Log.

Revolution counter update Gives access to update the revolution counter.

Safety Controller configuration Gives access to perform a configuration of the Safety

Controller. This is valid only for the PSC-option and is not

included in the Full access grant.

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11.3.11. UAS Grant Viewer

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Application grants

Access to the ABB menu on

FlexPendant

Value true gives access to the ABB menu on the Flex-

Pendant. This is the default value if a user does not have the

grant.

Value false means that the user cannot access the ABB

menu when the controller is in Auto mode.

The grant has no effect in Manual mode.

Log off FlexPendant user when

switching to Auto mode

A user having this grant is automatically logged off from the

FlexPendant when switching from Manual mode to Auto

mode.

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.1. Synchronize to Station

3633HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.4 Offline specific features

11.4.1. Synchronize to Station

Synchronizing to the station

1. In the Offline tab, click Synchronize to Station to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select the paths to be synchronized to the station from the list.

3. Click OK.

The message Synchronization to Station completed is displayed in the Output window.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.2. Synchronize to VC

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11.4.2. Synchronize to VC

Synchronizing to the virtual controller

1. In the Offline tab, click Synchronize to VC to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select the elements to be synchronized to the VC from the list.

3. Click OK.

The message Synchronization to VC completed is displayed in the Output window.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.3. Virtual FlexPendant

3653HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.4.3. Virtual FlexPendant

Opening a Virtual FlexPendant

You can open a virtual FlexPendant in one of the following ways:

1. On the Offline tab, click Virtual FlexPendant.

2. Press the keyboard shortcut, CTRL + F5.

NOTE!

The Virtual FlexPendant is applicable while running a virtual controller.

For information on specifying the appearance and placement of virtual FlexPendant, see

Options:Robotics:Virtual Controller on page 185.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.4. Run Mode

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11.4.4. Run Mode

Overview

The Run Mode indicates the mode of the controller. It has the following two options

• Continuous

• Single

You can set the run mode of the controller in the following ways:

• On the Offline tab, click Run Mode and then click either Continuous or Single.

• On the Offline tab, click Rapid Tasks and then select Continuous or Single in the

Task window.

• On the Simulation tab, click Simulation Setup and then select Continuous or Single

in the Setup Simulation dialog box.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.5. Control Panel

3673HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.4.5. Control Panel

The Control Panel dialog box

Operation Mode This group contains the three operational modes of the

controller represented by option buttons.

Auto This option corresponds to the Auto mode on the FlexPendant.

Moving between the Auto and Manual Full Speed options

must proceed via the Manual option.

Manual This option corresponds to the Manual mode on the Flex-

Pendant.

Manual Full Speed This option corresponds to the Manual 100% mode on the Flex-

Pendant.

Moving between the Auto and Manual Full Speed options must

proceed via the Manual option.

Motors On Click this button to turn on the motors.

Enable Device In a manual mode, click this button to simulate holding the

enabling device to turn on the motors.

Release Device In a manual mode, click this button to turn off the motors.

Reset Emergency Stop If the controller enters the emergency stop state, click this button

to reset the state.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.6. Shutdown

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11.4.6. Shutdown

Shutting down a controller

1. In the Online or Offline browser, select the controller to shut down.

2. On the Offline tab, click Shutdown and select either Shutdown to close the connection

to the controller or Terminate Virtual Controllers to end all controller processes.

NOTE!

Suppose you want to restart the controller, select Warmstart. For more information on

restarting a controller, see Restart on page 330.

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.7. Set Task Frames

3693HAC032104-001 Revision: D

11.4.7. Set Task Frames

Modifying Task frame

1. In the Offline tab, click Set Task Frames.

The Modify Task Frames dialog box appears.

2. Set the reference to World, UCS, or Local.

3. Edit the position and orientation of task frames in the Task Frames coordinate box.

4. Click Apply.

To the question, Do you also want to move the Base Frames(s)?

• Click Ye s to move the base frame, but keeps its relative placement to the task frame.

• Click No. The following question appears Do you want to update the controller

configuration and restart?. Click Yes to restart the controller and update the base

frame configuration of the connected VC.

NOTE!

If there are any stationary RAPID objects (tooldata, workobjects) connected to the robot,

the following question appears Do you want to keep the positioning of all stationary

RAPID objects?

• Click Ye s to keep all the stationary RAPID objects in their global coordinates.

• Click No to move all the stationary RAPID objects along with the base frame (same

coordinates relative to base frame).

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.8. System Configuration

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11.4.8. System Configuration

Overview

The system configuration window contains functions for making and viewing advanced

system configurations, such as changing controller and baseframe positions, calibrating and

setting up external axes.

The left side of the system configuration window contains a hierarchical tree with which you

browse to different aspects of the system. The right side contains a property sheet for the

aspect selected in the tree. Below are short descriptions of the property sheets for each aspect

node of the system configuration.

CAUTION!

Changing the system configurations may result in corrupted systems or unexpected robot

behaviors. Be sure to understand the effects of the changes before proceeding.

The System node

The system node contains a box with information about the system and a button for loading

new parameters (configuration files) to the system.

The task node

The task node has no property page.

The mechanism folder node

The property page of this node contains controls for mapping and setting axis and joints. It is

from this page you set up external axes.

The mechanism library node

The property page of this node contains controls for changing the baseframe of the robot or

mechanism. Here, too, you specify whether the baseframe is moved by another mechanism

(coordinated motion), like a track external axis.

Updating the baseframe position

1. Move the mechanical unit (robot or external axis) to its new location using the ordinary

tools for moving and placing objects.

2. In the Offline browser, select the controller for the mechanical unit.

3. Click System Configuration to bring up a dialog box.

NOTE! The System configuration dialog box can also be opened by:

• In the Paths&Targets browser, right-click a station.

• Select Configuration and click System Configuration.

4. Select the node for the mechanical unit in the hierarchical tree. The baseframe property

sheet for the robot is now displayed.

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11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.8. System Configuration

3713HAC032104-001 Revision: D

5. Select the baseframe position values to use after restarting the robot.

6. Click OK.

NOTE!

For information on adding a track from System Configuration, see Setting up a system with

track motion of type RTT or IRBTx003 manually on page 69.

Select To

Controller values Reset all changes to the baseframe made since the last time the

system was started.

Stored station values Reset all changes made to the baseframe since the last time the

station was saved.

Optionally, you can enter new values in the baseframe

coordinate boxes (relative to the controller world coordinate

system).

Use current station

values

Read and use the current location of the baseframe.

Optionally, you can enter new values in the baseframe

coordinate boxes (relative to the controller world coordinate

system).

Continued

11 The Online and Offline Tabs

11.4.9. Encoder Unit

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11.4.9. Encoder Unit

Configuring an Conveyor Encoder Unit

1. Click Encoder Unit.

The Configure Conveyor Encoder Unit dialog box appears.

NOTE! The Configure Conveyor Encoder Unit dialog box can also be opened by:

• In the Paths&Targets browser, right-click a station.

• Select Configuration and click Encoder Unit.

2. Select CNV1 from the Mechanical Unit list.

3. In the Parameters box, enter the values for Maximum Distance, Minimum Distance,

Queue Tracking Distance and Start Window Width.

NOTE!

If any of the parameter values are changed, the controller must be restarted.

4. Click OK.

5. Click Yes to restart the controller.

12 The Add-Ins Tab

12.1. Overview

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12 The Add-Ins Tab

12.1. Overview

The Add-Ins tab

The Add-Ins tab contains the control for PowerPacs and the VSTA.

12 The Add-Ins Tab

12.2. Visual Studio Tools for Applications

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12.2. Visual Studio Tools for Applications

Building an add-in

1. Click Visual Studio Tools for Applications.

2. Create a new project or open an existing one. Compose or edit as required.

3. To build the add-in, from the Build menu, click Build.

The add-in will be loaded in RobotStudio and appear as a user add-in in the Add-In

browser.

4. Save the project to your hard disk if you want the add-in to remain with the user.

Otherwise, open a station, right-click in the Add-In browser and then click Add to

Station.

13 The Context Menus

13.1. Add to Path

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13 The Context Menus

13.1. Add to Path

Creating a move instruction based on an existing target

1. Select the target for which to create the move instruction.

2. From the Home menu, in the Path Programming group, select the type of move

instruction to create.

3. Click Add to Path.

The move instruction will appear under the path node as a reference to the original target.

13 The Context Menus

13.2. Align Frame Orientation

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13.2. Align Frame Orientation

The Align Frame Orientation dialog box

Reference Specify the frame or target for which you want to align the

selected objects here.

Align Axis The axis you specify here will be aligned as on the reference

target/frame for all selected objects.

Lock Axis The axis you specify here will not be changed on the selected

objects by the align function, but will keep its orientation.

13 The Context Menus

13.3. Align Target Orientation

3773HAC032104-001 Revision: D

13.3. Align Target Orientation

Aligning target orientation

1. Select the targets whose orientation you wish to change.

2. Click Align Target Orientation to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Reference box, specify the target whose orientation you want to use as reference,

by first click in the box and then selecting the target either from the graphics view or the

Layout browser.

4. In the Align Axis box, select the axis whose orientation you want to copy from the

reference target to the selected ones.

5. In the Lock Axis box, select the axis to rotate the target around. The orientation of this

axis will not be changed on the targets. For example, if the Z axis of all targets are

orientated normally to the surface of the work piece and you want to keep it this way, you

should lock the Z axis.

6. Click Apply.

TIP!

You can change the Align and Lock axis and click Apply again to reorientate the targets until

you deselect them.

13 The Context Menus

13.4. Attach to

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13.4. Attach to

Attaching an object

1. In the Layout browser, right-click the child object, click Attach to and click the parent

object in the list.

Attaching an object by drag and drop

1. In the Layout browser, drag the child object to the parent object.

2. In the displayed message, click the corresponding button:

To Click

attach the child object and move it to the

attachment point

Yes

attach the child object and keep its position No

not perform the attachment Cancel

13 The Context Menus

13.5. Auto Configuration

3793HAC032104-001 Revision: D

13.5. Auto Configuration

Setting a robot axis configuration for all targets in a path

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select a path and then click AutoConfiguration. The

robot now steps through each target in the path and sets the configurations.

2. If the first target in the path has no configuration assigned, the one closest to the robot’s

current configuration will be used. If the first target has a configuration assigned, the

assigned one will be used. Thus, the result of the autoconfiguration may vary depending

on the first target’s configuration.

13 The Context Menus

13.6. Check Reachability

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13.6. Check Reachability

Checking the reachability

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select the task that contains the targets or move

instructions to check.

2. Click Reachability to open a dialog box. Make sure that the Check reachability for

targets, paths, move instructions check box is selected.

Optionally, select or clear the Check reachability for targets, paths, move instructions

check box for showing and hiding the reachability display.

3. In the Layout browser, select the objects whose reachability you want to check. If paths

are selected, the reachability will be checked for all move instructions in each path.

4. In the Reachability dialog box, click Add.

The frames for the selected objects will now change color based on their reachability

status.

Color Means

Green The object can be reached.

Yellow The object can be reached at its current position, but not at its

current orientation

Red The object cannot be reached at its current position.

13 The Context Menus

13.7. Configurations

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13.7. Configurations

Manually setting a robot axis configuration for single targets

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select a target and then click Configurations to bring up

a dialog box.

2. If more than one configuration solution exist, examine them by clicking them, one at a

time.

The position of the robot with the selected configuration will be displayed in the graphics

window, and the joint values for the configuration will be displayed in the joint values list

below the configurations list.

In most cases, selecting a configuration similar to the previous one is the best choice.

3. Select the configuration to use and click Apply.

13 The Context Menus

13.8. Convert Frame to Workobject

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13.8. Convert Frame to Workobject

Converting a frame to a workobject

1. In the Layout browser, select a frame.

2. Click Convert Frame to Workobject. The new workobject will appear in the

Paths&Targets browser.

3. Optionally, rename or edit the workobject in any way.

13 The Context Menus

13.9. Convert to Move Circular

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13.9. Convert to Move Circular

Prerequisites

At least two targets, the via-point target and the end point target, must have been created.

A path containing at least the via-point target and the end point target, in correct order, must

have been created.

Converting to Move Circular

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, expand the path node that contains the move instruction

to be converted.

2. Select the move instruction that contains the via-point of the circular motion together with

the succeeding move instruction, which will serve as the end point. You can select several

instructions by holding down the SHIFT key while clicking the instructions.

3. Click Convert to Move Circular. The two selected move instructions will be converted

to a circular move instruction, which includes the via-point and the end point.

TIP!

To convert two move instructions to a circular motion, you can also select and right-click both

move instructions at once and then click Convert to Circular.

13 The Context Menus

13.10. Copy / Apply Orientation

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13.10. Copy / Apply Orientation

Copying and applying an orientation

1. In the browser, select the object or target from which to copy the orientation.

2. On the Modify menu, click Copy Orientation.

3. In the browser, select the object or target to which to apply the orientation.

4. On the Modify menu, click Apply Orientation. This can be performed on several targets

or a group of selected targets.

13 The Context Menus

13.11. Detach

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13.11. Detach

Detaching an object

1. In the Layout browser, right-click the attached object (child) and then click Detach. The

child will be detached from the parent and return to its position before the attachment.

13 The Context Menus

13.12. Execute Move Instruction

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13.12. Execute Move Instruction

Prerequisites

The move instruction must exist.

A virtual controller must be running for the robot with the move instruction.

Executing a move instruction

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, browse to the motion instruction to execute through the

Controller, Tasks and Paths nodes.

2. Click Execute move instruction. The TCP of the active robot will move from the current

location to the motion instruction according to the programed motion properties. If the

target for the motion instruction does not have a stored configuration, the robot will use

the configuration nearest the current one.

13 The Context Menus

13.13. Graphic Appearance

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13.13. Graphic Appearance

Overview

With the graphic appearance dialog box you set the graphic properties for an individual

object. The settings made here override the generic settings made in the options dialog box.

The dialog box contains one view group where you select the part of the object to affect, and

three tabs with settings.

Graphic Appearance: The View group

Graphic Appearance: The Rendering tab

Graphic Appearance: The Colors tab

Selection Select the parts of the object whose appearance you wish to

change. When Body or Surface/Curve is selected, you select

the object to work with in the preview display.

NOTE! To change the appearance of a part:

1. On the Modify menu, click Graphic Appearance. A

color box with the following options appears - Metals,

Light colors, medium colors, Dark colors.

2. Select any of the options to change the appearnace.

Backface culling Select this check box to view only the front sides (the direction

of the positive normal) of the faces in the model. This improves

the graphics performance and indicates the directions of the

faces in the model.

Clear this check box to also display the back sides of the faces

in the model. This ensures that the model is displayed correctly

even if the faces are in the wrong direction. If a model with faces

in the wrong direction is used for programming, you might get

unpredicted results.

Twosided lightning Select this check box to light the object from two sides.

Clear this check box to light the object from one side.

Flat shade Select this check box to change the appearance of shades.

Flip normals Click this button to change the direction of all faces on the

model.

Line width Specify the width of lines in the object here.

The detail level options Select the detail level of the model here. Only the levels

selected in the Options dialog box when the object was created

or imported are available.

Simple Color Click this color box to select another color for the object.

Transparency Use this slider to control the transparency of the object.

The color boxes Set the color of the object for different light situations here.

Shininess Specify the reflectiveness of the object here.

Continues on next page

13 The Context Menus

13.13. Graphic Appearance

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Graphic Appearance: The Textures tab

Effect Specifies the type of graphic effect to be used on the selected

part.

• Basic : Simple texturing/environment mapping or just a

solid color.

• Anisotropic: Brushed metal effect simulating an

anisotropic light model

• Bump Mapping: Texture that specifies the bumpiness of

the surface

• Parallex Mapping: Improved version of bump mapping

NOTE! Anisotropic, Bump Mapping and Parallex Mapping

requires DirectX9-class hardware to be correctly displayed in

the 3D window.

Base texture Specifies the basic structure of the selected part. It is a standard

24-bit image displayed on a 3D surface.

Environment map Provides a highly reflective appearance to the surface.

Normal/Bump Map Specifies a texture that defines the bumpiness of the surface.

NOTE! This option is enabled only during Bump mapping and

Parallex mapping effect.

Blend with material Select this check box to blend the texture with the colors and

properties specified on the Material tab.

Swap u/v Click this button to swap the horizontal and vertical directions of

the texture.

Modify Select along which directions the commands listed below shall

be applied.

u is the horizontal axis of the texture.

v is the vertical axis of the texture.

Normalize Click this button to set the ratio between the dimensions of the

object and the texture to 1.

Flip Click this button to invert the coordinates along the selected

axes. This is the same as mirroring around the other axis.

Stretch Click this button to stretch the texture along the selected axes.

Shrink Click this button to shrink the texture along the selected axes.

Shift < Click this button to move the texture along the selected axes.

Shift> Click this button to move the texture along the selected axes.

Continued

13 The Context Menus

13.14. Interpolate Path

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13.14. Interpolate Path

Reorienting targets in a path by interpolation

1. In the Layout browser or the graphics window, select the path with the targets to reorient.

2. Click Interpolate Path. to bring up a dialog box.

3. With the Interpolate type options, select whether to use Linear or Absolute

interpolation.

Linear interpolation distributes the difference in orientation evenly, based on the targets

positions along the length of the path. By contrast, absolute interpolation distributes the

difference in orientation evenly, based on the targets’ sequence in the path.

4. If using the Select Start/End option, select the start and end targets for the interpolation

in the Start target and End target boxes, respectively.

5. Optionally, with the Lock Axis options, select an axis to lock.

6. Click Apply.

13 The Context Menus

13.15. Invert

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13.15. Invert

Inverting the direction of a face

1. Right-click in the Modeling browser, point to Filter and make sure that both Show

Bodies and Show Faces are selected.

2. In the Modeling browser, expand the node for the object and browse down to and select

the face which direction you want to invert.

3. In the Modeling browser, expand the node for the object and browse down to and select

the face whose direction you want to invert.

4. Click Invert. If the option backface culling is activated, the face will now shift from

visible to not visible, or the other way around, depending on from which direction you

view the face. If backface culling is deactivated, there will be no visible indication that the

direction of the face has been inverted.

13 The Context Menus

13.16. Jump to Target

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13.16. Jump to Target

Jumping to a target

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, browse to the target to jump to through the Controller,

Tasks and WorkObjects nodes.

2. Click Jump to target.

If the target has a valid configuration for the robot axes stored, the active TCP of the robot

will immediately be positioned at the target. If no valid configuration is stored, the Select

Robot configuration dialog box is displayed.

3. In the Select Robot Configuration dialog box, select a suitable configuration solution

and click Apply. The selected configuration is now stored with the target.

NOTE!

You can deactivate the configuration check when jumping to targets. The robot will then use

the configuration solution closest to the current one when reaching the target. For more

information, see RobotStudio Options on page 182.

13 The Context Menus

13.17. Linked Geometry

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13.17. Linked Geometry

Overview

The Linked Geometry feature allows you to load geometry from a shared repository. If the

source file is updated, then the station will be updated with a single click.

Adding Link

You can add a link to a geometry in two ways:

1. In the Home tab, click Import Geometry to open a dialog box.

Select the option Link to Geometry.

2. In the Layout browser, right-click an existing part in the station and select Add Link.

A dialog box opens where you can select the CAD file to be linked.

Editing Link

To edit an existing link:

1. In the Layout browser, right-click an existing part in the station.

2. Select the option Link to Geometry and click Edit Link.

Deleting Link

To delete an existing link:

1. In the Layout browser, right-click an existing part in the station.

2. Select the option Link to Geometry and click Delete Link.

Updating Linked Geometry

To update a linked geometry:

1. In the Layout browser, right-click an existing part in the station, component group or the

station.

2. Select the option Link to Geometry and click Update Linked Geometry.

The update result is displayed in the output window.

NOTE! When you select a component group or a station, all linked geometries within the

group or station is updated.

NOTE! If the timestamp on the file is newer than the timestamp stored in the station, all

corresponding parts will be updated from the source location.

13 The Context Menus

13.18. The Library Group

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13.18. The Library Group

Modifying a library component

1. In the Layout browser, select the library you wish to modify.

2. Click Disconnect Library.

3. Select the library and then make any modifications to it.

4. Select the modified library, and then click Save As Library.

13 The Context Menus

13.19. Mechanism Joint Jog

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13.19. Mechanism Joint Jog

Jogging the joints of a robot

1. In the Layout browser, select the robot.

2. Click Mechanism Joint Jog to bring up a dialog box.

3. Each row in the Jog Joints dialog box represents a joint of the robot. Jog the joints either

by clicking and dragging the bar at each row, or by using the arrows to the right of each

row.

Set the length of each step in the Step box.

The Mechanism Joint Jog dialog box

Joint Move the joints of the objects by dragging the slider on the row

corresponding to each joint. Alternatively, click the buttons to

the right of the row, or type a value.

Cfg The current configuration value.

TCP The current position of the TCP.

Step Specify the length of the joint movements for each click of the

buttons to the right of each joint row.

External Axis If the robot uses external axes, you can select an axis to jog

from this list. The external axes must belong to the same task

as the object you are jogging for occurring in this list. If no

external axes are present in the same task, this list is not

available.

Lock TCP Select this check box to reposition the robot according to the

jogging of the external axis.

For track-external axes the robot will reposition so that the TCP

is locked relative to the world coordinate system.

For positioner-external axes the robot will reposition so that the

position of the robot’s TCP is locked relative to the attachment

point of the positioner. The robot will move with the positioner

the same way as when using multi-robot jog.

If no external axes are present in the same task, this check box

is not available.

External axes joint Move the joint of the external axes by dragging the slider on the

row corresponding to each joint. Alternatively, click the buttons

to the right of the row, or type a value.

If no external axes are present in the same task, this check box

is not available.

Continues on next page

13 The Context Menus

13.19. Mechanism Joint Jog

3953HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Jogging a conveyor

1. Create Empty Path. See Empty Path on page 207.

2. In the Layout browser, select the conveyor.

3. Right-click Conveyor Mechanism and select Mechanical Joint Jog.

The Joint Jog dialog box appears.

4. Jog the conveyor by moving the slider and click Teach Instruction.

A move instruction is added to the path.

NOTE!

When you jog the conveyor mechanism, objects on the conveyor are also moved.

• If you jog the conveyor mechanism beyond the maximum distance, the workobject

will be dropped.

• If you jog the conveyor mechanism beyond the zero position, the workobject that

belongs to the first part is attached to the conveyor attachment point.

If the workobject is dropped in Teach Mode, you can jog the conveyor backwards to connect

it again.

Continued

13 The Context Menus

13.20. Mechanism Linear Jog

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13.20. Mechanism Linear Jog

Jogging the TCP of a robot by using the Linear Jog dialog box

1. In the Layout browser, select the robot.

2. Click Mechanism Linear Jog to bring up a dialog box.

3. Each row in the Linear Jog dialog box represents a direction or rotation for the TCP. Jog

the TCP along the preferred direction or rotation, either by clicking and dragging the bar

at each row, or by using the arrows to the right of each row.

4. From the Reference list, you can select the coordinate system that you want to jog the

robot relative to.

5. In the Step box, specify the step movement per deg/rad.

13 The Context Menus

13.21. Mirror Path

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13.21. Mirror Path

The Mirror Path dialog box

Duplicate Select this option to keep the existing path when mirroring.

Replace Select this option to remove the existing path after mirroring.

X-Y, X-Z and Y-Z Select the plane to mirror the path around with these options.

The plane is defined by the selected axes and position of the

reference coordinate system selected below.

Reference Select the frame or coordinate system to define the mirror plane

in.

To use another frame than any of the predefined ones, select

Select Frame from the list and specify the frame in the box

below.

Select Frame If Select Frame is used as Reference frame, specify the frame

to use here by first clicking in the box and then selecting the

frame from the graphics window or the Layout browser.

Flip axis X/YZ Select one of these options to mirror the orientation of the

targets. When any of these are selected, the robot will approach

the targets in a mirrored way.

The axis you select will change the most for achieving the

mirrored orientation, while the other one will be kept as near to

its current direction as possible.

The axis that is set to the robot’s approach vector cannot be

selected.

Keep orientation Select this option to keep the orientation of the targets. When

selected, the robot will go to the mirrored position, but approach

the target from the same direction as for the original target.

Mirror Robot Configura-

tion

Select this option to also mirror the robot axis configuration for

the targets. Selecting this option will mirror the robot’s motions

completely.

For using this option, the following conditions must be met:

• The Reference frame must be set to Baseframe.

• The Mirror plane must be set to X-Z.

• The tool of each move instruction must have its TCP in

the X-Z plane of tool0.

• All targets in the path must have robot axis configuration

set.

• The virtual controller must be running.

More / Less Click this button to show or hide the commands for naming and

location of generated targets and paths.

New path name Specify the name of the path that will be generated by the

mirroring here.

Target prefix Specify a prefix for the targets that will be generated by the

mirroring here.

Receiving robot Specify the robot task in which the new targets and path shall be

created.

Receiving work object Specify the work object in which the new targets shall be

created.

13 The Context Menus

13.22. Mirror

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13.22. Mirror

Mirroring a part

1. In the Layout browser, select the part to mirror and right-click.

2. Select Mirror and then click one of the following options from the context menu:

NOTE!

The mirror feature is applicable only to objects of type body and part that contains geometry.

Parts and and bodies that are imported without geometry cannot be mirrored. See

Mathematical versus graphical geometries on page 28.

For information on mirroring a path, see Mirror Path on page 397.

select... to create a new part..

Mirror YZ around YZ plane

Mirror ZX around ZX plane

Mirror XY around XY plane

13 The Context Menus

13.23. Modify Curve

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13.23. Modify Curve

Extending a curve with a straight line in the direction of the curve’s tangent

1. Click Modify curve to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select Extend as modify method and then click the curve segment, close to the

appropriate vertex.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve the endpoint closest to the pointer is

highlighted. This is the endpoint that will be selected for extension when you click the

curve.

3. In the Distance from endpoint box, enter the length of the extension. In the graphics

window a yellow line displays a preview of the extension.

4. Click Apply.

Joining curves

1. Click Modify curve to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select Join as modify method and then click the curves to join in the graphics window.

The curves may be either intersecting or adjacent to be joined.

The Selected curves list displays the curves that will be joined. To remove a curve from

the list, select the list entry and press the DEL key.

3. In the Tolerance list, enter a value in millimeters. Adjancent curves whose end points lie

within the tolerance will be valid for the operation.

4. Click Apply.

Projecting curves on a surface

1. Click Modify curve to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select Project as modify method and then click the curves to project in the graphics

window.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve, the projection direction is displayed.

The project direction is always the negative Z direction of the User Coordinate System.

To change the projection direction, create a new frame with the desired orientation and set

it as user coordinate system.

The Selected curves list displays the curves that will be projected. To remove a curve

from the list, select the list entry and press the DEL key.

3. Click in the Target bodies list and then click the bodies to project on in the graphics

window. The bodies must be in the projection direction and be big enough to cover the

projected curves.

To remove a bodies from the list, select the list entry and press the DEL key.

4. Click Apply. A new curve will now be created in a new part, wrapped around the surface

of the selected bodies.

Continues on next page

13 The Context Menus

13.23. Modify Curve

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Reversing curves

1. Click Modify curve to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select Reverse as modify method and then click the curves to reverse in the graphics

window.

Note that when resting the pointer over a curve, the current direction of the curve is

displayed by yellow arrows.

The Selected curves list displays the curves that will be reversed. To remove a curve from

the list, select the list entry and press the DEL key.

3. Click Apply. The curves will now be reversed.

Splitting a curve

1. Click Modify curve to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select Split as modify method and then click the curve at the point to split at. Only open

curves can be split.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve, point of the split is highlighted. This

point is affected by the current snap mode setting.

3. Click Apply. The curve will now be split to two separate curves in the same part.

Trimming a curve

1. Click Modify curve to bring up a dialog box.

2. Select Trim as modify method and then click the curve segment to trim.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve, the closest vertices are highlighted.

The segment between these points will be trimmed.

3. Click Apply. The selected part of the curve will now be removed.

Generic content of the Modify Curve dialog box

Extend Extend a curve at any vertex with a straight line in the direction

of the curve’s tangent.

Join Join two or more curves into one. The original curves will be

deleted when joining curves.

Project Project a curve onto a surface or a body, creating a new curve

on the target part.

Reverse Reverse the direction of curves.

Split Split a curve in two bodies. Only open curves can be split.

Trim Cut a segment of a curve between intersection or end points.

Continued

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13 The Context Menus

13.23. Modify Curve

4013HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Extend-specific information

Join-specific information

Selected curve Display the name of the curve to extend. Select the curve by

clicking it in the graphics window.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve the endpoint

closest to the pointer is highlighted. This is the endpoint that will

be selected for extension when you click the curve.

xx0600002637

Endpoint to extend Display the position of the endpoint to extend. To change the

endpoint, select the curve again, but click it closer to the other

endpoint.

Distance from endpoint Type the length of the extension here. You can also click a point

in the graphics window to set the length.

A yellow line indicates the length of the extension.

xx0600002638

Selected curves Display the names of the curves to join. Select the curves by

clicking them in the graphics window. To remove a curve from

the list, select the list entry and press the DEL key.

The curves may be either intersecting or adjacent to be joined.

Tolerance Specifies the distance within which the end points of adjacent

curves may lie to be joined.

Continued

Continues on next page

13 The Context Menus

13.23. Modify Curve

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Project-specific information

Reverse-specific information

Selected curve Display the name of the curves to project. Select the curves by

clicking them in the graphics window.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve the projection

direction is displayed. The project direction is always the

negative Z direction of the User Coordinate System. To change

the projection direction, create a new frame with the desired

orientation and set it as user coordinate system.

xx0600002639

Target bodies Display the name of the bodies to project the curve on. Select

the bodies by first clicking in the box and then clicking the bodies

in the graphics window.

Selected curves Display the names of the curves to reverse. Select the curves

by clicking them in the graphics window.

Note that when resting the pointer over a curve the current

direction of the curve is displayed by yellow arrows.

xx0600002640

Continued

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13 The Context Menus

13.23. Modify Curve

4033HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Split-specific information

Trim-specific information

Selected curve Display the name of the curve to split. Select the curve by

clicking it in the graphics window.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve, the point

where the split will be is highlighted. This point is affected by the

current snap mode setting.

xx0600002641

Point on curve These boxes show the position of the split point. To change the

split point, select the curve again, but click another part of it.

Selected curve Display the name of the curve to trim. Select the curve by

clicking it in the graphics window.

Note that when you rest the pointer over the curve the closest

vertexes are highlighted. It is the segment between those points

that will be cut.

xx0600002642

Trim only works on single curves with intersection points. If you

want to trim a curve that intersects with another curve, first join

the two curves.

First section endpoint Display the position of the first trimming point.

Second section endpoint Display the position of the second trimming point.

Continued

13 The Context Menus

13.24. Modify External Axis

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13.24. Modify External Axis

Modifying external axis positions in targets

1. Select the targets (one or several) you want to modify, either in the Layout browser or in

the graphics window. If you select several targets, the values you specify will be applied

to all selected targets.

2. Click Modify External Axis to bring up a dialog box.

3. Edit the values of the axis by performing any of the following:

4. Click Apply.

The Modify External Axis dialog box

Action Description

Type a new position value

for an axis

In the Eax column, select the value of the external axis you want

to edit, and enter the new value.

Jog the axis to the new

position

Use the arrow buttons to the left of the Joint Values column for

jogging the axis. Then click the right arrow button between the

Joint values column and the Eax column to transfer the current

joint value to the Eax value.

< Jog the joint of the external axis corresponding to each row by

clicking the < button.

> Jog the joint of the external axis corresponding to each row by

clicking the > button.

value box Enter the axis value for the corresponding joint of the external

axis in the value box.

<- With the arrow left button, you transfer the value from the Eax

box to the corresponding value box.

-> With the arrow right button, you transfer the value from the value

box to the corresponding Eax box.

Eax Specify the value of the corresponding joint of the external axis.

13 The Context Menus

13.25. Modify Instruction

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13.25. Modify Instruction

Modifying an instruction

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select the instruction you want to modify. If you want to

apply the same properties to several instructions, press the CTRL key and select them.

2. Click Modify Instruction to bring up a dialog box.

3. For move instructions, select joint or linear motion in the Motion type list.

4. In the Instruction Argument group, modify the values for the instruction.

For details about each argument, see the selected instruction in the RAPID Reference

Manual. For an overview of the arguments for move instructions, see below.

5. When you have finished modifying, click Apply.

Arguments for move instructions

The table below is an overview of common arguments for move instructions. For detailed

information about the arguments, see the selected instruction in the RAPID Reference

Manual.

To set the Use

subsequent instructions to be executed at once. \Conc

destination target for the instruction target. ToPoint

speed for the tool center point, the tool reorientation and

external axes.

Speed

velocity of the TCP in mm/s directly in the instruction (it will be

substituted for the corresponding speed data).

total time in seconds during which the robot moves (it will be

substituted for the corresponding speed data).

size of the generated corner path. Zone

position accuracy of the robot TCP directly in the instruction (the

length of the path will be substituted for the corresponding zone

specified in the zone data).

tool used for the movement (the TCP of this tool will be

positioned at the destination target).

\Tool

workobject to which the robot position in the instruction belongs. \Wobj

13 The Context Menus

13.26. Modify Mechanism

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13.26. Modify Mechanism

The Modify Mechanism dialog box

See The Modify Mechanism dialog box on page 291.

13 The Context Menus

13.27. Modify Tooldata

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13.27. Modify Tooldata

Modifying tooldata

1. In the Layout browser, select the tooldata you want to modify.

2. Click Modify Tooldata to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Misc Data group:

• Modify the Name of the tool.

• Select if the tool is to be held by the robot in the Robot holds tool list.

4. In the Tool Frame group:

• Modify the Position x, y, z of the tool.

• Modify the Rotation rx, ry, rz of the tool.

5. In the Load Data group:

• Enter a new Weight for the tool.

• Modify the Center of gravity for the tool.

• Modify the Inertia for the tool.

6. In the Sync Properties group:

• In the Storage type list, select PERS or TASK PERS. Select TASK PERS if you

intend to use the tooldata in MultiMove mode.

• In the Module list, modify the module in which to declare the tooldata.

7. Click Apply.

13 The Context Menus

13.28. Modify Workobject

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13.28. Modify Workobject

Modifying a workobject

1. In the Layout browser, select the workobject you want to modify.

2. Click Modify Workobject. to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Misc Data group, modify the values for the workobject:

• Enter a Name for the workobject.

• In the Robot holds workobject list, select True or False. If you select True, the robot

will move the work piece instead of the tool.

• In the Moved by mechanical unit list, select the mechanical unit with which the robot

movements are coordinated. This setting is only valid when Programmed has been

set to False.

• In the Programmed list, select True or False. True means that the workobject will

use a fixed coordinate system, and False that a movable coordinate system (that is,

coordinated external axes) will be used.

4. In the User Frame group, do one of the following:

• Modify the user frame by entering values for the Position x, y, z and the Rotation rx,

ry, rz for the workobject. Click in one of these boxes, and then click the position in

the graphics window to transfer the values.

• Modify the user frame by using the Frame by points dialog box, see Frame from

Three Points on page 197 .

5. In the Object Frame group, do one of the following:

• Modify the object frame by selecting values for Position x, y, z and Rotation rx, ry,

rz for the workobject.

• Modify the object frame by using the Frame by points dialog box.

6. In the Sync Properties group, modify the values for the workobject:

• In the Storage type list, select PERS or TASK PERS

. Select TASK PERS if you

intend to use the workobject in MultiMove mode.

• In the Module list, select the module in which to declare the workobject.

7. Click Apply.

NOTE!

If you change the position of a workobject that is used in a program, you have to synchronize

the affected paths to the virtual controller; otherwise, the program will not be updated.

13 The Context Menus

13.29. Move Along Path

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13.29. Move Along Path

Prerequisites

At least one path must have been created in the station.

A virtual controller must be running for the robot to move along the path.

Moving along a path

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select the path to move along.

2. Click Move along path. In the graphics window, the robot will move along the path.

13 The Context Menus

13.30. Move to Pose

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13.30. Move to Pose

Prerequisites

At least one joint position must be defined.

Only one mechanism may be selected at a time.

Moving to a pose

1. In the Layout browser, select one mechanism to move.

2. Click Move to Pose and then click one of the available poses. In the graphics window, the

mechanism will move to the pose.

13 The Context Menus

13.31. Place

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13.31. Place

Placing an item

1. Select the item you want move.

2. Click Place and then click one of the commands to bring up a dialog box.

3. Set the reference coordinate system you want to use.

4. Click the points in the graphics window to transfer values to the from-point boxes to the

to-point boxes. For detailed information, see the tables below.

5. Click Apply.

The Place Object by One Point dialog box

If you want to move the item Choose

from one position to another without affecting

the orientation of the object.

Select the axes to be affected.

One Point

according to the relationship between a start

and a finish line.

The object will move to match the first point,

then it will rotate to match the second point.

Two Points

according to the relationship between a start

plane and a finish plane.

The object will move to match the first point,

then it will rotate to match the third point.

Three Points

from one position to a target or frame position

and simultaneously change the orientation of

the object according to the frame orientation.

The position of the object changes according

the orientation of the to-point coordinate

system.

Frame

from one frame of reference to another Two Frames

Reference Select the reference coordinate system to which all positions or

points will be related.

Primary Point - From Click in one of these boxes, and then click the primary point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Primary Point

- From boxes.

Primary Point - To Click in one of these boxes, and then click the primary point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Primary Point

- To boxes.

Translate along these

axes

Select whether the translation is to be performed along the X, Y

or Z axis, or several of the axes.

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13 The Context Menus

13.31. Place

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The Place Object by Two Points dialog box

The Place an Object by Three Points dialog box

The Place Object with Frame dialog box

Reference Select the reference coordinate system to which all positions or

points will be related.

Primary Point - From Click in one of these boxes, and then click the primary point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Primary Point

- From boxes.

Primary Point - To Click in one of these boxes, and then click the primary point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Primary Point

- To boxes.

Point on X-Axis - From Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point on the x axis

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on X-

Axis - From boxes.

Point on X-Axis - To Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point on the x axis

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on X-

Axis - To boxes.

Translate along these

axes

Select whether the translation is to be performed along the X, Y

or Z axis, or several of the axes.

Reference Select the reference coordinate system to which all positions or

points will be related.

Primary Point - From Click in one of these boxes, and then click the primary point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Primary Point

- From boxes.

Primary Point - To Click in one of these boxes, and then click the primary point in

the graphics window to transfer the values to the Primary Point

- To boxes.

Point on X-Axis - From Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point on the x axis

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on X-

Axis - From boxes.

Point on X-Axis - To Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point on the x axis

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on X-

Axis - To boxes.

Point on Y-Axis - From Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point on the y axis

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on Y-

Axis - From boxes.

Point on Y-Axis - To Click in one of these boxes, and then click the point on the y axis

in the graphics window to transfer the values to the Point on Y-

Axis - To boxes.

Translate along these

axes

Select whether the translation is to be performed along the X, Y

or Z axis, or several of the axes.

Select Frame Specify the name of the frame with which you want to place the

object.

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13 The Context Menus

13.31. Place

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The Place by Two Frames dialog box

From Select the frame object (For example, Target, Workobject,

Tooldata or Frame) from this dropdown list to set the From point

of moving the object.

To Select any of the frame object (For example, Target,

Workobject, Tooldata or Frame) from this dropdown list to set

the To point of moving the object.

Continued

13 The Context Menus

13.32. Remove Unused Targets

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13.32. Remove Unused Targets

Removing unused targets

1. In the Paths&Targets browser, select either the Controller node or the Task node from

which you wish to remove the unused targets, and then click Remove Unused Targets.

2. To the question Are you sure you want to remove unused targets?, answer Yes . All

targets that not are used by any move instructions are now removed.

13 The Context Menus

13.33. Rename Targets

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13.33. Rename Targets

Renaming targets

1. In the Paths & Targets browser, select the targets to rename.

To rename all targets in one or several paths, select the paths that contain the targets.

2. Click Rename targets to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Target Prefix box, enter a text string to precede the target numbers.

4. Optionally, in the Increment box and the Start with box, change the numbering series for

the target names.

5. Optionally, in the Target Suffix box, enter a text string to follow the target numbers.

6. Click Apply.

13 The Context Menus

13.34. Reverse Path

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13.34. Reverse Path

The commands

Simple Here you reverse only the target sequence. The new path will keep the

move instruction for each path segment and just reverse the

programed positions.

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Note that move instructions are not changed, just the targets. Even the

MoveAbsJ instruction to the joint target is preserved, but placed last.

Advanced Both target sequence and move instructions are reversed in a way that

corresponds to recording the robot movements and playing the movie

backwards. For example, if the robot used a linear motion to move from

a target, it will use a linear motion to move to the target after the

reversal.

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Note that the move instructions have changed together with the

targets. For example, in the original path, a joint motion was used to

reach target 20 and a linear motion to leave it. After the reversal there

is a linear motion to the target and joint motion from it.

Also, note that the jointtarget has been converted into an ordinary

target; otherwise, it would not be possible to program a linear motion

to that position.

13 The Context Menus

13.35. Rotate

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13.35. Rotate

Rotating an item

1. Select the item you want to rotate.

2. Click Rotate to bring up a dialog box.

3. Select the reference coordinate system you want to use:

4. Specify the rotation of the item in the Rotate around x, y, z by first clicking in one of the

boxes, and then click the center position in the graphics window to transfer the values.

5. If you have selected the coordinate system User defined axis, specify the Axis start point

x, y, z and the Axis end point x, y, z.

6. Specify the Rotation of the item and the axis around which the rotation is to occur.

7. Click Apply.

If you want to move the item Select

absolute in the coordinate system of the

station

World

relative to the coordinate system of its parent Parent

relative to its own coordinate system Local

relative to the user-defined system UCS

relative to an axis defined by two points User defined axis

13 The Context Menus

13.36. Rotate Path

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13.36. Rotate Path

Rotating a paths

1. In the Layout browser or the graphics window, select the paths to rotate.

2. Click Rotate path to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Reference frame list, select the frame to rotate the paths around.

4. If Selected frame was selected in the Reference frame list, specify a frame or target in

the text box by clicking in the box and then selecting the frame in the graphics window.

5. With the Rotation axis options, select the axis of the frame to rotate around.

6. In the Rotation angle box, enter the rotation.

7. Click Apply.

Select To

World rotate around the station’s world coordinate system

Baseframe rotate around the robot’s baseframe

UCS rotate around a frame or target that previously has been set to

User Coordinate System.

Select Frame rotate around an existing target or frame other than the listed

ones. When using Select Frame, specify the frame to rotate

around further down.

13 The Context Menus

13.37. Set Local Origin

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13.37. Set Local Origin

Setting the origin of the local coordinate system

1. If the object you want modify is a library component, first disconnect it from the library.

2. In the Layout browser or the graphics window, select the part to modify.

3. Click Set Local Origin to bring up a dialog box.

4. In the Set Local Origin dialog box, select the reference coordinate system you want to

use:

5. In the Position X, Y, Z boxes, either type the new position or, select it by first clicking in

one of the value boxes and then clicking the point in the graphics window.

6. Type the Orientation.

7. Click Apply.

If you want to move Select

relative to the part’s current local coordinate

system

Local

relative to the coordinate system of its parent Parent

absolute in the coordinate system of the

station

World

relative to a user-defined coordinate system UCS

13 The Context Menus

13.38. Set Normal to Surface

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13.38. Set Normal to Surface

Setting the target orientation normal to a surface

1. In the Paths & Targets browser, select the target to modify.

2. Click Set Normal To Surface to bring up a dialog box.

3. On the Selection Level toolbar, set the selection level.

• To align the target to a specific surface, set the selection level to surface.

• To align the target to a specific point at the surface, set the selection level to part.

4. In the graphics window, click the reference surface. This will transfer the name of the part

or surface to the Surface box.

5. In the Approach Direction, click the button for the axis to be used as the approach

direction.

6. To set the distance between the surface and the target in the approach direction, specify

an Offset value.

7. Click Apply.

13 The Context Menus

13.39. Set Position

4213HAC032104-001 Revision: D

13.39. Set Position

Positioning an item

1. Select the item you want to move.

2. Click Set Position to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Set Position dialog box, select the reference coordinate system you want to use:

4. In the Position X, Y, Z boxes, either type the new position, or select it by first clicking in

one of the value boxes and then clicking the point in the graphics window.

5. Specify the Orientation for the item.

6. Click Apply.

If you want to move the item Select

relative to its own coordinate system Local

relative to the coordinate system of its parent Parent

absolute in the coordinate system of the

station

World

relative to a user-defined coordinate system UCS

13 The Context Menus

13.40. Tool Compensation

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13.40. Tool Compensation

Offsetting a path to compensate for tool radius

1. In the Paths&Targets browser or the graphics window, select the path.

2. Click Tool Compensation to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Distance box, enter the size of the compensation (normally, the tool radius).

4. Using the Direction options, select whether the new path shall be on the left or the right

side of the current path.

5. Click Apply.

13 The Context Menus

13.41. Translate Path

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13.41. Translate Path

Translating a path

1. In the Paths&Targets browser or the graphics window, select the paths to translate.

2. Click Translate path to bring up a dialog box.

3. In the Reference frame list, select the coordinate system to use as reference for moving

the paths.

4. If Select frame was selected in the Reference frame list, specify a frame or target in the

text box by clicking in the box and then selecting the frame from the graphics window.

5. In the Translation vector box, specify the distance to move the path along the X, Y and

Z axes of the reference frame.

Translation vector is applicable only if a reference frame is used. If Point to Point is used

as reference, specify the start and end points for the translation, instead. To do this, click

in one of the boxes for the point to specify and then select the point in the graphics

window, or type the coordinates of the point.

6. Click Apply.

Select To

World move relative to the origin of the world coordinate system

Base Frame move relative to the origin of the robot’s baseframe

UCS move relative to the origin of a frame or target that previously

has been set to User Coordinate System.

Select Frame move relative to the origin of an existing target or frame other

then the listed ones. When using Select Frame, specify the

frame to use further down.

Point to Point move the path from one point to another without specifying

any coordinate system.

13 The Context Menus

13.42. View Robot at Target

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13.42. View Robot at Target

Viewing a robot at a target

1. Click View Robot at Target.

2. Select a target, either in the Paths&Targets browser or in the graphics window.

3. The robot will be shown at each selected target whenever a target is selected. By stepping

through the targets in the browser, it will be easy to see how the position of the robot

changes.

4. To turn the function off, click the command again.

13 The Context Menus

13.43. View Tool at Target

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13.43. View Tool at Target

Viewing a tool at a target

1. Click View Tool at Target and select the tool you want to view at the target.

2. Select a target, either in the Paths&Targets browser or in the graphics window. You can

also multiselect targets to show several copies of the tool.

A copy of the tool will be shown at the selected target. By stepping through the targets in

the browser, it is easy to see how the tool orientation changes.

3. To turn the function off, click the command and clear the check box.

13 The Context Menus

13.43. View Tool at Target

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.1.1. Overview

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.1 Introduction to ScreenMaker

14.1.1. Overview

What is ScreenMaker?

ScreenMaker is a tool in RobotStudio for developing custom screens. It is used to create

customized FlexPendant GUIs without the need to learn Visual Studio development

environment and .NET programming.

Why ScreenMaker?

A customized operator interface on the factory floor is the key to a simple robotic system. A

well-designed custom operator interface presents the right amount of information at the right

time and in the right format to the user.

GUI concepts

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A GUI makes it easier for people to work with industrial robots by presenting a visual front

end to the internal workings of a robotic system. For FlexPendant GUI applications, the

graphical interface consists of a number of screens, each occupying the user window area (the

blue box in the figure above) of the FlexPendant touch screen. A FlexPendant screen is then

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.1.1. Overview

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D428

composed of a number of smaller graphical components in a design layout. Typical controls

(sometimes referred as widgets or graphic components) include buttons, menus, images, and

text fields.

A user interacts with a GUI application by:

• Clicking a button

• Selecting from a menu

• Typing a text in a text box

• Scrolling

An action such as clicking a button is called an event. Whenever an action is performed, an

event is sent to the GUI application. The exact content of an event is solely dependent on the

graphic component itself. Different components trigger different types of events. The GUI

application responds to the events in the order generated by the user. This is called event-

driven programming, since the main flow of a GUI application is dictated by events rather

than being sequential from start to finish. Due to the unpredictability of the user’s actions, one

major task in developing a robust GUI application is to ensure that it works correctly no

matter what the user does. Of course, a GUI application can, and actually does, ignore events

that are irrelevant.

The event handler holds sets of actions to be executed after an event occurs. Similar to trap

routines in the RAPID program, the event handler allows the implementation of application-

specific logic, such as running a RAPID program, opening a gripper, processing logic or

calculating.

In summary, from a developer’s point of view, a GUI consists of at least two parts:

• the view part: layout and configuration of controls

• the process part: event handlers that respond to events

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Modern GUI development environments often provide a form designer, a (What You See Is

What You Get ) WYSIWYG tool to allow the user to select, position and configure the

widgets. As for event handlers, typically the developer must use a special programming

language recommended by the development environment.

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14.1.1. Overview

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FlexPendant concepts

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Running Windows CE, the ABB FlexPendant has limited CPU power and memory compared

to a PC. A custom GUI application must therefore be placed in the designated folders on the

controller hard drive before being loaded. Once loaded, it can be found in the ABB menu as

seen in the figure above. Clicking the menu item will launch the GUI application.

As the robot controller is the one actually controlling the robot and its peripheral equipment

by executing a RAPID program, a GUI application needs to communicate with the RAPID

program server in order to read and write RAPID variables and set or reset I/O signals.

It is essential for RAPID programmers to understand that there are two different levels

controlling a work cell: an event-driven GUI application running on the FlexPendant, and a

sequential RAPID program running in the controller. These reside on different CPUs and use

different operating systems, so communication and coordination are important and must be

carefully designed.

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.1.2. Development environment

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14.1.2. Development environment

Overview

This section presents an overview of the ScreenMaker development environment.

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Parts Description

1 Ribbon Displays group of icons organized in a logical sequence of

functions. See Ribbon on page 431.

2 Project explorer Shows the active screen project and lists the screens that

are defined in the project. For more information, see

Managing ScreenMaker projects on page 442.

3 Design area Layout to design the screen with the available controls. For

more information, see Form designer on page 453.

4 Output window Displays information about the events that occur during

ScreenMaker development.

5 Too lBox Displays a list of available controls. For more information.

see ToolBox on page 432.

6 Properties window Contains the available properties and events of the

selected control(s). The value of the properties can either

be a fixed value or a link to an IRC5 data or an Application

Variable. For more information, see Properties window on

page 434.

7 Arrange Displays icons for resizing and positioning controls on the

design area. See Arrange on page 431.

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14.1.2. Development environment

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Ribbon

The ScreenMaker ribbon tab contains a group of icons organized in a logical sequence of

functions that facilitates the user in managing ScreenMaker projects.

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The Ribbon is categorized into the following groups:

Arrange

This toolbar displays icons for resizing and positioning controls on the design area.

NOTE: The icons are enabled once you select a control or group of controls on the design

area.

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Group Description

Project Facilitates the user to manage ScreenMaker project. See

Managing ScreenMaker projects on page 442.

Add Facilitates the user to add screen and application variables. See

Managing screens on page 445 and Managing application

variables on page 452.

Build Facilitates the user to build a project. See Building a project on

page 450.

Controller Facilitates the user to connect and deploy to the controller. See

Connecting to controller on page 449 and Deploying to

controller on page 451.

Arrange Facilitates the user to resize and position the controls on the

design area. See Arrange on page 431.

Close Facilitates the user to close a project.

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ToolBox

ToolBox acts a container for holding all the available controls that can be placed on a screen.

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14.1.2. Development environment

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The following table displays the GUI controls that can be dragged on to the design area.

NOTE!

For more information on using these controls and their properties, see the section Building

the user interface on page 435 and the chapterUsing the FlexPendant SDK of the Application

manual - FlexPendant SDK.

Control Description

ActionTrigger Allows to run a list of actions when either a signal or rapid data

changes

BarGraph Represents an analog value in a bar

Button Represents a control that can be clicked.

Provides a simple way to trigger an event, and is commonly

used to execute commands. It is labeled either with text or an

image.

CheckBox Allows multiple selections from a number of options. They are

displayed as a square box with white space (for unselected) or

as a tick mark (for selected).

ComboBox Represents a control that enables to select items from a list

Combination of a drop-down list and a textbox. It allows you to

either type a value directly into the control or choose from the

list of existing options.

CommandBar Provides a menu system for a ScreenForm

ControllerModeStatus Displays the mode of the Controller (Auto - Manual)

DataEditor Represents a text box control that can be used to edit the data.

Graph Represents a control that plots data with lines or bars.

GroupBox Represents a Windows control that displays a frame around a

group of controls with an optional caption.

Is a container used to group a set of graphic components. It

usually has a title at the top.

LED Displays a two states value, like a Digital Signal.

ListBox Represents a control to display a list of items.

Allows the user to select one or more items from a list contained

within a static, multiple line text box.

NumEditor Represents a text box control that can be used to edit a number.

When the user clicks it, a Numpad is opened.

NumericUpDown Represents a spin box that displays numeric values.

Panel Used to group collection of controls.

PictureBox Represents a picture box control that displays images.

RadioButton Allows to select only one of a predefined set of options.

RapidExecutionStatus Displays the execution status of the Controller Rapid Domain

(Running - Auto)

RunRoutineButton Represents a Windows button control that calls a RapidRoutine

when clicked

Switch Displays and lets change a two states value, like a Digital

Output Signal.

TabControl Manages a set of tab pages.

TpsLabel Very commonly used widget that displays text, a label is usually

static, that is, it has nointeractivity. A label generally identifies a

nearby text box or other graphic component.

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14.1.2. Development environment

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Properties window

A control is characterized by its properties and events. Properties describe the appearance and

behavior of the component, while events describe the ways in which a control notifies its

internal state change to others. By changing the value of a property, the controls have a

different look and feel, or exhibit different behavior.

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Element Description

1 Graphical component name panel Displays the selected component, and lists the

available components of the active design

screen.

2 Properties window toolbar

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1. Organizes table panel in categories

2. Organizes table panel alphabetically

3. Displays Properties in table panel

4. Displays Events in table panel

3 Table panel Displays all the properties or events in two-

columns. The first column shows the property

or event name, the second shows the value of

the property or name of the event handler.

4 Information panel Display information about a property or event.

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Editing the property value

You can edit the property value of a control from theProperties window in three ways:

Building the user interface

This section describes building the GUIs using the following controls from the ToolBox.

ActionTrigger

An action trigger initiates an event, such as making a hidden object visible when an action is

performed using a control. It allows to run a list of actions when the property value changes.

The property value can be bound to a signal, rapid data, or application variable.

ActionTrigger control can also be used to invoke the application from RAPID.

Use this procedure to add an ActionTrigger control::

1 By typing the numerics, strings and text.

For example, Location, Size, Name etc.

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2 By selecting the predefined values from the

list. For example, BackColor, Font etc.

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3 By entering the values in the dialog box.

For example, Enabled, States, BaseValue

etc.

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Action

1 Drag an ActionTrigger control from the ToolBox on to the design area.

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NOTE: An action is not triggered when the screen is launched for the first time, but is

triggered when there is a difference in the bound value at any point of time. This functionality

is supported only in RobotWare 5.12.02 or higher.

Example: Consider a signal being bound to the value property. The value of the signal

changes at runtime on performing a specific action. The event handler configured for

ActionTrigger control gets triggered based on this signal value change.

2 You can modify the name, set the default value and configure data binding value for

a ActionTrigger control.

• To set the values of a property, see Properties window on page 434.

• You can set the trigger event for an ActionTrigger to any of the event handler

created either from a control or from an Events Manager option. To set up the

events, see Setup Events on page 453.

• To configure the data binding values, see Configuring data binding on page

459.

• To set the application variables, see Managing application variables on page

452.

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Action

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TpsLabel

TpsLabel is a standard Windows label that displays a descriptive text.

Use this procedure to add a TpsLabel control:

NOTE!

• The controls Button, PictureBox, and TpsLabel support AllowMultipleStates.

• For more information on how to use AllowMultipleStates, see Picture object and

changing images due to I/O on page 477.

Panel

Panel is used to group a collection of controls.

Use this procedure to add a Panel control:

Step Action

1 Drag a TpsLabel control from the ToolBox on to the design area.

2 You can set the values, setup events, configure data binding values and set the

application values for a TpsLabel control.

• To set the values of a property, see Properties window on page 434.

• To set up the events, see Setup Events on page 453.

• To configure the data binding values, see Configuring data binding on page

459.

• To set the application variables, see Managing application variables on page

452.

3 You can set the option Allow Multiple States to true and change the property.

1. Click Allow Multiple States. The StatesEditor dialog box appears.

2. Click the check-box Allow Multi-States, select the properties to change from

Properties For States and click OK.

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Step Action

1 Drag a Panel control from the ToolBox on to the design area.

2 You can add a group of controls to a panel.

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NOTE: Currently only EventHandler, CancelEventHandlers, and MouseEventArgs are

supported.

ControllerModeStatus

ControllerModeStatus displays the mode of the controller (Auto - Manual).

Use this procedure to add a ControllerModeStatus control:

3 You can modify the name, set the default value and binding value for a Panel control.

• To set the values of a property, see Properties window on page 434.

• To set up the events, see Setup Events on page 453.

• To configure the data binding values, see Configuring data binding on page

459.

• To set the application variables, see Managing application variables on page

452.

Step Action

1 Drag a ControllerModeStatuscontrol from the ToolBox on to the design area.

2 You can set the values, setup events, configure data binding values, and set the

application variables for a ControllerModeStatus control.

• To set the values of a property, see Properties window on page 434.

• To set up the events, see Setup Events on page 453.

• To configure the data binding values, see Configuring data binding on page

459.

• To set the application variables, see Managing application variables on page

452.

3 You can select the image to be displayed when the controller is in Auto mode and in

Manual mode.

• Click AutoImage in the Properties window and browse to select the image to

be displayed in Auto mode.

• Click ManualImage in the Properties window and browse to select the image

to be displayed in Manual mode.

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RapidExecutionStatus

RapidExecutionStatus displays the execution status of the Controller Rapid Domain

(Running - Auto). This control is used

Use this procedure to add a RapidExecutionStatus control:

RunRoutineButton

RunRoutineButton represents a Windows button that calls a RapidRoutine when clicked.

Use this procedure to add a RunRoutineButton control:

Step Action

1 Drag a RapidExecutionStatus control from the ToolBox on to the design area.

2 You can set the values, setup events, configure data binding values, and set the

application values for a RapidExecutionStatus control.

• To set the values of a property, see Properties window on page 434.

• To set up the events, see Setup Events on page 453.

• To configure the data binding values, see Configuring data binding on page

459.

• To set the application variables, see Managing application variables on page

452.

3 You can select the image to be displayed when the Program is running and is

stopped.

• Click RunningImage in the Properties window and browse to select the image

to be displayed when the Program is running.

• Click StoppedImage in the Properties window and browse to select the image

to be displayed when the Program is stopped.

en0900000537

Step Action

1 Drag a RunRoutineButton control from the ToolBox on to the design area.

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2 You can set the values, setup events, configure data binding values, and set the

application values for a RapidExecutionStatus control.

• To set the values of a property, see Properties window on page 434.

• To set up the events, see Setup Events on page 453.

• To configure the data binding values, see Configuring data binding on page

459.

• To set the application variables, see Managing application variables on page

452.

3 You can perform the following RunRoutineButton tasks from the SmartTag:

• Define Actions before calling Routine

• Select Routine to call

• Define Actions after calling Routine

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4 You can perform the following RunRoutineButton tasks from the Properties window.

• RoutineToCall - RAPID Routine will be called

• AllowInAuto- Indicates if the routine could be called in the Auto mode

• TextAlign- Indicates the alignment of text

NOTE:

• You cannot bind RunRoutineButton to built-in Service routines.

• Only user defined procedures with no arguments can be binded.

• Set the PP to task before performing action through RunRoutineButton.

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Step Action

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14.2.1. Overview

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14.2 Managing ScreenMaker projects

14.2.1. Overview

Overview

This chapter describes how to manage projects in ScreenMaker. A complete cycle includes

creating, saving, building, connecting, and deploying a ScreenMaker project.

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14.2.2. Managing ScreenMaker projects

Overview

You can manage a project (create, delete, load, or save) either from ScreenMaker ribbon or

Context menu.

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ScreenMaker Ribbon

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Context menu

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Creating a new project

Use this procedure to create a new project:

1. Click New from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and select

New Project.

The New ScreenMaker Project dialog box appears.

en0900000561

2. Enter a new project name and specify a location for the new project.

A default screen MainScreen(main) is added in the tree view.

By default, the new project is saved on C:\My Documents\RobotStudio\My ScreenMaker

Projects.

3. Click OK.

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Loading a project

Use this procedure to load an existing project:

1. Click Open from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and select

Open Project.

The Open Screen Project File dialog box appears.

en0900000562

2. Browse to the location of the project file to be loaded and click Open.

NOTE!

You can also load an existing project using a quick access method.

1. Click Recent from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and

select Recent Projects.

2. Select the project file from the list of most recently opened projects.

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Saving a project

To save a project, follow this step:

• Click Save from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and

select Save.

To save the existing project with a new name, follow this step:

• Click SaveAs from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and

select SaveAs.

NOTE!

Project files are saved with the extension *.smk.

SaveAs FlexPendant Project

To save the ScreenMaker project as a FlexPendant project, follow this step:

• Click SaveAs FlexPendant Project from the ScreenMaker ribbon and select Save.

The project is saved with the extension *.csproj which can be opened from Microsoft Visual

Studio.

Closing a project

To close a project, follow this step:

• Right-click Project context menu and select Close Project.

Closing ScreenMaker

To close ScreenMaker, follow this step:

• Click Close ScreenMaker from the ScreenMaker ribbon.

Managing screens

This section describes adding, renaming, deleting, and editing a screen.

Creating a screen

1. Click Screen from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and

select Add Screen.The New Screen dialog box appears.

2. Enter the name of the new screen in Name text box.

3. Click OK.

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Deleting a screen

1. From the Project tree view, select the screen to be deleted.

2. Right-click and select Delete.

Renaming a screen

1. From the Project tree view, select the screen to be renamed.

2. Right-click and select Rename. The Rename of Screen dialog box appears.

3. Enter the new name in the text box and click OK.

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Editing a screen

For information on editing a screen, see Editing a screen on page 453.

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Changing the Main screen

You have the option to change the main screen.

1. From the Project tree view, select the screen to be changed.

2. Right-click and select Set as Main Screen.

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Modifying Project properties

Project properties define the properties of the ScreenMaker project, including how the GUI

is loaded and displayed in the FlexPendant.

Use this procedure to modify the project properties:

1. Right-click Project context menu and select Properties.

The Project Properties dialog box appears.

en0900000394

2. In the Display tab under Caption, enter the text the Name field to edit the caption.

The updated caption appears in the ABB Menu on the right side.

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3. In the Display tab under ABB Menu, select the following options,

NOTE!

The applications that uses the option None cannot be run on RobotWare releases earlier

than 5.11.01.

4. In the Display tab under ABB Menu, browse and select the ABB menu image.

5. In the Display tab under TaskBar, browse and select the TaskBar image.

NOTE!

By default, the Use default image and Use Menu image checkbox is enabled and the

deafult image tpu-Operator32.gif is selected.

6. In the Display tab under Startup , select Automatic to load the screen automatically at

the Startup.

NOTE!

By default, the start up type is Manual.

Option Description

Left application is visible to the left in the ABB Menu.

Right application is visible to the right in the ABB Menu.

None application is not visible at all in the ABB Menu.

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Connecting to controller

Use this procedure to establish the connection with a controller in both Online mode and

Offline mode:

1. Click Connect from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and

select Connect.

The Select a Robot Controller dialog box appears.

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NOTE!

Click the Connect dropdown from the ScreenMaker ribbon to directly connect to the

controller.

2. Click Refresh to find a list of all the available controllers.

NOTE!

• If the connection with the controller is through Offline mode then all running VCs are

listed.

• If the connection with the controller is through Online mode then all connected real

controllers are listed.

• By default, the currently connected controller is highlighted and has a small icon

before the row as an indicator.

3. Select the controller to be connected from the list and click Connect.

The connection status is displayed in the Project tree view.

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NOTE!

• To remove the connection with the controller, click Disconnect from the Project

context menu.

• To shift between Online and Offline modes, click Switch to Online Controller or

Switch to Offline Controller from the Project context menu.

Building a project

The result from building the ScreenMaker project is a set of files including DLL file and

images. The ScreenMaker project can be compiled into binary format (.dll) that can be

deployed on a FlexPendant.

Use this procedure to build a project:

1. Click Build from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and select

Build

The result is displayed in the output window.

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Deploying to controller

Use this procedure to deploy a ScreenMaker project to a real controller or virtual controller:

1. Connect to the controller you want to deploy to. See Connecting to controller on page

449.

2. Click Deploy from the ScreenMaker ribbon or right-click Project context menu and select

Deploy Screen to Controller.

The Download dialog box appears displaying the progress of download. It disappears

once the download is successful.

The TpsViewxxxxxx.dll file is downloaded.

3. Restart the controller.

NOTE!

• If a real controller is used, you can reboot the FlexPendant by moving its joystick three

times to the right, once to the left, and once towards you.

• If a virtual controller is used, you can reboot the FlexPendant by closing the virtual

FlexPendant window.

Continued

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14.2.3. Application variables

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14.2.3. Application variables

Overview

Application variables, also called temporary variables are created for a ScreenMaker project.

During runtime, they reside in the FlexPendant memory. It is used for data sharing and

performance improvement. It is similar to a RAPID variable and has a RAPID data type.

Managing application variables

To create, delete, and rename an application variable, follow these steps:

1. In the Project context menu, right-click and select Application Variables. The Project

Application Variables dialog box appears.

2. Click Add and define the name, type and value of the new variable.

3. Select the variable, click Delete to delete a variable.

4. Select the variable, click Rename, enter the new name and click OK to rename a

variable.

5. Click Close.

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NOTE!

For information on application variable data binding, see Application variable data binding

on page 463.

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14.2.4. Form designer

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14.2.4. Form designer

Overview

The Form designer is a tool to edit or design a screen. It allows you to design the screen with

the required controls and the design area resembles a FlexPendant screen.

Editing a screen

To edit a screen, follow these steps:

1. Drag a control from the toolbox and drop it on the design area.

The Properties window displays all the properties of the control.

2. Select the control and resize or reposition for configuration.

NOTE!

You can either select a single control or multiple controls:

• Single control : Left-click the control on the design area or select the control from the

list in the Properties window.

• Multiple controls: Left-click on the design area, drag the mouse and create a window

selecting all the controls.

3. Click the smart tag on the upper right corner of the control to perform the basic tasks of

configuration. See Configuring data binding on page 459.

NOTE!

You can perform additional configuration by editing the attributes in the Properties

window. See Properties window on page 434.

Setup Events

Event handler is a set of actions to be executed after an event occurs.

To set up an event, follow these steps:

1. Select the control for which the event handler is to be defined.

2. Open the Events Panel dialog box in any one of the following ways:

• Double-click the control.

• Right-click the control, select Events Manager, click Add enter the name, and click

OK and close.

• Click smart tag and select the task from the list.

• In the Properties window, click Events icon and select the desired event from the list.

3. Click Add Action to add an action from a predefined list of actions.

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The following table lists the set of predefined actions:

Screens • Open Screen

• Close Screen

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Signals • Set a Digital Signal

• Invert a Digital Signal

• Pulse a Digital Signal

• Read a Signal

• Write a Signal

• Reset a Digital Signal

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RapidData • Read a Rapid Data

• Write a Rapid Data

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4. Select the action from the left window and perform the following:

• Click Delete to delete the action.

• Click Move Up or Move Down to change the order of execution of actions.

5. Click OK.

NOTE!

To delete a user created event handler, do the following:

1. Right-click the control, select Events Manager. The Events Manager dialog box

appears.

2. Select the event handler to be deleted from the list and click Delete.

Advanced • Call another Action list

• Call .NET method

• Call Custom Action

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Advanced options

Call another Action List

Existing event handlers from Events Manager can be reused by other controls while defining

actions for event. You can call another event handler from an existing event handler.

In the following example, listbox1_SelectedIndexChanged event handler is called from

comboBox1_SelectionIndexChanged event handler.

NOTE! Click Show warning message before performing actions checkbox to display a

message box before performing these actions.

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Call .NET Method

You can import the dlls and add references to the Advanced tab of the Project Properties

dialog box.

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Once the references are defined, .NET methods appear in the Project Properties dialog box

and can be included in the Actions list which will be executed on performing the desired

action.

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Double click the method and bind the return value to the application variable.

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NOTE! Binding can be done only to the application variable. For more information, see

Application variable data binding on page 463.

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Call Custom Action

You can add an user control to the ScreenMaker toolbox and call a custom method for that

control by defining it in the ScreenMaker.dll.config file.

NOTE! Currently Call Custom Action only supports the Graph control.

In the following example, the Graph control has a method called UpdateValues that has to be

called when defining an action. You can view this information in the ScreenMaker by

defining it in the ScreenMaker.dll.config file.

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14.2.5. Data binding

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14.2.5. Data binding

Overview

Data binding is the mechanism that links a GUI property with an external data source such

that whenever the data source is updated the GUI property will be updated automatically and

vice verse. Databinding has the following three aspects:

• A unidirectional connection means that an update of the data source is reflected by the

GUI, or vice versa; a bidirectional connection means that updates to either are

reflected by the other.

• A temporal connection can be suspended and resumed at any time.

• A convertable connection negotiates between the different data types or formats

between the data source and the GUI property.

A screen has to be linked with data to be useful. There are two ways of linking the data with

the GUI properties:

• Controller object data binding on page 462

• Application variable data binding on page 463

Configuring data binding

Data binding can be configured in the following two ways:

Using smart tag

Smart tags perform basic configuration tasks like binding default GUI property with

controller data. The controls that either display or edit information normally have a value

property to represent the information. Smart tag binds the value to the controller object.

• On the design area, select the control and click the smart tag. The tasks menu appears.

en0900000398

Using Binding menu

1. On the design area, select the control.

2. In the Properties window, locate the row from the table for binding the value.

3. Select the attribute and click the list to display the Binding menu.

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Configuring data binding for different controls

Almost all the controls defined in the toolbox (except ComboBox and ListBox) have the

following two options for binding values:

• Bind to a Controller Object

• Bind to an Application Variable

Binding to an array can be done with the following controls:

• DataEditor

• ComboBox

• ListBox

Menu Description

Remove actual binding Removes the existing data binding

Bind to a Controller object Select available data in the controller for binding.

Bind to an Application variable Select available data in project temporary data store for

binding.

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Control Description

DataEditor The default index value is 1. DataEditor is designed in such a way

that the default value of the Rapid array starts with 1 and not 0.

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ComboBox and ListBox The default index value is -1. You can enter the appropriate index

value but cannot bind to a controller object or an application

variable.

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NOTE!

• You can limit the number of items to be displayed in the

ComboBox and ListBox of an array.

• While using a ComboBox, a RAPID index starts with 1 (1

specifies the first element) and the ComboBox index starts

with 0( 0 specifies the first index).

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Controller object data binding

Controller object data binding lets you to select the data in the controller for binding.

Use this procedure to set up a binding with controller objects:

1. Select Bind to a Controller Object either using smart tag or binding menu.

The Controller Object Binding dialog box appears.

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2. In the Type of object group, select either Rapid data or Signal data.

3. If you select Rapid data, from the Scope group, select a task and module from the list.

4. If you select Signal data, the Scope group is disabled.

5. In the See list, select the desired data.

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Application variable data binding

Application variables are used for data binding in the same way as controller data. See

Controller object data binding on page 462.

Use this procedure to set up a binding with application variables:

1. Select Bind to an Application Variable either using smart tag or binding menu.

The Application Variables Bind Form dialog box appears.

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2. Select an application variable and the field to connect.

3. Click Setup Variables to manage the variables.

The Project Application Variables dialog box appears. See Managing application

variables on page 452.

4. Click OK.

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14.2.6. Screen navigation

Overview

Screen navigation in ScreenMaker follows a tree structure.

Consider the following example,

• To open screen A1, you first have to open Screen A

• To navigate from screen A1 to screen B1, you first have to close screen A1 and then

Screen A and navigate from Main Screen through Screen B to screen B1.

• Similarly, to navigate from screen B1 to screen C1, you first have to close screen B1

and Screen B and then navigate from Main Screen through Screen C to screen C1.

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14.3.1. Overview

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14.3 Tutorial

14.3.1. Overview

About this chapter

This chapter is designed as a tutorial to take you through the steps involved in designing a

FlexArc Operator Panel.

The FlexArc Operator Panel is a simple arc welding cell, where the robots can perform the

following three different jobs.

The FlexArc Operator Panel displays the following graphic elements:

• Controller Status (controller mode auto or manual and the RAPID execution status)

• Part Status (number of produced parts, the average cycle time per part, and a Reset

button)

• Robot jobs (Produce, Service, and Bull’s Eye) and Robot locations (Robot at home

position, service location, calibration location, and part location)

• Start and Stop buttons

en1000000359

Job Description

Produce Welding the part

Service Service the welding gun

Bull’s Eye Calibrate with bull’s eye

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14.3.2. Designing the FlexArc operator panel

Procedure

Use this procedure to design the FlexArc operator panel:

Action Info

1. Create a system for the FlexArc operator panel. For more information about creating a

system, see Creating a system from

layout on page 192.

NOTE! Ensure you select the

following options,

• FlexPendant Interface

• PC Interface

2. Load EIO.cfg and MainModule.mod files. For more information on loading these

files, see Loading a configuration file

on page 339 and Loading a RAPID

module on page 319.

By default,

•For Windows XP, the files can

be found at C:\Documents and

Settings\<user name>\My

Documents\RobotStudio\My

ScreenMaker Projects\Tutorial

•For Windows 7, the files can

be found at C:\Users\<user

name>\Documents\RobotStu-

dio\My ScreenMaker

Projects\Tutorial

3. The following signals are created after loading

EIO.cfg file

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4. Create an empty station in RobotStudio with the

system created in the previous step.

For more information about creating a

station, see New Station on page 176.

5. Launch ScreenMaker from RobotStudio. For more information, seeLaunching

ScreenMaker on page 329.

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6. Create a new ScreenMaker project. For more informaton, see Creating a

new project on page 443.

1. Enter the project name as

FlexArcGUI, and save it in the

default location,

C:\Users\<user name>\Docu-

ments\RobotStudio\My

ScreenMaker Projects\Tuto-

rial.

2. A new tab MainScreen is

added to the Design Surface.

7. Configure the Project properties. To customize how the GUI should

appear on the FlexPendant, modify

the Project properties. For more infor-

mation, see Modifying Project

properties on page 447.

8. Connect to the controller. For more information, see Connecting

to controller on page 449.

The result appears in the output

window.

9. Create application variables (temporary

variables) and configure them with the following

data

en1000000360

For more information, see Managing application

variables on page 452.

10. Design the Main Screen. For more information, see Designing

the screen on page 469.

11. Build and Deploy the project. For more information, see Building

and deploying the project on page

475.

Action Info

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12. Open virtual FlexPendant and test the GUI • In RobotStudio, press Ctrl+F5

to launch the virtual Flex-

Pendant.

• Click FlexArc operator panel to

launch the GUI.

NOTE!

Ensure that you switch the controller

to Auto mode and start the RAPID

execution.

Action Info

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14.3.3. Designing the screen

Introduction to designing the screen

A major effort in the GUI project development is designing screens. The Form designer in the

ScreenMaker allows you to drag controls from the toolbox to the design surface. Using the

Properties window, you can resize, position, label, color, and configure the controls.

Designing FlexArc Operator Panel screen

Use this procedure to design the FlexArc Operator Panel screen:

1. Drag a GroupBox control from the General category; place it on the design surface and

set the following values in the Properties window.

2. Drag another GroupBox control from the General category; place it on the design surface

and set the following values in the Properties window.

3. Drag a ControllerModeStatus control from the Controller Data category; place it in the

Controller Status groupbox created and set the following values in the Properties window:

4. Drag a RapidExecutionStatus control from the ControllerData category; place it in the

Controller Status groupbox created and set the following values in the Properties window:

Property Value

Location 14,45

Size 150,100

Title Controller Status

BackColor LightGray

Property Value

Location 14,170

Size 150,204

Title Part Status

BackColor LightGray

Property Value

Location 19,40

Size 44,44

BackColor LightGray

Property Value

Location 80,40

Size 44,44

BackColor LightGray

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3HAC032104-001 Revision: D470

5. Drag a TpsLabel control from the General category; place it in the Part Status groupbox

created and set the following values in the Properties window:

6. Drag a NumEditor control from the ControllerData category; place it in the Parts Status

groupbox created and set the following values in the Properties window:

7. Drag another TpsLabel control from the General category; place it in the Part Status

groupbox created and set the following values in the Properties window:

Property Value

Location 16,30

Size 131,20

Text Parts Produced

BackColor LightGray

Font TpsFont10

Property Value

Location 16,56

Size 116,23

Value Link to RAPID variable partsReady defined in the module

MainModule.

en1000000373

Property Value

Location 16,89

Size 131,20

Text Cycle time/part

BackColor LightGray

Font TpsFont10

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.3.3. Designing the screen

4713HAC032104-001 Revision: D

8. Drag another NumEditor control from the General category; place it in the Part Status

groupbox created and set the following values in the Properties window:

9. Drag a Button control from the General category; place it in the Part Status group box

created and set the following values in the Properties window:

Perform the following for the Reset button in the Part Status group:

Property Value

Location 16,115

Size 116,23

Value Link to RAPID variable cycleTime defined in the module

MainModule.

Property Value

Location 33,154

Size 85,34

Tex t Reset

Step Action

1 Double-click the button Reset. The Events Panel dialog box appears which is used

to define the actions for Events.

2 In the Events Panel dialog box, click Add Action; point to Rapid Data and select

Write a Rapid Data.

The Action Parameters dialog box appears; assign Rapid data to the following value

and click OK.

• T_ROB1.MainModule.partsReady to MyResetValue.Value

en1000000387

Similarly, assign Rapid data to the following value and click OK.

• T_ROB1.MainModule.cycleTime to MyResetValue.Value

NOTE! Two actions of similar type are needed to perform the Reset action. One is to

reset Rapid variable partsReady to 0, the other is to reset Rapid variable cycleTime

to 0.

Continued

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.3.3. Designing the screen

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D472

10.Drag a PictureBox control from the General category; place it on the design surface and

set the following values in the Properties window:

NOTE!

You can find the graphic (.GIF ) files at C:\MyDocuments\RobotStudio\My ScreenMaker

Projects\Tutorial\Images.

11. Drag another PictureBox control from the General category; place it on the design surface

and set the following values in the Properties window:

NOTE! Add AllowMultipleStates option to the PictureBox control. The objective is to

have an image that changes when an I/O signal changes.

For more information on how to use AllowMultipleStates for PictureBox control, see

Picture object and changing images due to I/O on page 477.

12.Drag a Button control from the General category; place it on the design surface and set

the following values in the Properties window:

Property Value

Location 177,28

Size 284,359

SizeMode StretchImage

Image FlexArcCell.GIF

Property Value

Location 237,31

Size 48,48

SizeMode StretchImage

Image RobotAtHome.GIF

AllowMultipleStates True

NOTE! Select Image property from the StatesEditor dialog box

SlectedStateValue DI_RobotAtHome

States Link State{0} to RobotAtHome_gray.GIF

Link State{1} to RobotAtHome.GIF

Property Value

Location 486,66

Size 116,105

Text Start

Font TpsFont20b

BackColor LimeGreen

Enabled Link to DI_RobotAtHome

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.3.3. Designing the screen

4733HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Perform the following for the Start button:

13.Drag a Button control from the General category; place it on the design surface and set

the following values in the Properties window:

Perform the following for the Stop button:

14.Drag a Button control from the General category; place it on the design surface and set

the following values in the Properties window:

Step Action

1 Double-click the button Start or click the Smart tag and select Define Actions when

clicked. The Events Panel dialog box appears which is used to define the actions

for Events.

2 In the Events Panel dialog box, click Add Action; point to Rapid Data and select

Write a Rapid Data. The Action Parameters dialog box appears.

3 In the Action Parameters dialog box, assign Rapid data to the following value and

click OK.

• T_ROB1.MainModule.JobProduce to JobProduce

Property Value

Location 486,226

Size 116,105

Tex t Stop

Font TpsFont20b

BackColor LimeGreen

Enabled Link to DI_PRODUCE

Step Action

1 Double-click the button Stop or click the Smart tag and select Define Actions when

clicked. The Events Panel dialog box appears which is used to define the actions

for Events.

2 In the Events Panel dialog box, click Add Action; point to Rapid Data and select

Write a Rapid Data. The Action Parameters dialog box appears.

3 In the Action Parameters dialog box, assign Rapid data to the following value and

click OK.

• T_ROB1.MainModule.JobIdle to JobIdle

Property Value

Location 274,246

Size 111,47

Tex t Bull’s Eye

Font TpsFont14b

Enabled Link to DI_RobotAtHome

AllowMultipleStates True

NOTE! Select BackColor property from the StatesEditor

dialog box

SelectedStates DI_RobotAtBull'sEye

States Link State{0} to Red

Link State{1} to Green

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.3.3. Designing the screen

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D474

Perform the following for the Bull’s Eye button:

15.Drag a Button control from the General category; place it on the design surface and set

the following values in the Properties window:

Perform the following for the Service button:

Step Action

1 Double-click the button Bull’s Eye or click the Smart tag and select Define Actions

when clicked. The Events Panel dialog box appears which is used to define the

actions for Events.

2 In the Events Panel dialog box, click Add Action; point to Rapid Data and select

Write a Rapid Data. The Action Parameters dialog box appears.

3 In the Action Parameters dialog box, assign Rapid data to the following value and

click OK.

• T_ROB1.MainModule.JobBulls to JobBulls

Property Value

Location 274,324

Size 111,47

Text Service

Font TpsFont14b

Enabled Link to DI_RobotAtHome

AllowMultipleStates True

NOTE! Select BackColor property from the StatesEditor

dialog box

SelectedStates DI_RobotAtService

States Link State{0} to Red

Link State{1} to Green

Step Action

1 Double-click the button Service or click the Smart tag and select Define Actions

when clicked. The Events Panel dialog box appears which is used to define the

actions for Events.

2 In the Events Panel dialog box, click Add Action; point to Rapid Data and select

Write a Rapid Data. The Action Parameters dialog box appears.

3 In the Action Parameters dialog box, assign Rapid data to the following value and

click OK.

• T_ROB1.MainModule.JobService to JobService

Continued

14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.3.4. Building and deploying the project

4753HAC032104-001 Revision: D

14.3.4. Building and deploying the project

Procedure

1. From the ScreenMaker ribbon, click Build.

For more information on building the project, see Building a project on page 450.

2. From the ScreenMaker ribbon, click Deploy.

For more information on deploying the project, see Deploying to controller on page 451.

3. In RobotStudio, press Ctrl+F5 to launch the Virtual Flexpendant and click FlexArc

Operator Panel to open the GUI.

NOTE!

Ensure that you start the RAPID execution and switch the controller into Auto mode.

14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D476

14.4. Frequently asked questions

How to deploy manually to a Virtual Controller

If for any reason you wish to manually by-pass the Deploy button in RobotStudio and the

virtual controller, the following information describes what files are to be moved.

Actions

Location of output files

The files that contain the FlexPendant application from ScreenMaker are found (for example)

in the bin directory under the My ScreenMaker Projects located in the My documents

directory of the user.

For example, My Documents\My ScreenMaker Projects\SCM_Example\bin where

SCM_Example is the example ScreenMaker project.

The files in the bin directory are to be copied to a location where the Virtual FlexPendant can

read them during the start of the FlexPendant.

Location where the Virtual FlexPendant reads the files

The recommended location for manually copying the ScreenMaker output files is the location

of the virtual controller system.

If the system is created manually from System Builder, it is located in the My Documents

directory.

For example, My Documents\IRB4400_60_SCM_Example\HOME where

IRB4400_60_SCM_Example is the example controller system.

If the system is created by a Pack-and-Go and then restored, it is located in the

RobotStudio\Systems folder.

For example,

MyDocuments\RobotStudio\Systems\IRB4400_60_SCM_Example\HOME where

IRB4400_60_SCM_Example is the example controller system.

Copy files

Copy the files from the ScreenMaker output to the Home directory of the virtual controller

system.

Restart the Virtual FlexPendant and the new application will be loaded.

Continues on next page

14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

4773HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Picture object and changing images due to I/O

The typical user objective is to have an image that changes when an I/O signal changes, this

is common for a digital input to affect the state on the FlexPendant.

Actions

This is accomplished by adding an image and allowing the image to have multiple states.

Set AllowMultipleState to TRUE and set the Image state.

en0900000668

Create two states and add images for each state:

en0900000669

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D478

The Value property is extremely important. If binding to a digital input then there are two

states for the input, 0 and 1. Set the Value property to the value of the bound variable. 0 and

1 for digital input. It is also possible to bind to RAPID variables and have multiple states and

values for the values in the RAPID variable.

Set the SelectedStateValue property to bind to a controller object:

en0900000670

Using CommandBar and the menu items

Using CommandBar allows button to appear at the bottom of the screen in a controlled and

organized order.

en0900000671

In the preceding graphic, the CommandBar has three menu items Gate, Conveyor, and

Motor. The objective is to have events trigger when these are clicked.

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

4793HAC032104-001 Revision: D

Actions

First create the CommandBar and add the menu items (either by editing the menu items

property or by clicking the small arrow on the upper right of the active CommandBar) and

add the menu items.

en0900000672

To add events to the menu items, go to the Properties dialog and select the menu item from

the drop down list.

en0900000673

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D480

Select Gate menu item. The following dialog appears.

en0900000674

en0900000409

1. In the preceding graphic, select 4 to add an event when the menu item is clicked.

2. Click the drop-down list to select the event. The events are added automatically

For more information on various ways of opening the Events Panel dialog box, see Setup

Events on page 453.

en0900000675

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

4813HAC032104-001 Revision: D

en0900000676

When adding CommandBar menu items, ensure that the Text property is filled. If not, nothing

appears on the CommandBar.

en0900000677

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14 The ScreenMaker tab

14.4. Frequently asked questions

3HAC032104-001 Revision: D482

How to get radio buttons to show state when entering

The objective is to have two radio buttons that controls one digital output. When the screen

is loaded, the buttons should show the current state of the output.

Actions

Create a group or a panel and place the two radio buttons on the group or panel.

For button1, set the property default value to True and bind the property to the value of the

controller digital output signal.

For button2, do not do any changes.

When the screen is loaded, the state of the two radio buttons is established correctly.

Continued

Index

4833HAC032104-001 Revision: D

ABB library 190

action instruction

about

Activate RobotStudio

Manual activation 32

Add Controller

342

add to path 375

alerts

activate

132

align frame orientation 376

align target orientation 377

Application grants

362

Application Variables 452

create,delete, rename application variables

452

FlexPendant memory

452

RAPID variable

452

attach to object

378

Authenticate

345

Edit User Accounts

345

Log off 345

Log off all controllers 345

345

UAS Grant Viewer 345

auto configuration 379

Back up

restore backup 332

Backup

331

create backup 331

base coordinate system 22

browser

Layout

Modeling 38

Paths & Targets

CAD file

troubleshoot and optimize

CAD formats

convert 77

check reachability

380

collision

detection 127

sets

127

configuration

robot axis 24

configuration editor

334

instance editor 338

configuration file 169

configuration monitoring

about

Configure data binding 459

Using Binding menu

459

Using Smart tag 459

confJ

about

ConfL

about

Connecting a controller 449

control panel

367

enable device 367

manual full speed 367

motors on

367

operation mode 367

release device 367

reset emergency stop

367

Controller grants 360

Backup and save 360

Calibration

361

Delete log 361

Edit RAPID code

360

Execute program

360

Full access

360

I/O write access

360

Manage UAS settings

360

Modify configuration

360

Modify controller properties

361

Modify current value

360

Program debug

361

Read access to controller disks

361

Safety Controller 361

Write access to controller disks 361

controller menu

169

Controller Shutdown 368

Terminate Virtual Controllers 368

controller system

create

145

controller tab 43

access

controller name 43

controller state 43

logged on as

operating mode 43

program execution state 43

system name

controller world coordinate system

convert frame to workobject

382

coordinate systems

cycle tme

measure 133

Data Binding 459

Application variable data binding 463

Controller object data binding

462

data declaration 19

detach 385

detecting collision

128

Development Environment 430

device browser 351

editor 121

element

select

Ethernet 140

event

create

130

Index

484 3HAC032104-001 Revision: D

events 314

event log 314

external axis

program

117

File transfer 346

Controller explorer 347

PC explorer 347

FlexPendant Viewer

348

Frame

create 196

create from three points

197

frame

converting to workobject

crerating by points

frames

function

geometry

troubleshoot and optimize

Getting started window 34

Go Offline 353

Grants, about

144

Grants, give to groups 358

graphics window 54

Group, about

143

group, add 357

group, add user 356

group, remove

358

group, rename 357

Groups, give grants 358

handle events 171

date and time 172

event category

172

event code

172

event description

172

event log list

171

event title

172

event type

171

manage events

173

retrieve controller events

173

sequential number

172

I/O

set 131

I/O system

326

I/O signals 165

input signals 165

output signals

165

simulated signals 165

virtual signals 165

import

Import geometry 195

import library

191

instruction 19

about 21

item

select

jog

mechanism 93

robot

several mechanisms 93

jointtarget

creating

keyboard shortcuts 57

General commands

Program Editor commands 57

Program Editor hotkeys

Program Editor Intellisense

Layout browser 35

LED

433

library

troubleshoot and optimize

load module 319

Load Parameters 339

local coordinate system

set

local origin

set

Manage ScreenMaker Project 442

Close project

445

Create project 443

Load project 444

Save project

445

Manage ScreenMaker project

Close ScreenMaker 445

Manage Screens

445

Create screen

445

Delete screen

446

Edit screen

446

Rename screen

446

Managing ScreenMaker Projects

Build project

450

MediaPool 18

Mirror 398

Modeling browser

Modify project properties 447

module 19

Move instruction

teach

219

move instruction

about

MoveJ

teach 219

MoveL

teach

219

MultiMove

programming workflow

110

Index

4853HAC032104-001 Revision: D

near-miss detection 128

network settings 141

firewall settings

141

local network connection 141

remote network connection 141

service port connection

141

new module 318

NONSTEPIN 318

READONLY

318

VIEWONLY 318

object

select

set local origin

troubleshoot and optimize

Offline and Online browser

operator window

enabling operator window

show virtual operator window

orientations

align target 100

copy and apply 101

target normal to surface

unordered 99

output window 42

event types

pack, unpack 136

part

set local origin

Password, change for user 356

path

about 21

compensating 97

creating

creating from curve

reversing

rotating

setting axis configuration

translating

Paths & Targets browser

Placing an item 411

Frame 411

One Point

411

Three Points 411

Two Frames 411

Two Points

411

positioner.program 117

procedure 19

process time

measure

133

program 121

copy

135

programming

overview

Properties 350

Device Browser 351

Renaming the controller

350

Set controller ID 351

Set date and time

350

View controller and system properties 351

Properties Window

Event Help panel

434

Graphical Component Name panel 434

Properties window toolbar 434

Table panel

434

Property editor 265

RAPID

concepts 19

copy program

135

RAPID editor

316

RAPID instructions

102

RAPID task

323

task window

323

RAPID Watch Online

174

reachability

test

108

Release Write Access 344

remote subnet

142

Request Write Access 343

robot

programming overview

Robot system button 192

adding a template system 193

adding an existing system

193

conveyor setup 194

create system from layout 192

remove objects from conveyor

194

RobotWare 17

license key 17

RobotWare system

routine

Run mode

366

continuous

366

single

366

safety 14

safety configuration

341

Screen navigation

464

service port

139

set task frame

369

signals

set

131

simulate

alerts 132

create event

130

measure process time 133

set signals 131

TCP trace

132

simulation 125, 127

Simulation watch 266

Break condition

267

station

build workflow

pan 54

Index

486 3HAC032104-001 Revision: D

rotate 54

zoom 54

station world coordiante system

switch 433

synchronization 120

station to VC

120

VC to station 120

system

create

145

create with positioner 162

RobotWare 17

System Builder

145, 333

about virtual and real systems 145

building new system

148

copying system

156

create boot media

159

create system from backup

157

download a system to controller

158

modify controller system

152

viewing system properties

147

System Configuration

370

controller values

371

stored station values

371

used current station values 371

system parameters 166

editing parameters

167

load parameters 170

save system parameters 169

target 94

about 21

creating

modifying 94

modifying with ModPos 94

removing unused

renaming

teaching

Targets on Edge

205

TCP

TCP trace

activate

132

Tool Center Point coordinate system

ToolBox

ActionTrigger

433

BarGraph

433

CheckBox 433

ComboBox

433

CommandBar 433

ControllerModeStatus 433

DataEditor

433

Graph 433

GroupBox 433

ListBox

433

NumEditor 433

NumericUpDown 433

Panel

433

PictureBox 433

RapidExecutionStatus

433

RunRoutineButton 433

TabControl

433

tooldata 83

tools

TpsLabel 433

track

program

117

trap 19

UAS Grant Viewer 359

UCS 23

unpack 179

User account

354

User tab 354

user coordinate system

User, about

143

User, add

355

User, add to group

356

User, change password

356

User, change user name

356

User, enable and disable

356

User, remove 355

viewpoint 230

create 230

move to viewpoint 231

viewpoint functions

230

Virtual FlexPendant 365

Virtual FlexPendant operator window 45

VSTA

WorkObject 23

workobject

creating

modifying 92

workobjects

world coordinate system

3HAC032104-001 Rev D, en

ABB AB

Discrete Automation and Motion

Robotics

S-721 68 VÄSTERÅS

SWEDEN

Telephone +46 (0) 21 344 400