With the Movikit Robotics parameterizable software module, SEW-Eurodrive makes it easy to control universal robot kinematics; for example, when the worker quickly creates and edits robot programs without high-level language programming knowledge - even directly on the machine. SEW has now added new functions to the software module to make it easier to integrate the module into automation structures and open up additional possibilities.

TouchProbe measurement and distance-to-go positioning
The TouchProbe function enables an instruction to be triggered during a program by triggering a sensor or changing the state of a Boolean variable. The TouchProbe measurement outputs the Cartesian coordinates in the selected coordinate system. During distance-to-go positioning, the programmed path is continued by a certain length in the specified direction starting from the measured path point. If the length is greater than the programmed path, it is extended. The sensor can be connected to the inverter or directly to the Movi-C controller (e.g. via a digital input).

Time- and path-based path events
Path events are events that are triggered at a defined point on the robot's path or a defined time before or after reaching this point. For example, a glue application can be started and stopped at any point or the vacuum of a suction gripper can be switched on a certain time before reaching the end of the path. The path events switch independently of the processing of the robot program, i.e. the progress of the program pointer, at the parameterized position or the parameterized time before or after.

Standardized fieldbus interface
The standard profile can be used to move the robot along a path via a higher-level controller. The path is managed by the higher-level controller and transmitted to the software module. The interface and the corresponding, automatically generated robot program are permanently defined. The path is composed of path segments. Each path segment is defined by a target pose, an overtravel distance and a movement parameter set.

The track is run at the start. Further paths can then be transmitted and started. The path consists of movement sequences that are specified by the higher-level controller at runtime using path points and transfer areas. Various releases are used to control when the robot should perform which movement. The speed and acceleration with which the robot moves along these path segments is defined by preconfigurable motion parameter sets. The higher-level controller specifies the number of the movement parameter set to be used for each path segment. For example, data records can be defined for rapid traverse, creep traverse or gripping movements.

According to SEW, the software module is primarily used for handling applications such as picking, palletizing or transferring goods. It can be used in a variety of other areas, for example in plotter applications, adhesive applications or the positioning/cutting of food, the decoration of baked goods or the sorting of cutlery. as