Robot Programming

Machine users are faced with a steady increase in the number of functionalities and the growing complexity of the processes employed in programming robots. Especially, the less experienced users find themselves inadequately supported by existing programming methods. This explains, from a “user perspective”, the need for research in the field of efficient robot programming.

In an attempt to assist the programmer, ZMMI responded to this need by developing the visual programming system called PRIMOS. There are no manufacturer-specific programming languages used in PRIMOS, rather programming is achieved through specifications set by the movement activities of the robot. This takes place by means of simple links between points and movements. Various actions can be performed at the points, such as grasping component parts. This concept enables the realization of very different applications. The entire programming takes place in a visual environment with standard forms of Windows interaction (for example, drag&drop). Upon completion of the platform independent robot program, any desired supplier specific code can be created by the use of a post processor.