Among other things, the app makes it possible to control the robot positions. © Kontron

The movement of the TracePen shows the robot the path to be learned. The software displays this movement in detail. The result can be readjusted and refined by defining individual points (keyframes). This allows adjustments to be made in the precision range of repeat accuracy. The way in which the robot should move between the defined points can be adapted to the requirements. The user can control the individual robot joints directly. In addition, a range can be defined in which the robot is allowed to move.

Installation in several steps

The installation takes place in several steps, with the installation of the hardware coming first. These are the tracking stations, TracePen, tablet and industrial computer. The Wandelbots platform is then connected to the industrial PC, which is connected to the robot's controller as the control center for the TracePen. With the support of the tracking stations, the TracePen is then calibrated in the second step. The pen is fixed to the holder provided for this purpose on the robot. Calibration using infrared light patterns is fully automatic and is completed in less than 30 seconds.

The actual programming can then begin. "The process understanding of the task is crucial for this, not the user's programming knowledge," says Grosa. To initiate this process, the operator selects the appropriate attachment for the TracePen and starts the app. They then use the TracePen to carry out the relevant task. The data is recorded by the software down to a tenth of a millimeter. The exact sequence of the teaching process can be tracked in the app.

The skills that a robot is taught for a specific task area can be edited and refined in the next step. Frequently used skills can be reused, modified and implemented in new skills with the help of the keyframe selector. Finally, the code for the robot is generated in the programming language used. This process takes just a few seconds and is fully automated. The generated code can be edited manually at a later stage. This process is compatible with all conventional certification and simulation processes. The code can then also be transferred to other robots. With its robot solution, Wandelbots is opening up the possibility of using digital helpers to a wide range of users. The programming system is compact and flexible to use. The industrial PC from Kontron, which is a central element of the programming solution, plays a significant role in this flexibility.

Industrial PC with individual adaptations

The industrial PC is based on the KBox-B series from Kontron. The entire programming software stack is based on this. The Dresden scientists had been in contact with Kontron experts in the field of industrial automation for some time. It was therefore obvious that a Kontron industrial PC was one of the options tested during the development of the new robotics solution. It was important to Wandelbots that the components for the system were robust and flexible, had sufficient communication interfaces, but also had special specifications such as WiFi function and allowed firmware and BIOS updates to be carried out easily. The provision of two additional Ethernet ports via the PCIe interfaces of the KBox and the appealing design also influenced the decision in favor of the Kontron product.

After an extensive test phase with various industrial PCs, Wandelbots decided to use the customized KBox for the programming platform. "We had a clear idea of what the unit should offer," says Grosa. "The KBox met our expectations in full, and Kontron also implemented our requirements and wishes regarding some individual customizations without any problems. We were looking for a competent partner with many years of experience, especially with the industrial requirements that a system has to meet. The partnership also gives us planning security with regard to future evaluations. We found this partner in Kontron. In addition, the expertise of the Kontron team helped us a lot during the entire test and implementation phase. The partnership-based cooperation has resulted in solutions with which we can reach a large number of users from different sectors. We are only at the beginning of a development here," says the robotics specialist.