FANUC Robotics Demonstrates ROBOGUIDE® Off-line Robot Simulation Software at IMTS 2006
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Sept. 6, 2006 - 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 provides engineers 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. FANUC Robotics will feature ROBOGUIDE during IMTS 2006 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Sept. 6-13, booth #8418.
ROBOGUIDE's latest feature, Cad-to-Path Programming, allows users to easily create robot paths 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 Gordie Geheb,
director of process solutions, FANUC Robotics. "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. Reach verification, collision detection, accurate cycle time estimates and other visual system operations
are simulated in ROBOGUIDE's unique and graphical virtual environment.
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).
ROBOGUIDE includes the following features:
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Simple robot instructions - Standard teach pendant instructions are supported by
ROBOGUIDE to develop teach pendant programs for throughput verification.
o 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.
o Cycle time validation - Calculated, accurate cycle time data is generated by
running the taught robot program in simulation mode.
o 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.
o 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.
o TP Trace - A unique capability to display 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.
o 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.
FANUC Robotics America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures industrial robots
and robotic systems for a wide range of applications including arc and spot welding,
material handling (machine tending, picking, packing, palletizing), material removal,
assembly, paint finishing and dispensing. The company also provides applicationspecific
software, controls, vision products, and complete support services. After 24
years of success, FANUC Robotics maintains its position as the leading robotics
company in the Americas. A subsidiary of FANUC LTD in Japan, the company has
facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio; Toronto; Montreal; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over 155,000 FANUC
robots are installed worldwide. Contact FANUC Robotics at www.fanucrobotics.com or
by calling 800-47-ROBOT.
Contacts:
Cathy Powell
Sr. Marketing Analyst
FANUC Robotics
Phone: (248) 377-7570
cathy.powell@fanucrobotics.com
