Robot Control Integration for NC Commands and Legacy Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users familiar with robot programs face challenges in effectively utilizing these programs at existing robot control devices that lack numerical control functionality, leading to potential waste of existing robot programs.

Innovation Solution

A numerical control system and method that generates high-level command signals for robots, allowing communication between a numerical control device and a robot control device, which selectively executes either a first or second executable file based on these signals to control robot operations, thereby integrating with existing robot control devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a numerical control device generates robot command signals based on numerical control programs, then users familiar with numerical control programs can control robots without mastering robot programs, but existing robot programs running on traditional robot control devices cannot be effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of robot controlVSAvoidCompatibility with existing robot programs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot control device is designed to execute multiple types of programs: both traditional robot programs created by users familiar with robot programming, and numerical control programs generated by the numerical control device. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate different user groups and programming approaches without requiring separate systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot control device acts as an intermediary between the numerical control device and the robot. It receives high-level command signals from the numerical control device, translates them into executable robot control signals, and simultaneously supports direct execution of traditional robot programs. This intermediary role enables seamless integration of both programming approaches while maintaining compatibility with existing robot programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional robot control devices are used, then existing robot programs can run, but users must master both numerical control programs and robot programs to operate machine tools and robots in parallel

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSupport for existing robot programsVSAvoidProgramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functionality of traditional robot control with numerical control by integrating both program execution capabilities into a single robot control device. This consolidation eliminates the need for operators to master separate programming languages for different devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining support for existing robot programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a numerical control system is implemented, then robot operations can be controlled through high-level command signals, but the system may waste automatically generated executable files by not utilizing existing robot programs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRobot control efficiencyVSAvoidWaste of robot programs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system recovers and reuses existing robot programs by integrating them into the robot control device alongside automatically generated executable files. Instead of discarding traditional robot programs when implementing numerical control, the system allows both types of programs to coexist and be executed as needed, thereby eliminating waste and preserving valuable existing program assets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the robot control device to accommodate multiple program types. By adjusting the execution environment and program selection mechanisms, the system can switch between executing automatically generated executable files and traditional robot programs based on the specific task requirements, optimizing productivity while avoiding waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12558793B2Numerical control system and robot control method

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 FANUC LTD

AI summary

This numerical control system comprises: a numerical control device 5 that generates a high-level command signal including a robot command signal for a robot 3 according to a numerical control program; and a robot control device 6 that generates a robot control signal for controlling the operation of the robot 3 on the basis of the high-level command signal and inputs the robot control signal to the robot 3. The robot control device 6 includes a control unit 60 that generates the robot control signal by selectively executing one among a dynamic executable file generated on the basis of a dynamic executable file creation command signal and the robot command signal and a static executable file selected on the basis of a static executable file start command signal.