Software facilitates off-line robot simulation.

Press Release Summary:




ROBOGUIDE® software provides tools needed to develop and test complete robotic application in simulation environment. Users can import CAD models of parts, create workcell including machines, part transfer devices and obstacles, and teach robot paths to simulate operation and performance of robotic application. Reach verification, collision detection, accurate cycle time estimates, and other visual system operations can all be tested.



Original Press Release:



FANUC Robotics Showcases ROBOGUIDE® Off-line Robot Simulation Software at IMTS 2004



ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Sept. 8, 2004 - FANUC Robotics America, Inc. will showcase ROBOGUIDE, the latest technology for off-line robot simulation software with the Virtual Robot Controller and full-featured robot programming during IMTS 2004 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Sept. 8-15, in the Emerging Technology Center.

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 3-D space, providing the most accurate cycle time information for FANUC robots compared to any other simulation package available in the industry.

"ROBOGUIDE is a great time and money-saving tool for 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) and palletizing (PalletPRO).

ROBOGUIDE includes the following 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 accompanied 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, fixture and other cell components effectively within the workcell

- Cycle time validation - A calculated, accurate cycle time data can be output from running the taught robot program in simulation mode

- Collision detection - Visual identification of collisions during the robot simulation helps to avoid collision and allows the relocation of the robot, tooling and/or part before an actual robot becomes installed in the plant

- Profiler - The teach pendant program profiler allows programs to be reviewed quickly for timing bottlenecks and operational slow downs. Processing problems can be avoided long before the robot is placed into production.

- TP Trace - A unique capability to display the actual robot motion vs. the taught path. It includes a teach pendant trace by speed, orientation and acceleration, allowing touchup of the robot program before the robot is actually deployed

- Animation AVI - This program allows the user to record system simulation video that can be easily copied to a CD or other formats and delivered as needed as part of any system quotation or presentation.

FANUC Robotics America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures innovative robots and robotic systems for a wide range of industries and applications including arc and spot welding, material handling (machine tending, palletizing, packing), material removal, assembly, paint finishing and dispensing. The company also provides application-specific software, controls, vision products, and complete aftermarket support. After 22 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.

FANUC Robotics can be found on the Internet at www.fanucrobotics.com or by calling 800-47-ROBOT.

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