EPP Europe P2.2023

gineering tools or line code, there are obstacles on
the path to robot-based automation that users often
underestimate. Here are some tips on how to avoid
three of the most important stumbling blocks.
Programming effort
The time required to program an application is not
usually underestimated, but there are other pitfalls
during this phase. These include process tolerances
and variances that have not been taken into account;
the increased complexity of incorporating
sensors, or establishing communication between the
robot and a PLC. Programming a system is often a
tailor-made and complex process that is difficult to
adapt. Programmers often have their own style,
which can make the resulting code or program difficult
for other programmers to understand and/or
modify. In this case, the no-code/low-code solutions
currently on the market can better support users.
Thanks to pre-defined function blocks, programs can
be constructed and structured in a clear and understandable
manner. Using the right software, process
tolerances and variances can also be automatically
compensated, analyzed, and optimized. If the corresponding
interfaces are already integrated, the effort
required to connect sensors or set up a PLC communication
is also significantly reduced.
Effort during commissioning
Programs can be structured and made traceable using pre-defined function blocks.
Before commissioning, the process can be simulated as realistically as possible in a 3D
simulation environment and tested
A rule of thumb states that the cost of the robot
itself is only about one third of the initial cost of the
cell, and experience reveals that around 45 percent
of typical costs are incurred during ramp-up. This is
because users often underestimate the time required
for commissioning. Although the system is programmed
offline and simulated in advance, discrepancies
between theory and practice often only become
apparent during commissioning. This means
that, despite preparation, the process can take significantly
longer than
planned, and necessary adjustments
can quickly become
expensive. Factors that were
not apparent during digital
preparation may need to be
addressed on-site during commissioning.
This makes this
phase difficult to calculate.
Using consistent tools, rampup
can be implemented in a
controlled manner, and with-
Source: ArtiMinds Robotics
Advanced robotics applications such as the assembly of flexible cables pose a major challenge for
classical robot programming
Source: ArtiMinds Robotics
EPP Europe » 11 | 2023 49