robotic programming - Robotic Simulation Services

Robots are complex pieces of machinery. Robots are engineering marvels that enable different components and systems to help with higher functions and features. These components and systems are usually very complex and require much research and development with time, resources, and specific skills. Furthermore, integrating these components is difficult, and the robot programming platform conquers it well.

With the advancement of technology, various systems, including sensors, processing power, battery power, storage systems, motors, actuator systems, and digital systems, are getting more modern and efficient. With the constant evolution of these components, they are increasingly getting complex. However, increasing complexity also increases the ease of use, efficiency, and capability of these components. Nevertheless, the integration of these components is the hardest part.

Robots with specific use cases, more movement points, locomotion capabilities, and robots that perform specific tasks with great accuracy and repetition are even more complex. For example, a moving robot or robot capable of movement, which is almost always the case, has to be aware of its surroundings, at least on a functional level, i.e., to perform its functions or to operate. Industrial robots are similar.

Usually, industrial robots are movable hands/arms that extend out to perform specific tasks or robots that carries your stuff from one place to another or operate on niche needs of the industry. So naturally, with industrial robots, complexities are even higher since they have to be accurate and run without downtimes and be efficient in the production line.

Even a little downtime or failure can lead to huge losses and difficulties inside a production facility. Hence industrial robots are usually on the verge of sophistication and perform niche tasks.

Consequently, industries usually run production smoothly and efficiently, with the lowest downtimes ahead of the competition. Moreover, enterprises are also constantly evolving and optimizing themselves and often require upgrades and updates to keep themselves at the top of their game. Furthermore, since an industry production is continuously working, maintenance and repair operations should also be efficient and fast with minimum downtime.

With all this in mind, we can say that in an industry with a production base, the side that can optimize and efficiently run their production with minimum downtime and constant upgrades and evolutions become the winners. These sides can outperform the competition, yield the most profits, and come out at the top of their respective industries.

All this is possible if the robots used for production are efficient and require less downtime for installation during the show. Even maintenance and upgrade—the traditional method of using Teach Pendants brought revolution during its inception. But times have changed, and so has the technology around robot programming. Offline Robot Programming is the new pinnacle of robot programming and coding approach that has become so mature that it throws the old method of using teach pendants out of the competition.

Witnessing how the robot programming platform conquers, industries and industry experts consider it complex to integrate and challenge to learn. However, there still lies the misconception that only extensive production facilities of industries with deep pockets can afford to use Robot Programming Platforms. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Conversely, the Robot Programming Platform has come a long way in becoming the shiny new tool that is easy to use, adopt and base the industry upon rather than using Teach Pendants.

The Power of Robot Programming Platform

Robot Programming Platforms have their origin in simulation technology. Simulation, a technology introduced as early as 1947 by Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann, enables a virtual platform to imitate an object or an environment, effectively retaining all their characteristics and behaviors with almost 100% accuracy. Thus, simulations can enact the subject (object or domain under imitation through simulation) properties and behavior even in different situations, conditions, and environments. Today, simulation technology has come so far that it can accurately simulate even complex mechanical and electric phenomena along with the capabilities to simulate real-world physics very accurately.

Real world-physics, mechanical and electrical interaction between objects is critical while developing and testing robots. Simulations today can simulate all these interactions very accurately. Simulation technology or Softwares can also simulate Electromagnetic phenomena along with fluid dynamics, air dynamics, gravity, collisions, etc., effectively with a high precision being virtually indistinguishable from the real world. It shows that simulating a whole robot with all its movements, behaviors, materials, processing, and other phenomena is possible. It’s very much possible and is already available. Companies like FS Studio are already providing Robotic Simulation Services with their deep knowledge and decades of experience to back it up.

We get the Robot Programming Platforms to pair this versatile and accurate simulation technology with robotic programming. Robot Programming Platforms not only enable virtual programming of robots without even taking it out of production, since the training process happens through software updates, but it is also possible to program robots while they are still operating in the production lines. Although, one may think this might invite huge problems and irregularities if the instructions are faulty. However, robotic programming platforms also provide features for testing and verification of these instructions virtually on a PC, even before uploading the education.

The offline robotic programming platform conquers a massive leap in robotic research and development, especially in industrial and production setups. However, traditional methods of using Teach Pendants to train and program robots are very time-consuming, resource-hungry, and require an operator's presence at all times. On top of that, the robots should also be out of production to even begin their training. Then add all the cost of taking that robot out of production, setting it up for training, and waiting for the robot until it completes its training and again putting it back for production. Furthermore, add the downtime it causes to the whole production. The cost is just too much more relative to offline robotic programming.

Robot Programming Platforms enable OLP (Offline Programming), which is an “offline” approach to robot programming, i.e., away from the “online” process of Teach Pendants. OLP enables faster, more efficient, and cost-effective robot teaching or programming with robotic programming platforms capable of testing and verifying these programs virtually in a simulation environment. It enables a much wider road of possibilities and opportunities with even fewer obstacles and trenches on the way.

The industries with Robot Programming Platforms can even develop programs/codes for robots in a PC with virtual/digital twin of the robots without even being present. It allows for tremendous flexibility and overall freedom to configure, test, update and upgrade robotic programming very frequently. And all this happens without even a second of downtime; it all occurs virtually; it all happens digitally.

It again opens the road towards a higher level of automation. Robot Programming Platforms with Artificial Intelligence at their core can analyze data, more efficient solution generation, and real-time optimization of existing solutions. With the power of deep learning, even potential errors cannot hinder the production line since AI with deep understanding enables the detection of possible errors and faults beforehand. Even self-diagnosis and self-real-time optimization are all within natural reach through the use of Robot Programming Platforms.

All these advantages and benefits help a production site or industry enhance their existing robots and production lines to be more efficient, cost-effective, and capable of yielding high Return on Investment (ROI) if they adopt Robot Programming Platforms. Furthermore, with fewer downtimes, more frequent upgrades, and seamless integration of digital technology, Robot Programming Platforms conquer complex robotic problems and help surpass and outperform the competition.

For a smoother transition towards Robot Programming Platforms, industries can seek collaborations and partnerships with FS Studio companies that provide OLP and robotic simulation services solutions. Even the companies currently using Robot Programming Platforms can look for improvements towards newer state-of-the-art solutions that are proven to be more efficient, robust, and intelligent. Not only this, technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) will also be essential in the future, not only from a technological standpoint but also from an industrial standpoint. FS Studio excels in these types of bleeding-edge technologies. They can not only provide companies and industries with these types of innovative technologies. Still, They can also equip them with the power of these technologies to propel them ahead towards a more prosperous future of prosperity. Simulation technology grows more powerful and capable, which we can already see from the example of how robot programming platform conquers complex parts, outperforming the competition.

Companies and industries from different fields are moving towards this technology rather than old and traditional approaches. As a result, the industry’s future is looking more probable to reach the next industrial shift, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, sooner than later. With this in hindsight, we can be confident that industries that can adapt and adopt digital technologies like Robotic Programming Platforms quickly are the industries that are incredibly likely to outperform their competition and thrive in the future.

Robotics technology is continuously changing and evolving. With the development of simulation technology, the current industry is rapidly moving towards digital solutions together. With industries on the verge of shifting towards Industry 4.0, digital technologies, simulation technology, AI, AR, and VR will be the most critical pivot points. Robotic technology in industries and manufacturing processes provides vast benefits and advantages. Robot integration in production, manufacturing and other industries gives them cost savings, lower time, and efficient resource usage. Together, it all can help us to explore offline robot programming software solutions.

The traditional robotic training, testing, and operations method pales in comparison to the influx of modern demand and supply. Consequently, various industries are looking to make their supply chain from production to distribution more efficient and cost-effective. So naturally, robots are the ultimate answer for automation and efficient completion of a process with precision.

Along with the advancement of technology, industries across different fields are now looking to integrate their operations with robotic technology. However, robotic development is not an easy feat. Due to the sheer complexity of robot development and research, some industries are hesitant to adopt robotic technology. Nevertheless, the cost-benefit analysis of the development and use of robotics is simply too lucrative to ignore.

However, with the traditional methods of robot development, testing, and training, various industries cannot move towards it. Furthermore, it brought several misconceptions in the industry that robotic programming is too complicated and too resource-heavy to use. With these misconceptions, the industry was hesitant to take on the challenge. Even though offline robot programming has come a long way from its inception, misconceptions still linger around the industry with false beliefs. Words go around that it cannot handle all the variables present in real-world development or complicate things compared to the traditional approach.

Robot Offline Programming is an “offline” approach to programming that takes the robot programming away from the traditional pendant/robot cell and physical robots in production. Instead, Offline Robot Programming allows users to generate robotic instructions or code from their computers and different software solutions instead of using a robot on or taking it out of production.

The idea is simple; remove the traditional method of generating robotic instructions and code, i.e., using teach pendants and replace them with computer software or simulation software. It was necessary because the conventional process of using teach pendants or robot cells for robotic programming code was too inefficient and time-consuming. Pair this with the fact that it constrains profitability and business growth. It then becomes a throne in the process of robotic research and development.

Teach Pendants are devices that robot developers/operators use to control an industrial robot remotely. Teach pendants to allow users to manage and work with robots without connecting the device with a terminal but instead works wirelessly, i.e., no tethering to a fixed terminal. Technicians use these devices to test a robot either for programming, i.e., robotic coding or repair, or for performing some maintenance. Due to this, teaching pendants are a crucial part of industrial robotic operations.

However, using pendants is time-consuming. It's prolonged and even resource-consuming. Hence, the replacement of these traditional devices with offline robot programming software is necessary. It will allow users to operate robots either for testing or repair or maintenance or even robotic code generation with much efficiency and simplicity. Furthermore, it enables robot developers to perform all these actions through their computers without even taking out the robot from production or if it is not fully ready to be operational. Thus, it radically maximizes productivity and even reduces cycle time and downtime of the production.

Offline Programming or OLP solutions are therefore sought after by industries looking to utilize robotic solutions. Due to the advancement of simulation technology and offline programming software, it's becoming faster, more reliable, and more efficient to use OLP solutions than the traditional approach. Simulations and offline programming may differ because simulations exist without offline programming, but offline programming cannot live without simulations. Although this might make simulation and OLP seem different, they go hand in hand and sometimes are used interchangeably.

Robotic OLP can exist because of robotic simulation technology, which is currently one of the most frequent use cases of simulation technology in industries. With simulations enabling 3D representation of a robot, i.e., its digital twin, it can also represent and reproduce robotic functions, movements, behaviors, and operations in different conditions and environments. Thus, It essentially enables Robotic OLP to exist.

Although simulations make it easy to generate any environment for any use case, knowing these requirements beforehand is necessary to see the type of service one requires regarding OLP solutions. Along with this, there are some other things one needs to consider when exploring Robotic OLP.

Some of the things to consider when exploring Offline Robot Programming Software solutions are given below:

Offline Robot Programming is a technology that enables rapid programming with efficient processes and even automation in the mix. It is advantageous and beneficial to perform robotic coding for robots with complex structures, numerous moving parts, and axes or programming complex paths. These complex programming tasks generally take a massive amount of time, resources, and hard labor with teaching pendants, while it's straightforward, efficient, and swift with OLP.

OLP and Simulation technology go hand in hand. Only through the utilization of robotic simulation software can Offline Robot Programming exist. A robotic OLP is a robotic simulation software with features and functions that tests and evaluates robots in different conditions and environments of different needs and requirements around a production environment.
OLP can efficiently train, test, and evaluate robots. Hence training technicians or users for OLP is relatively straightforward. It is also very advantageous since after learning an OLP solution, it becomes easier to understand others.
Robot Offline Programming Software solutions increase the user’s productivity and the profitability of the industry/business using it. It also has a greater return on investment (ROI) relative to traditional approaches.
OLP is very useful for potential projects ideas in their quotation phase to prove their profitability and efficacy.
OLP is very efficient in tracking down any errors or faults, and potential problems in a robot before uploading programs or the robots are in operation.
Due to the nature of OLP, i.e., allowing users to program robots remotely without the need of the actual robot, it opens new possibilities for existing robot operations. Operations such as in high-mix and low-volume can explore more opportunities.
Some industries like aviation, automotive, nuclear, and space need OLP as requirements due to the nature of these industries. OLP provides massive benefits to these industries where on-site robot programming is improbable and sometimes even impossible.
OLP allows for testing in simulations through the use of various engineering tools and utilities available. Hence, it will enable testing a solution or modification thoroughly before making any actual physical modifications.
Robotic Offline Programming is now industry standard with an image of a superior software tool allowing for better returns and efficient solutions. In addition, it will enable industries to use OLP to attract high-quality staff and employees with a high chance of retaining them longer.
Due to the nature of OLP being a software tool, configurations for machines can be saved and reused on different devices instead of starting from scratch. It is a huge plus for some manufacturers/companies who have to configure large amounts of robots. Instead of having to program each robot from the start, OLP is very useful since edits and re-configuration of programs for each robot are possible.
The use of OLP also attracts other prospects like Robotic Simulation Softwares for the design, research, and development of robots. It is a very efficient and beneficial solution that allows for rapid growth, testing, and prototyping of robots at lower costs, less resource usage, and better efficiency.
Offline robot programming is a huge win when put in comparison with traditional ways of robotic programming. Allowing for a far quicker robot deployment or installation, OLP allows for rapid testing, fine-tuning, and programming a robot in a virtual environment in just days when the traditional method may even take weeks.

Furthermore, with virtual environments to teach the robot, downtimes are no longer present when teaching the robot a new programming or operation path. OLP can even upload new programming in the robots when in a live production environment or when it is operating. Apart from these, safety, quicker cycle times between teaching the robots, or a straightforward approach to test a new configuration, all are easier to perform through OLP.

Various companies like FS Studio provide OLP solutions to make it easier for companies/industries/manufacturers to adopt OLP solutions in their existing production environment. FS Studio provides Robotic Simulation Solutions crucial for OLP solutions with a decade of collective knowledge, experience, and skills in store. It helps the production team to focus on the actual product rather than shift their resources in offline robot programming implementation and adaptation. Nevertheless, OLP is a technological innovation that will help productions reach new levels of innovation with more possibilities and opportunities to explore.