Robot Program Distribution via PLC for Safer Multi-Controller Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot control systems require manual copying of programs for each robot control apparatus, leading to inefficiencies in program management, increased memory usage, and risks of unintended robot operations.
Innovation Solution
A program management apparatus that includes a communicator, storage, and controller, allowing for selective program download and execution on robot controllers via a PLC, reducing the need for manual copying and improving operability by enabling program management through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual copying of programs is performed for each robot control apparatus, then program management becomes complex and time-consuming, but program distribution can be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A server is introduced as an intermediary between the PLC and robot control apparatuses. The server stores master programs and distributes them to multiple robot control apparatuses automatically, eliminating the need for manual copying and reducing program management complexity while improving distribution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides program management into separate functional components: program creation/editing at the PLC level, program storage and distribution at the server level, and program execution at the robot control apparatus level. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall efficiency.
2Reliability
If programs are stored in each robot control apparatus, then program execution is independent, but memory usage increases and program updates become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates lightweight program copies in robot control apparatuses that reference the master program stored on the server. These copies contain only essential execution data, significantly reducing memory usage while maintaining execution independence. Updates are achieved by modifying the master program on the server and redistributing copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The server functions as a universal program repository that serves multiple robot control apparatuses simultaneously. It provides program storage, distribution, and update capabilities to all connected apparatuses, reducing the need for duplicate full program storage in each device.
3Ease of operation
If terminal apparatuses are required for program input, then user interface functionality is available, but operability decreases and unintended operations risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PLC is equipped with both program input functionality and robot control functionality in a single device. Users can directly input programs into the PLC, which then distributes them through the server to robot control apparatuses, eliminating the need for separate terminal apparatuses and reducing the risk of unintended operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of terminal apparatuses, PLC, and server into an integrated control architecture. The PLC serves as both the programming interface and control system, while the server handles distribution, reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying the overall system configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A program management apparatus includes a communicator, a storage, and a controller. The communicator is communicable with at least one robot controller. The storage stores a plurality of first programs for controlling an operation of a robot, the plurality of first programs being executed by the at least one robot controller. The controller outputs at least one of the plurality of first programs selected on a basis of a request from a cooperation controller capable of operating together with the at least one robot controller to certain at least one of the at least one robot controller that is to operate together with the cooperation controller.