What is Offline Programming?
Traditionally, robots are programmed manually using a teach pendant and storing positions. Using a teach pendant can be daunting for an unskilled operator, and even for accomplished programmers the process is slow and cumbersome. The programmer must drive the robot precisely to each desired position, with only their eye as a gauge for accuracy. All the while, the robot is unavailable for production work as it is being physically programmed to do something new. This could take weeks for complex paths, as hundreds of thousands of points may be required!
Offline programming solves these challenges, enabling efficient and accurate upgrading of the robot's capabilities. As the name suggests, offline programming is conducted "offline" from the robot system in a virtual environment based on an exact replica of the real work cell. This allows users to quickly create large and complex robot programs with just a few clicks of the mouse, as robot motion is automatically calculated based on CAD features and input settings.
There are a number of benefits to this approach, including:
Offline programming solves these challenges, enabling efficient and accurate upgrading of the robot's capabilities. As the name suggests, offline programming is conducted "offline" from the robot system in a virtual environment based on an exact replica of the real work cell. This allows users to quickly create large and complex robot programs with just a few clicks of the mouse, as robot motion is automatically calculated based on CAD features and input settings.
There are a number of benefits to this approach, including:
- minimal disruption to existing production operations
- program transfer to remote locations
- all program and CAD setup files (company IP) are retained for future reference and backups
- fast programming time makes low volume production runs economical
- mathematically precise and repeatable motion
- simple to use in-built tools to aid in path generation
- rapid programming on complex geometry
- CAD simulation allows reach and collision testing of the entire work cell prior to purchasing robots or equipment
Outsource your programming needs
As business needs and goals change over time, robot functionality must also evolve in order to remain relevant. When it comes to robot programming, many organisations lack employees with the required skills and training, especially when programming needs arise infrequently.
OLP Robotics are more than happy to support businesses struggling to expand the capabilities of their robots by performing all programming activities offline and delivering complete solutions ready to load onto the robot.
OLP Robotics are more than happy to support businesses struggling to expand the capabilities of their robots by performing all programming activities offline and delivering complete solutions ready to load onto the robot.