igus® Robot Control Software: programme and control robots

Defining robot commands with teach-in programming

For simple and complicated movements

The so-called "teach-in programming" of the robot takes place in the following steps:
 
1. Move the robot manually to the desired positions that you want to register and save.
 
2. Register the positions and define how they should be moved (linear, joint motion, base orientation or tool orientation).
 
3. Repeat these steps until you have created the desired motion profile. You can also complete the programme with commands via digital inputs and outputs or programme flow commands. The integrated programme editor is available for setting up and editing the programmes. Try it for yourself.

System compatibility and data transfer for more flexibility

Plugin interface: igus Robot Control provides a plug-in interface. It makes it possible to connect, for example, image processing systems or PLC components. With various defined functions, the plug-ins represent a bridge between programme execution in the control system software and external systems. For example, integrated cameras can automatically transmit target positions to the robot control system. The plug-ins can be provided by igus®, or they can be created on a project-specific basis.
 
PLC interface: The PLC interface (PLC = Programmable Logic Controller) allows the robot to be integrated into a production system controlled by a PLC. In most cases this is done via digital inputs and outputs. In this way, the robot can be controlled without manual interaction.
It is also possible to connect a third-party control panel to robots with a push button to simplify manual control.
 
Ethernet connection: the Ethernet connection of the modular control system enables the connection of the igus® Robot Control with application-specific algorithms, such as a teleoperation system or a database. This is guaranteed via a CRI Ethernet interface.
 

Virtual box

Programming assistance through definition of the permitted movement range

The virtual box settings limit the range of movement of the robot arm. This functionality helps to avoid mechanical damage and simplifies programming according to the application. If a programme is executed that violates the virtual box, it is stopped with an error message.

PLC interfaces

The PLC interface enables the execution of basic functions and the signalling of states by means of digital inputs and outputs. In addition to the control by a PLC, this interface also allows operation by hardware buttons.

Digital inputs & outputs

Robot programs can be loaded and started and gripper commands can be sent via digital inputs or global signals. This is useful, for example, if a program is to be selected from a given selection using buttons or the CRI-GSig instruction.

Modbus TCP/IP

For example, PLCs can send data and instructions to the robot control system and receive status information via the Modbus TCP interface. 

CRI interface

The CRI interface enables complex instructions to be sent and information and settings to be retrieved via the Ethernet interface via TCP/IP. iRC uses this interface to connect to robots with integrated control systems or other instances of iRC.

Camera interface

The camera interface allows the use of object detection and video cameras. Object detection cameras recognise the position and class of objects and transmit them, optionally with a video image, to the control system. The control system calculates positions in the robot coordinate system from the object positions of the camera. Pure video cameras only deliver images and can therefore only be used to observe the work area, but not for object detection. 

Cloud

The Cloud interface enables the robot to be monitored via RobotDimension. After activation and login, the robot sends basic status information and camera images to the online service. On the website, the user can list his robots and call up the information.

ROS, Matlab, LabView, and many more.

Integrate the robots into your ROS environment. Documentation and packages for hardware communication, Teleop and moveI

Programs

Here you can set the robot and logic program, the movement speed (as a percentage of the maximum speed), the playback mode and the reaction to program errors.