Bring robots into the heart of the control system
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE UNIFIED ROBOT CONTROL
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
Bring robots into the heart of the control system
By Roberta Tanzariello , Platform Lead Robotics and Digital Tools , Rockwell Automation
Industry is facing a multitude of diverse challenges to remain competitive amid skills shortages and greater product variety . In such a fast-changing market , flexibility , and the ability to make changes rapidly is crucial to success . Manufacturing is becoming increasingly automated , and robots need to be integrated into machines to improve resource utilization and enhance data availability across different components . Traditionally , robot control systems were fragmented and tailored for specific robot applications . However , that is now changing with an integrated robot approach that can help accelerate robot deployments , simplify work , and improve productivity .
INTEGRATING ROBOTS INTO THE CORE CONTROL SYSTEM
Maximizing the full benefit of robots is becoming even more crucial as competition increases . There is a greater expectation on the production teams , whether that means achieving higher output , shorter lead times , or more product customization . But improving operational performance can be complex and challenging when robots , although a crucial part of the solution , are often on the boundary .
To ensure that production is flexible and optimized , robots must be fully integrated as a core piece of the control system . At first glance , that increases the complexity and adds further challenges to manufacturing . This integration must be as simple as possible to be a viable solution . In today ’ s more-intelligent production operations , integrated robots can help speed up deployment with a simplified control system that allows organizations to build and validate programs more efficiently using digital engineering tools and a single , integrated design environment .
HOW TO ACHIEVE INTEGRATED ROBOTICS
When embarking on a robotic integration plan , two approaches can be followed . The robot and control system can be connected via EtherNet / IP , or you can combine them into a single , unified system . The best methodology depends on each precise use case and will depend on the operation ’ s specific needs .
Better coordination between robots and other equipment in manufacturing can make operations more responsive to demands . In addition , connecting robots with information solutions , such as analytics , can help optimize processes and reduce downtime . Connectivity can transform more than how robots operate . Centralizing control in a single design environment and using the latest digital tools can improve how robots are programmed , deployed , and supported .
A RACE AGAINST TIME TO DEPLOY ROBOTS
Speed is always crucial when designing a new cell or production line . When that involves coordinating separate robot and machine control systems , that can eat up the time and increase the pressure on delivery schedules . In the traditional scenario , both the core and robot control systems must be programmed individually . Trying to align their performance can be cumbersome and involve a lot of trial and error .
There are two paths you can take to achieve integrated robots . The first is to connect a dedicated robot controller to a Logix PLC via the standard , unmodified EtherNet / IP protocol . Robot programs are written in either the robot vendor ’ s programming environment or via Rockwell Automation ’ s Studio 5000 ® robot integration features . The other option is to use a Logix controller and Kinetix ® drives to control a robot arm directly . The Logix controller hosts the robot kinematics , and the entire program is made in Studio 5000 to direct all robot movement without a dedicated robot controller .
EtherNet / IP connection allows the robots to be effortlessly added to the control network
16 PECM Issue 64