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Simulation & CAD-to-Path

Simulate and Program It

Motion Controls Robotics uses a variety of simulation software tools to help customers visualize systems and determine cycle times, cell layout and longevity estimations. Using 3D CAD, ROBOGUIDE® and Extend simulation software, we can prove out different concepts for your robotic cell or entire lines to ensure a return on investment, with very little up-front cost. Motion Controls Robotics uses FANUC's ROBOGUIDE® family of offline robot simulation software products to emulate your robotic cell. FANUC robots are exactly modeled and operate on a Virtual Robot Controller, allowing the user to precisely simulate a robotic process in 3D virtual space or conduct feasibility studies for robotic applications - without the physical need and expense of prototype work cell setup.

CAD-to-Path

Drastically reduce programming time by using comprehensive CAD-to-Path programming. Just define a feature line on a CAD model to quickly generate programs using the feature line information. This feature can eliminate hours of programming time and allows users to easily create robot paths from CAD data. CAD-to-Path supports generation of programs for coordinated motion, remote tool center point, multi-arm and other configurations. Motion Controls Robotics uses CAD-to-Path to import 3D drawings of existing parts, fixtures and grippers, build system layouts and to evaluate system operation. A user defines the process requirements on the CAD model, and ROBOGUIDE® automatically generates the robot program. Import unique CAD models of parts, create a work cell including machines, part transfer devices and obstacles, and teach robot paths to simulate the operation and performance of a robotic application. Reach verification, collision detection, accurate cycle time estimates and other visual system operations are simulated in ROBOGUIDE's® unique and graphical virtual environment.

Motion Controls Robotics also uses FANUC Robotics' MotionPRO™ to optimize robot motion and reduce cycle time by as much as 5 to 20 percent, as well as a significant amount of teaching and touch-up time.

Simulation Software 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 that guides 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 simple 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. An innovative robot programming drag-and-drop Teach ToolTM 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 effectively within the work cell.
  • Cycle time validation - Calculated, accurate 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.
  • TP Trace - A unique capability to display the actual robot motion versus the taught path on the teach pendant display. It includes a teach pendant trace by speed, orientation and acceleration, allowing touchup of the robot program before the robot is deployed.


MotionPRO Software Features

  • Optimizes cycle time by automatically adjusting motion parameters such as speed and acceleration
  • Achieves cycle time reduction with intuitive methods
  • Maintains the actual robot path for any desired program speed while passing through all the taught points within a specified tolerance
  • Displays the actual robot path in 3D