Industrial Robot Programming Interface for Third-Party Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots require time-consuming programming processes that tie up production equipment and delay start-up, especially when integrating third-party hardware and software, which is complex for end-users without specialized knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A method for programming industrial robots using a user-friendly graphical interface that allows setting up parameters for third-party hardware and software, enabling users to create robot programs without coding knowledge by selecting predefined workstations and specifying their order, with integrated GUI elements for installation and programming tabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional robot programming methods are used, then the robot can be programmed to perform tasks, but the programming process is time-consuming and ties up production equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses motion capture technology to record human movements and create digital copies of manual assembly tasks. These captured movements are automatically converted into robot program instructions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual programming and teaching processes while reducing production equipment downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical programming methods (manual teaching, trial-and-error adjustment) with automated motion capture and digital processing systems. This substitution dramatically accelerates the programming process and minimizes the time production equipment remains non-operational.
2Adaptability or versatility
If third party hardware and software are integrated into the robot system, then the system functionality is extended, but the integration process becomes complex for end-users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal integration platform that standardizes the connection between robot controllers and third-party devices. The system provides common communication protocols, standardized interface definitions, and unified configuration methods that work across different hardware vendors, making integration straightforward for end-users while supporting diverse functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that acts as a mediator between the robot controller and third-party hardware/software components. This intermediary layer handles complex integration details, provides abstraction interfaces, and manages communication protocols, shielding end-users from complexity while enabling extended system functionality.
3Ease of operation
If customized installation screens and program nodes are defined for end-users, then the user interface is tailored to specific needs, but the system configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows system integrators to pre-configure customized installation screens and program nodes during the initial system setup. These customized interfaces are prepared in advance with pre-defined parameters, data structures, and workflow configurations specific to the application domain, so that end-users receive a ready-to-use interface without facing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user interface into modular, configurable components (installation screens, program nodes, parameter fields) that can be independently customized and assembled. This segmentation allows the interface to be tailored to specific user needs through composition of standardized modules, rather than requiring complex monolithic configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for programming an industrial robot, where distributors and integrators can present accessories that run successfully at end users. Also the developer can define customized installation screens and program nodes for the end user. There is provided a software platform, where the developer can define customized installation screens and program nodes for the end user thereby extending an existing robot system with customized functionalities by still using the software platform available in the robot system. Hereby a robot developer can define customized installation screens and program nodes for the end user. These can, for example, encapsulate complex new robot programming concepts, or provide friendly hardware configuration interfaces.