Robotics Blog

To remain competitive, Italian machine builder Galli ventured into robotics and developed a robot-based flexible automation solution for processing leather pieces using ArtiMinds Robot Programming Suite software.
In our latest success story, Roberto Verduci reveals how and why Galli was able to realize the project, from design to programming to implementation, without an external integrator.

Complex robot applications generally pass through three phases in their life cycle: Planning, programming and maintenance. It is common for problems to occur at the interfaces between the individual phases.
On the one hand because different people are responsible during the respective phase, on the other hand because different tools are used. A programming solution that covers all three phases and bridges the gap between the different areas of activity brings numerous advantages. Especially when users can easily switch between online and offline programming.

Our latest blog explains why.

Would you like to know how you can deploy demanding robot applications robustly, e.g. using hybrid programming? During our last webinar series, we recorded a session showing how to solve sensor-based applications.  The video can be accessed on-demand for free at any time.

In a live demo on a real robot you will learn about the advantages of online and offline programming merging seamlessly and why you should rely on hybrid programming when it comes to sensor-based robot applications. In addition, we will show you how sensor technology can be used intelligently in this context.

“Is it possible to make subsequent changes to the robot program (in the programming language of the robot manufacturer) without ArtiMinds RPS?”

This question is quite justified, because it is about flexibility and independence on the user side. But don’t worry: the answer is quite clearly YES.
ArtiMinds RPS generates native program code that runs on the standard controller of the robot manufacturer. This means that the program runs autonomously on the controller even without a connection to ArtiMinds RPS and can be changed at any time in the native programming language. ArtiMinds also offers the option of integrating native program code as a library or encapsulated in code templates into the RPS program.
Find further questions and answers in the ArtiMinds FAQ section.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.12 is now available for installation. In this update, there are major changes for KUKA concerning the generated robot code and the communication between robot controller and RPS as well as the support of new robot models and integration of KUKA ForTTran force/torque sensor and Keyence smart cameras.
In addition, a new dialog now allows faster editing of template name, comment and color.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

The release is available via download or online update.

If we consider the economic benefits of robotic applications, it is important not to focus entirely on the development and ongoing operation of the system. Because the smoothest possible startup of the system also makes a significant contribution. Smart engineering tools such as ArtiMinds RPS and ArtiMinds LAR that offer consistency from engineering to maintenance can ensure that commissioning does not turn into a costly process.

Today´s blog explores how you can manage a boot up without additional effort.

ArtiMinds RPS and LAR optimally support you in the development and integration of your robot-based automation solutions. The functions of the software solutions are just as diverse as the existing application areas.

In the two-day user training course at our ArtiMinds Academy, we convey all the important features in a compact and practical manner and show you how you can flexibly automate your processes. And best of all: the user training is included in all standard licenses.

If you are not able to visit us in Karlsruhe, you can book an online training.

The 2021 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society’s biggest conference and one of the leading international forums for robotics researchers to present their work. It will be held 30 May- 5 June 2021 and takes place in China.
As part of the session “Learning-Based Manipulation IX”, ArtiMinds will hold a presentation about “Robot Program Parameter Inference Via Differentiable Shadow Program Inversion”.

Despite challenges brought about by the pandemic, the total number of PROFIBUS and PROFINET devices so far installed at plants has exceeded 100 million. On a yearly basis, PROFINET has beaten all previous records with a total of 7.3 million products placed on the market, reaching a combined total of 40 million.
In manufacturing technology, meanwhile, around four times as many devices have been equipped with a PROFINET interface than a PROFIBUS interface.

By implementing a flexible robotic deburring cell and automating the previously manual deburring process, Greene Tweed was not only able to increase the process quality, but also to reduce the overall processing time by over 50%.
In our latest success story, Andrew Laich reveals how the US company achieved this thanks to the robot software ArtiMinds RPS and the role played by the intensive collaboration with the ArtiMinds Automation Engineering Team.

Do you already know the new download and press area of ArtiMinds? In addition to the free UR Cap plugin ArtiMinds Essentials and helpful information material, you will also find current publications and reports about ArtiMinds in the trade press as well as an overview of our current TechTips. So it’s worth taking a look.

Do you want to connect your robot program to external data sources, for example, to move the robot to different positions specified from an external program?
Our latest TechTip shows how to handle and create lists in ArtiMinds RPS and program loop executions in the context of lists.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.11 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights such as the support of KUKA KR50 R2500, added documentation for ‘Move to Point’ template and the added function to copy the curve force settings from another curve (CAD2Path+Force).

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

How are teleoperations changing how we do business? What plans has your company implemented to use this technology?

These and more questions ArtiMinds` CEO Sven Schmidt-Rohr was asked when talking to Robot Though Leaders, a US podcast interviewing the individuals and companies that are driving change in the industrial robot automation world. In more than one hour they discussed topics like teleoperations, AI & Deep Learning, the future of Automation but also talked about how ArtiMinds was founded and Sven´s extensive robotics background and much more.
You can watch and hear the complete podcast session on YouTube.

Once again ArtiMinds has been included in this year´s German AI Startup landscape as on of the top startups in the manufacturing industry area.  Companies like NVIDIA and google as well as nine leading Venture Capital companies screen more than 1000 startups every year to find the best AI startups in Germany. The landscape is then published in Handelsblatt.

When companies think about using ArtiMinds RPS they often, of course, do have already existing robotics projects or robot applications. Therefore, we are often asked:

“Do we have to adapt existing robotics applications to use ArtiMinds RPS or how can I integrate ArtiMinds into (ongoing) robotics projects?”

Since you do not necessarily have to create the complete robot program with ArtiMinds RPS, but can also generate only special sub-processes, while other parts are programmed “classically”, the ArtiMinds software solutions can be integrated into existing processes and projects without any problems. Therefore, no changes to your existing robot applications are necessary.
On the contrary: ArtiMinds enables you to integrate robots into your production processes even more flexibly and independently.

If you would like to carry out a feasibility study or if you need solution-oriented project support, our Automation Engineering Team with its many years of experience in robotics projects is always available to advise you.

“We already have a PLC standard. Is it possible to communicate with the PLC via ArtiMinds RPS?”

We are asked this question very often. And the answer is quite clearly YES.
A robot program created with ArtiMinds RPS can communicate with a PLC via various communication protocols (Ethernet, Ethercat, Modbus, Profinet IO). This happens with our digital IO modules, with which e.g. BOOL or INT signals can be sent and received. This means that complex protocols such as a handshake for order processing can be programmed or data such as tray positions can be exchanged.
If the same protocol sections are used several times in the RPS program, it is not necessary to reassemble them each time. You can save and reuse them as a custom template.
If you already have a robot code for PLC communication, it can also be easily inserted into the RPS. In addition, it is possible to visualize fictitious PLC signals and the associated processes in the simulation.

You can solve nearly every conceivable application with ArtiMinds. In our application area and on YouTube you will find several application videos to learn more.

In robotics, there are two fundamentally different approaches to programming a robot for its individual task:
either via the respective native programming language or through the implementation of an external proprietary controller which controls the robot fine-granularly. These controllers are typically implemented with the help of the Robot Operating System (ROS).

Both approaches have their respective advantages – and disadvantages. In the current blog post we will take a closer look at these.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.10 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights such as the support of ABB robots with IRC5 controller, the new ‘Wait’ template and the CAD2Path+Force functionality to generate force-controlled paths.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

For a customer project, SHL, an expert in the development of flexible robotic cells in the field of surface finishing, was asked to carry out trials for the automated grinding of medical disinfectors. SHL decided to carry out a project with ArtiMinds Robotics to test the suitability of force/torque sensors for the required adaption of the system.

Using ultrasonic, defects in components and inhomogeneities can be located. Robot-supported automation can reduce test costs and test time and make measurements reproducible. ArtiMinds RPS supports companies in programming a force controlled application with less effort and in automating path planning for complex components.

In this challenging year, we would like to thank you for your trust and the good cooperation and we wish you and your family a happy holiday season as well as a healthy and successful start into the new year 2021!

“Happiness often comes from paying attention to small things,
often misfortune is caused by neglecting small things.”
Wilhelm Busch

Kind regards, Your ArtiMinds team

Force/torque sensors are proven tools in many robot applications, e.g. to compensate manufacturing
tolerances or wear and thereby increasing the robustness. For this purpose, robot manufacturers offer
extensive technology packages for their controllers, but their use requires special expertise and extensive
programming knowledge.
With ArtiMinds RPS +Force you can implement robot applications with force/torque sensors in a very short time, even without special knowledge. Since the robot code is generated automatically and, during online mode, there is a direct connection to the robot controller, you can test solution approaches such as probing, searching for holes or torque balancing live on the robot without high programming effort – and thus save a lot of time during process development.
ArtiMinds RPS +Force supports a wide range of force/torque sensors and offers over 25 tailored building blocks and wizards, as well as the extension of the robot’s live data with sensor measurement data.
The ArtiMinds e-paper shows which manufacturers, force/torque sensors and grippers are supported.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.9.9 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights such as the integration of three new KUKA robot models as well as the implementation of two new templates (Switch template and Dialog builder template).

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

On December 1 and 2 we are offering new free webinars focussing on “robot-supported surface processing” as special topic. With reference to industrial practical examples, we show the challenges in grinding, polishing and deburring and how these processes can  be automated easily and robustly with robots.

In our new FAQ section we answer the most important questions about the ArtiMinds software solutions, our services, applications and technical requirements.

From 3 to 4 November Siemens is organizing a digital event called “Realize Live Europe”. The focus of this event is to learn more about approaches and innovations that drive digital transformation.

ArtiMinds customer B/S/H, one of the leading home appliance manufacturers worldwide, will be talking about how B/S/H realizes a higher process efficiency through integrated robotics and assembly planning and which role ArtiMinds plays in this context.
As a Siemens partner ArtiMinds, Siemens and B/S/H are working very closely and successfully together since several years.

Find more information on the event website.

ArtiMinds RPS and LAR support the user in all phases of his robot application, from planning and programming to commissioning and operation.

Our new infographics show how ArtiMinds can be consistently integrated into new and existing automation systems as well, what added value and advantages the software creates and how you can still remain independent in your work and processes.

With the new release V1.9.7 the OMRON FHV smart cameras for universal robots are supported. Find out how to configure the OMRON camera for your robot application with ArtiMinds RPS in our new video tutorial.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.9.7 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights such as the extension of the supported hardware by OMRON FHV smart cameras, the possibility to blend between additional motion types and the visualization of “blended” 3D paths.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

The CAD2Path feature allows to import CAD models into ArtiMinds RPS, thereby minimizing the programming effort for components with complex geometries.

What can you do if a point theoretically in reach of the robot is still marked as not reachable after the path import? Our current TechTip shows how you can solve this accessibility problem in just a few steps and what role the orientation of the TCP plays.

This tutorial shows how to match the position of the real work piece with the path generated via the CAD2Path function in ArtiMinds RPS. Thanks to the combination of online and offline programming the exact position of the 3D CAD model can easily be calibrated in a few steps.
This approach can also be used for the calibration of 3D models in general, e.g. for workplace digitization.

Since ArtiMinds is compatible with numerous industrial robots, force-torque sensors, grippers and vision systems, you are able to program your robot application independently of manufacturers and you remain flexible in the selection of the hardware that suites best for your needs. Robot programs created with ArtiMinds can also be transferred to another robot at any time.

How does consistent and standardized programming with ArtiMinds work?
The e-paper gives an overview of the supported robots and peripheral devices and provides information on the products and their fields of application.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.9.6 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights such as the possibility to add (individual) names and types of motion templates to the generated code and the addition of  new builders templates for setting and reading variables.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

Today, robots can already do more than one might think. You just have to “teach them.” But it is exactly this teaching, i.e. robot programming, that is the reason why many companies shy away from using robots. Small and medium-sized companies dread the large programming effort, while large companies are always troubled by the lack of standardization.
How can you overcome these hurdles?

The CAD2Path feature minimizes the programming effort for components with complex geometries and allows you to import CAD models into ArtiMinds RPS. Depending on the shape of an object errors may occur if the automatic calculation assumes an incorrect reference surface.

Our current TechTip shows how this can be easily avoided.

Would you like to produce more efficiently and automate industrial processes with robots?
Then our free online seminar series “Automating with robots” offers you first helpful insights and tips.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.9.4 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights like the addition of  the new template “Move to Point”, the addition of a second simulation function as well as the improvement of the link between Cartesian key positions of templates and 3D points in the Point Tool.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

Would you like to deburr, polish or apply adhesive to components with complex geometries with a robot? The CAD2Path feature reduces the programming effort required for such applications to a minimum by allowing you to import CAD models of the part into the ArtiMinds Robot Programming Suite (RPS). The software then automatically extracts the model’s edges.
After the desired path has been selected, it can be modified and the curve parameters can be set, i.e. the specification of how the TCP should move around the object. Finally, the (complex) trajectory is imported effortlessly into the robot program as a path.
The CAD2Path feature supports the formats STEP, IGES, BREP as well as BINBREP.

Program and simulate robot applications independently of manufacturers, reduce maintenance costs and alleviate the lack of skilled workforces.

ZF, one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide, explains in our new best practice use case how they succeed thanks to ArtiMinds.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.9.3 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights like the extension of of the hardware support for KUKA, Zimmer, ATI and UR eSeries as well as the extension of the wizward for the Grid template.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.

When designing a robot cell, it is essential to be able to simulate which points can´t be reached by a robot and which points may be difficult to reach. The ArtiMinds RPS feature manipulability calculation supports the user by color-coding the degree of how good an individual point can be reached by the TCP.

The trade fair for robotics and automation will be postponed due to the current corona situation and will take place from 8 to 11 December 2020. ArtiMinds Robotics is looking forward to welcoming you in Munich in hall C6, booth 306.

Visomax Coating GmbH has developed a solution to automate the force-controlled polishing of painted surfaces with robots using ArtiMinds RPS.

The latest ArtiMinds RPS version 1.9 is now available for installation. The major changes include highlights like a permanently visible help window on the right hand side of the screen, which will dynamically display entries of the ArtiMinds RPS online help depending on the current user interaction and support of Fanuc iRVision cameras.

You can find the entire changelog with all changes and bug fixes in the ArtiMinds RPS directory.