PLM software reaches into robot simulation, programming

Intuitive, easy-to-deploy, simulation and programming software can minimize robot downtime and increase throughput, especially for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, according to Siemens PLM Software.

July 26, 2013

Intuitive, easy-to-deploy robotic simulation and programming software for small- and medium-sized manufacturers can help minimize downtime and increase throughput for shop-floor robots. RobotExpert software from Siemens PLM Software supports pick-and-place, arc welding, polishing, gluing, and other robotic industry applications. The robotic programming and simulation software expands Siemens PLM Software’s digital manufacturing offerings, which include its Tecnomatix portfolio for digital manufacturing, automation, and simulation software.

Industrial robots increasingly perform complex, repetitive tasks across a variety of industries, creating a greater need for an out-of-the-box solution for robotic simulation and programming, according to Siemens. RobotExpert enables the design, simulation, optimization, and offline programming of robotic applications to maximize the speed, flexibility, and operation of automated systems. With an intuitive 3D environment, the software combines the simplicity to optimize robotic paths and improve cycle times with the power to simulate virtual mockups of manufacturing cells and systems. RobotExpert can be used to generate the most suitable combination of equipment to meet specific manufacturing needs, support faster product introduction, and evaluate manufacturing times, costs, and project investments earlier in the product lifecycle.

Industrial robots traditionally are programmed manually, which means production downtime and non-optimized robot programs. RobotExpert provides an offline programming and simulation tool which helps to minimize downtime by allowing the majority of the programming work to be done virtually while optimizing the program to reduce the cycle time and increase throughput. Simulation capabilities also help to reduce hazards to shop-floor personnel and equipment.

“Manufacturers, big and small, are under a great deal of pressure to maximize return on capital investment, and production line automation provides an excellent opportunity to help increase efficiency,” explained Zvi Feuer, senior vice president, manufacturing engineering software, Siemens PLM Software. “Specifically, small and mid-size manufacturers needed an intuitive and easy-to-deploy solution that removes the complexities involved with implementing a robotic simulation and programming solution.”

RobotExpert was developed as an independent software solution, Feuer said, bringing complex robotic expertise into a “simple intuitive solution which will help small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies across industries build better products by making smarter manufacturing decisions.”

Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, provides product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, with seven million licensed seats and more than 71,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with companies to deliver open solutions to help them make smarter decisions that result in better products. The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) supports industrial customers, from product design to production and services, with automation technology, industrial control technology, and industrial software. Its software can shorten the time-to-market of new products by up to 50%, the company said. Industry Automation has five business units: Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, Siemens PLM Software, and Water Technologies.

www.siemens.com/industryautomation 

www.siemens.com/plm/robotexpert

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.

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Siemens PLM provides a RobotExpert fact sheet.