ABB RobotStudio Tutorial : Getting Started

RobotStudio is a powerful software designed by ABB for simulating and programming robots. With RobotStudio, you can create, test, and fine-tune robotic applications before deploying them onto real robots. In this ABB robot training, we will walk you through the initial steps.

 

Downloading RobotStudio

To get started, the first step is to download RobotStudio. You can easily download the software from official website.

The download process is straightforward, requiring you to provide some basic information.

After the download, you will have access to a 30-day trial period during which you can explore all the features, including both free and paid ones. Once the trial ends, you will still have access to essential features like offline and online programming. The paid features primarily involve 3D design and simulation capabilities. However, for the purposes of this article, we will focus solely on the free features.

 

Installing RobotStudio

Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install RobotStudio on your computer. The installation process is user-friendly and should not pose any difficulties.

 

Adding RobotWare

When you launch the software for the first time, you may encounter a prompt indicating that no RobotWare is installed. RobotWare serves as the operating system for ABB robots. Click "Yes" to proceed.

For this tutorial, we select "RobotWare for IRC5". Then click "Add" to install it.

 

Creating a New Station

The initial step in working with RobotStudio is to create a new station. Simply navigate to the "File" tab, click on "New," then select "Station," and finally click "Create."

 

Adding a New Controller

Once you have your station set up, the next step is to add a controller. Head over to the "Home" tab, click on "Virtual Controller," and then select "New Controller."

This window appears. We select the robot model.

You have the option to customize the controller settings according to your requirements.

If desired, you can add various features such as "World Zones," which allows you to define specific zones within the robot's environment.

 

Creating a Controller from a Backup

If you have a backup of a robot, you can use it to create a new controller. Backups can come in either folder or .tar archive formats. If you possess the archive from the ABB Robot Programming eBook, it is in .tar format.

Simply select the archive, choose the robot's name, and the RobotWare version. The software will ensure that RobotWare is installed before proceeding.

Once the controller is created, the robot appears in the 3D view. In the free version, we can visualize the robot, but we cannot add 3D elements (cell, gripper, etc.).

 

Exploring the Interface and Development Environment

Now, I will present the two essential menus when using the free version of RobotStudio.

In "Controller" tab, you will find a range of essential functionalities :

1. Managing write access requests when taking control with the RAPID development environment
2. Restarting the controller
3. Backing up and restoring programs
4. Viewing events
5. Lauching the virtual FlexPendant
6. Viewing Inputs/Outputs
7. Accessing the controller configuration
8. Modifying controller options

 

In "RAPID" tab, you will find additional functionalities :

1. Managing write access requests when taking control with the RAPID development environment
2. Automatically formatting code
3. Applying program modifications
4. Starting or stopping program execution
5. Checking the program for errors
6. Visualizing/modifying the program pointer's position

 

Controlling the Robot with the Virtual FlexPendant

By launching the virtual FlexPendant, you can control the robot manually. The virtual FlexPendant offers the same functionalities as the real one. To initiate the FlexPendant, click on "FlexPendant".

Then access the menu by clicking on the icon at the top left.

From the menu, select "Jogging" to open the manual control screen. Before using the joystick for movements, you must power on the robot.

The Virtual FlexPendant provides a step-by-step process to power on the robot :

1. Click on the checkbox.
2. Select the middle position.
3. Push the white button.
4. Click on "Enable" to start the motor.

The top banner indicates that the robot is powered on (Motors On) :

Once it's on, you can start performing movements, which will be visible in the 3D view.

 

Editing RAPID Code

To edit the RAPID code, access the "Program Editor" from the top-left menu. From here, you can add instructions to the "main" program.

An essential feature of RobotStudio is the ability to take control of the FlexPendant to edit the RAPID code. To achieve this, click on "Request Write Access".

 

The FlexPendant must accept the request.

 

Once you make the necessary modifications, apply them using the "Apply" button. When everything is in order, the module is edited, and you can release the access.

 

Creating Program Backups

Creating backups is a crucial step when working with robots. In RobotStudio, it's a simple process. Click on "Backup," then "Create Backup," and a window will guide you through creating the backup.

 

By following this RobotStudio tutorial, you will be well on your way to mastering ABB robot and harnessing its capabilities for your robotic applications.