As of 2024, almost 1136 companies have adapted ABB robots for engineering and manufacturing purposes. Mastering the design and programming of these robots is crucial for leveraging their full potential, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring flexibility in your automation processes. It greatly affects your productivity, regardless of whether you are a seasoned engineer or a budding developer.
This guide aims to examine the fundamental programming language for ABB robots and highlight techniques that simplify the programming process. Let’s start with understanding the ABB robot programming languages used in the real world.
What Programming Language Do ABB Robots Use?
In industrial environments, accuracy and repeatability are almost everything. So, to achieve that through robotic commands and tasks, programmers use the RAPID programming language. This allows for precise control of robot motion decisions.
How does RAPID Programming Language Work?
RAPID works through a syntax similar to structured text (ST). Each command influences the robots’ mechanics, simplifying complex tasks like painting or sanding. RAPID allows scripting a wide range of actions and responses within the ABB environment. It can also handle motion commands, data processing, logic operations, and communication with external devices. With logical design capabilities such as loops, conditionals, and variable handling, RAPID is quite handy and powerful.
Function-Driven Design:
RAPID programming functions include more complex motion instructions. For example, MoveAbsJ allows targeting absolute joint angles, and MoveL for linear translation. You can also define your own functions for operations you may need to perform. This makes it easier to take advantage of certain functions that don't exist and adds flexibility. This modularity is particularly beneficial when working with complex robotic systems. It simplifies the structure of the code and makes it more adaptable to various industries.
RAPID Parameters:
In RAPID, local variables within a function enable dynamic behavior necessary for programming custom tasks. For example, you can use a function like “Weld(position, angle)” to instruct a robot to weld objects. Here, parameters like “position” could be actively changed to address the coordinates of the materials involved. And “Angle” could be used to control the angle at which the torch and electrode are handled. This application helps to eliminate several hard-coded subroutines that would otherwise be needed, making the programming easier and more versatile.
Interrupts and Real-Time Responses:
The interrupt feature of RAPID is very helpful to provide safety. For instance, let us assume that a robot performs a task next to humans. To prevent a tragedy, a proximity sensor can raise an interrupt if it detects a human approaching the robot at a certain distance. The interrupts can also be used to change the operation in progress to another one if needed.
Benefits of RAPID:
1. It provides great control and accuracy in complex robotic requirements.
2. Its custom functions and parameters allow flexible and bespoke solutions.
Disadvantages of RAPID:
1. Its complex abilities can be difficult for beginners.
2. Only ABB robots enable use in assemblies or mixed robotics environments. Since, that is how all the other proprietary robot programming languages work, you can’t take this as a huge con.
Some secondary ABB robot programming language options include Python and C++. These languages offer flexibility, so communicating with RAPID programming language through PC SDKs and APIs is quite possible. This helps implement more complex algorithms and integrate various external devices, enhancing the system’s functionality.
4 Ways to Program ABB Robots
Programming an ABB robot is a multi-stage process that evolves through various processes to meet technological needs. Each system approach offers unique advantages, disadvantages, and prerequisites. Let’s see them now.
1. Teach Pendant Programming
The Teach Pendant, known specifically as the FlexPendant in ABB terms, represents a direct and hands-on method for programming ABB robot systems. It is a handheld device that allows operators to manually enter commands directly into the robot. This approach particularly suits simple projects and it is ideal for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to robot programming.
Pros:
1. It allows for direct control of the robot, allowing for instant adjustments.
2. The user-friendly interface is ideal for beginners.
Cons:
1. It has only a few functions for handling complex tasks.
2. Developing advanced programs can be time-consuming.
Resources needed:
1. Programmers need special training on how to use the Teach pendant.
2. Direct access to the robot is essential.
2. Offline Programming with RobotStudio
ABB RobotStudio is ABB's own flagship simulation and offline programming software. It provides a powerful platform to design, test, and program robots without disrupting the production line. Engineers can simulate and work efficiently in a virtual environment. This ensures successful designs and no errors before proceeding further.
Pros:
1. It enables systems to run without stopping production and retains productivity.
2. Operational risks are minimized by allowing users to pre-test systems in a virtual environment.
Cons:
1. Investment in software and training should be made first.
Resources needed:
1. ABB’s RobotStudio software.
2. A computer with enough data to run complex simulations.
3. Use of High-Level Programming Languages
For developers looking to push the limits of ABB robot programming, the PC Software Development Kit (SDK) and various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) provide the tools needed to create bespoke applications.
For complex applications, programmers can integrate high-level programming languages such as Python or C++ with RAPID. For example, using APIs, robots can be programmed to interact with advanced vision systems, analyze detailed data, or manipulate AI-driven decision-making processes
Pros:
1. It facilitates the creation of custom objects and increases the scope of robotic mass production.
2. It allows integration with state-of-the-art external hardware and technology.
Cons:
1. Requires advanced programming skills and possibly additional investment in hardware.
Resources needed:
1. Access to the ABB PC SDK and APIs.
2. Programmers with specialized skills in robot programming.
4. Web-based Programming Interfaces
Cloud computing opened new possibilities for robotic design. These tools provide a simple and easy way to program robots remotely. They provide flexible interfaces that can seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructure, allowing systems teams to collaborate and perform tasks from multiple locations.
Pros:
1. Remotely accessible, it allows you to program from different locations.
2. Easy interfaces make it user-friendly and helpful in collaborative projects.
Cons:
1. Relying on inflexible internet and potential security vulnerabilities.
Resources needed:
1. Reliable internet connection.
2. Basic understanding of design concepts.
Programming ABB Robots Easily and Efficiently With Augmentus
Augmentus is an innovative AI robotics program that allows users to quickly program robots without prior knowledge of coding. It supports a variety of robots, including ABB. With its flexible programming features, you can develop and manage complex workflows easily.
Efficient Workflow with Minimal Input
Operators can simply scan the workpiece to program the robot; The software handles path generation and modification automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention with no coding required from the operator.
Seamless Deployment and Adaptation
After installation, Augmentus continuously adjusts and optimizes robotic functions. Augmentus' flexibility and consistency can make your robots more effective without additional programming.
Real-time Feedback and Adjustments
Augmentus provides real-time feedback that monitors and adjusts robot actions during operation. With an accuracy of around 0.1mm, you can reduce cycle times by up to 30%. With this capability, robots can operate more quickly and accurately in areas with high dynamics.
Conclusion
We've navigated a variety of approaches to ABB robot programming. The right one for your requirements will ensure that your industrial applications are fast and accurate. Augmentus stands out as a leading tool for transforming complex programming tasks into simple and manageable activities.
It’s perfect for operations that demand high accuracy with real-time feedback and makes the overall system more dynamic. Want to make your robot program simpler and easier? Book a demo with Augmentus.