PRECISE SIMULATION FOR ROBOTIC INSTALLATIONS

As well as being able to predict and forestall potential new-build issues, Roboguide gives users a useful tool to scope out changing requirements and better plan for project upgrades. It can pre-empt – and help prevent – costly damage to the robot and potential injuries to co-workers. The guide is available to end users as an option when incorporating Fanuc robots into a line, as well as to system integrators. It provides a unique offline platform for accurate and time-efficient simulation of location and product-specific handling. "So, for example, you can plan around a post or pillar in the real world, as long as you model that in your simulation," said Fanuc UK project engineer Paul Coombes. According to Coombes, the software serves as a hugely valuable tool for any manufacturer of consumer goods constantly striving to keep its product range exciting and, as a result, continually assessing production line options, efficiencies and layout. Coombes explained: "A food or pharmaceuticals manufacturer may ask 'Can I make this change on the line – and if so, how?' With this software, they can answer that question. If they want to increase the speed of a line, they can run the simulation at the higher speed to see whether the robot would be able to cope." All-important cycle times can be factored in to gauge the overall efficiency of the operation being modelled. As a strategic partner to Fanuc, UK equipment supplier and integrator Pacepacker Services has used Roboguide for over five years. Technical director Richard Gladwin commented: "It's an extremely useful tool for demonstrating to customers that the concept they propose can be achieved. You can, for example, import 3D models of end-tooling and include conveyors, and so on." Function-specific modules include PickPro for pick and place robots and PalletPro for palletising. In these and other modules, all variables can be experimented with and put through a virtual trial, from product or container shape/size in pick and place to palletising patterns in PalletPro. Robot arms are powerful and represent a considerable investment. As a result they tend to be treated with a justifiable level of caution. Roboguide can deliver reassurance at the very earliest stage of concept development. Coombes added: "As long as the immediate environment is modelled just as it is in the real world, any potential collision will be flagged up in red. For immediate reassurance, the user can skip straight to the test point." Roboguide can save time and money when planning and programming. "It makes installations and any subsequent modifications much quicker to implement," claimed Coombes. "It helps to avoid potentially costly errors and – importantly – gives all parties visible reassurance that the robot can safely perform in the real world the tasks set during simulation."