FANUC Robotics' ROBOGUIDE is the latest technology
for off-line robot simulation software with a FANUC Robotics Virtual Robot
Controller and full-featured robot programming. ROBOGUIDE is designed to provide
engineers with the tools needed to develop and test a complete robotic
application in a simulation environment without the time and costs associated
with developing a prototype work cell.
"With ROBOGUIDE, users can simulate a robotic process in a 3-D environment with the most accurate cycle time information for FANUC robots, compared to any other simulation package available in the industry," said Gordie Geheb, director of process solutions, FANUC Robotics. "ROBOGUIDE's latest feature, Cad-to-Path Programming, allows users to create robot paths easily from CAD data. A user defines the process requirements on the CAD model, and ROBOGUIDE automatically generates the robot program."
"ROBOGUIDE is a great time and money-saving tool for the end user as well as sales, proposal and application engineers who develop robotic systems," said Geheb. "To be competitive, companies must utilize tools that quickly provide reliable, accurate information about a robotic application without the physical need and expense of a prototype setup. ROBOGUIDE provides these tools."
With ROBOGUIDE, engineers can import unique CAD models of parts, create a workcell including machines, part transfer devices and obstacles, and teach robot paths to simulate the operation and performance of a robotic application, FANUC reports. Reach verification, collision detection, accurate cycle time estimates and other visual system operations are simulated in ROBOGUIDE's unique and graphical virtual environment, said the company.
ROBOGUIDE's process-specific plug-ins provide simulation for general-purpose material handling applications (HandlingPRO), arc welding (WeldPRO), painting (PaintPRO), palletizing (PalletPRO), motion optimization (MotionPRO) and KAREL/Teach Pendant programming (OlpcPRO).
FANUC reports the following ROBOGUIDE features:
Cad-to-Path Programming - Easy creation of robot paths from CAD data. A user defines the process requirements on the CAD model, and ROBOGUIDE automatically generates the robot program.
The Process Navigator - A fully integrated environment with graphical user interface designed to guide new and experienced operators quickly through the steps needed to setup and simulate a cell.
The FANUC robot library - Quick access to any FANUC robot for system layout and simulation. Each robot model comes complete with an associated Virtual Robot Controller and a unique robot solid model to replicate the robot's operation as precisely as possible within a simulation environment.
Built-in CAD models - Instant access to many commonly used fixtures, tables, conveyers and end-of-arm tools. Additional 3-D geometric shapes are provided as modeling tools to create custom machines, tools and/or fixtures.
CAD Import (IGES files) - CAD models of existing parts, fixtures and grippers can be imported directly into ROBOGUIDE to build system layouts and to evaluate system operation.
Simple robot teaching - Easy creation of robot paths by teaching positions on the part model(s) or by entering robot coordinates manually. A robot programming drag-and-drop Teach Tool is combined with a traditional teach pendant style jogging panel.
Simple robot instructions - Standard teach pendant instructions are supported by ROBOGUIDE to develop teach pendant programs for throughput verification.
Robot reach check - A 3-D view of the robot work envelope that helps the user to layout parts, fixtures and other cell components within the work cell.
Cycle time validation - Calculated cycle time data is generated by running the taught robot program in simulation mode.
Collision detection - Visual identification of collisions during robot simulation allows the relocation of the robot, tooling and/or parts before the robot is installed in the plant.
Profiler - The teach pendant program profiler allows programs to be reviewed quickly for timing bottlenecks and operational slowdowns. Processing problems are solved before the robot is placed into production, FANUC reports.
TP Trace - Displays the actual robot motion versus the taught path. It includes a teach pendant trace by speed, orientation and acceleration, allowing touchup of the robot program before the robot is deployed.
Animation AVI - This program allows the user to record system simulation video that can be easily copied to a CD or other format, and delivered as needed as part of a system quotation or presentation.
For more information contact:
FANUC Robotics America, Inc.
3900 West Hamlin Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3253
248-377-7000
800-47-ROBOT