RoboDK and KEBA Industrial Automation have agreed a partnership that involves extensive technical collaboration between the two companies.
The integration of KEBA Robotik KeMotion in RoboDK simplifies the complete life cycle of a process solution with integrated robotics, from the preparation of the quotation to implementation and after-sales support.
RoboDK was founded in Canada in 2015 and specializes in offline programming and simulation. KEBA now has over 30 years of expertise in industrial robotics and, with its Kemro X automation platform, enables interaction between the overall solution, the movement of the robot and the respective process functionalities.
Michael Garstenauer, product manager robotics at KEBA Industrial Automation, says: “We are delighted with the successful integration of our control technology into RoboDK.
“RoboDK has developed a KeMotion KEBA driver that is based on KEBA’s new secure and powerful web APIs and thus enables corresponding workflows. Our existing customers will also benefit from this, as the RoboDK Robot Library already supports them.”
Benefit from two open platforms
OEM developers can now combine the advantages of Kemro X and RoboDK. The two open platforms make it possible to create and test several robot cell scenarios from the desktop and only then set up the real production cell.
This means that the optimum positioning of the robot can be determined before it is actually used. Cycle times are minimized, singularities are avoided and accessibility is ensured.
This leads to shorter commissioning times, conserves employee resources and ultimately allows reliable quotations to be prepared quickly for customers.
Garstenauer says: “If, for example, you program a robot to paint a complex 3D structure such as a designer chair, this can often take hours – with RoboDK you can do this in just a few minutes.”
Simple transfer to KEBA control unit
The currently available functionality enables the creation of robot programs in the KEBA language KAIRO within the RoboDK environment based on 3D models of parts and systems.
A simple option for transferring to KEBA controllers is also available. The execution of the robot movement can be monitored both in a digital environment and with the actual robot controller within RoboDK.
The execution of the robot movement can be monitored both in a digital environment and with the actual robot controller within RoboDK.
Advanced simulation and programming function
Samuel Bertrand, software development lead at RoboDK, says: “The integration between Kemro X and RoboDK provides KEBA users with advanced simulation and programming capabilities, including CAD to path features, offline programming (OLP), digital twin capabilities, collision checking, CAM for robots, and more.
“By integrating KEBA systems into RoboDK, we aim to enhance efficiency, control, and flexibility in robotic automation.”
Easy maintenance thanks to digital twin
Even after the production cell is set up and running, it can be easily maintained or modified using the digital twin. The recorded data makes it easy to quickly identify problems and provide efficient customer support and service.
The collaboration between KEBA and RoboDK is also of great benefit to end users: It minimizes downtime during product changes and by quickly identifying problems, it guarantees them effective service and support.
The main advantages and key points of the collaboration between KEBA and RoboDK include:
Advanced simulation: Enables users to create and test robot cell scenarios virtually, in a simulated environment, ensuring optimal positioning and performance before real-world implementation.
Reduced setup times: Minimizes commissioning times and conserves employee resources by simplifying programming tasks and setup procedures. Key feature is the automatic generation of robot paths along for new parts or products to be processed by the robotic system. Hour long manual teach-in at the robot is replaced by quick and easy software-driven processes.
Enhanced monitoring and maintenance: Facilitates easy monitoring and maintenance using digital twins, ensuring quick identification and resolution of issues.
Reliable and efficient support: Guarantees effective customer service with minimized downtime during product changes and swift problem-solving capabilities.
