Abstract: A robot data transfer method includes the step of collecting data from each of a plurality of robots in a multi-robot production facility in real-time. The data collected from the robots is then transferred in real-time from a controller of each of the robots to a first data collection device. Within the first data collection device, the data is buffered using a multi-segment queueing mechanism. The queueing mechanism is configured with a retention policy. The data is then transferred to a second data collection device based on the retention policy of the queueing mechanism of the first data collection device. The second data collection device analyzes the data and determines whether maintenance or optimization is necessary for any of the robots.

Abstract: A robot monitoring system for monitoring and analyzing robot related data and displaying the data on a smart device is provided. The robot monitoring system comprises at least one robot in local communication with at least one robot controller. The at least one robot controller has local processing power for monitoring, gathering, and analyzing data related to the at least one robot. The data analysis results are formatted into a message file that is communicated to a storage system. The message file may then be retrieved by a smart device having software running thereon for displaying the results of the data analysis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for displaying three-dimensional workcell data includes a hand-held pendant that is provided with 3-D workcell data representing a model of a machine and associated components in a workcell. The hand-held pendant has a display that generates a 3-D visual representation of the workcell data. The pendant can be operated by a user to manipulate the visual representation to change a user viewpoint and to show motion of the machine with associated process information.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a multi-robot system includes a robot simulation device having a processor disposed therein for creating a simulation work cell of an operation of a real robot work cell, the robot simulation device configured to communicate with a robot control system controlling the robots of the real robot work cell. The simulation work cell is created based upon a predetermined layout of the real robot work cell. The system further includes a software program executed by at least one of the robot simulation device and the robot control system for calculating a part tracking offset between the simulation work cell and the real robot work cell for controlling the robots.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a visualization of coordinate points within a robot's working envelope is disclosed. Part data associated with a position of a part, which may include part offset from a known position, is read using a teach pendant program. The part data is automatically stored within a hidden program instruction of the teach pendant program. The part data may be stored within the part program in a motion instruction associated with a motion line of the teach pendant program.

Abstract: A robot data transfer method includes the step of collecting data from each of a plurality of robots in a multi-robot production facility in real-time. The data collected from the robots is then transferred in real-time from a controller of each of the robots to a first data collection device. Within the first data collection device, the data is buffered using a multi-segment queueing mechanism. The queueing mechanism is configured with a retention policy. The data is then transferred to a second data collection device based on the retention policy of the queueing mechanism of the first data collection device. The second data collection device analyzes the data and determines whether maintenance or optimization is necessary for any of the robots.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a visualization of coordinate points within a robot's working envelope is disclosed. Part data associated with a position of a part, which may include part offset from a known position, is read using a teach pendant program. The part data is automatically stored within a hidden program instruction of the teach pendant program. The part data may be stored within the part program in a motion instruction associated with a motion line of the teach pendant program.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a multi-robot system includes a robot simulation device having a processor disposed therein for creating a simulation work cell of an operation of a real robot work cell, the robot simulation device configured to communicate with a robot control system controlling the robots of the real robot work cell. The simulation work cell is created based upon a predetermined layout of the real robot work cell. The system further includes a software program executed by at least one of the robot simulation device and the robot control system for calculating a part tracking offset between the simulation work cell and the real robot work cell for controlling the robots.

Abstract: A robot monitoring system for monitoring and analyzing robot related data and displaying the data on a smart device is provided. The robot monitoring system comprises at least one robot in local communication with at least one robot controller. The at least one robot controller has local processing power for monitoring, gathering, and analyzing data related to the at least one robot. The data analysis results are formatted into a message file that is communicated to a storage system. The message file may then be retrieved by a smart device having software running thereon for displaying the results of the data analysis.

Abstract: A conveyor system and a method for dynamically switching an active work associated with a motion device, the system including a plurality of conveyors for moving at least one part, at least one production machine associated with at least one of the conveyors, at least one motion device to move the at least one part, a controller associated with the at least one motion device, wherein the controller is in data communication with the at least one production machine to receive a feedback data therefrom, the feedback data representing a state of the production machine, and a software system executed by the controller to dynamically and selectively control the at least one motion device in response to the feedback data.

Abstract: A system for picking and packing applications is provided. The system includes a plurality of robots and a plurality of robot controllers. Each robot controller includes a load re-balance subsystem, a load balance subsystem, a robot state change detector subsystem, a communicator subsystem, and a motion control subsystem. Each of the robot controllers is interconnected and in communication with one another via the communicator subsystems. Each of the robots has a workload that may be selectively balanced. A method for balancing the workloads of the robots using built-in processors which run motion control is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor system and a method for dynamically switching an active work associated with a motion device, the system including a plurality of conveyors for moving at least one part, at least one production machine associated with at least one of the conveyors, at least one motion device to move the at least one part, a controller associated with the at least one motion device, wherein the controller is in data communication with the at least one production machine to receive a feedback data therefrom, the feedback data representing a state of the production machine, and a software system executed by the controller to dynamically and selectively control the at least one motion device in response to the feedback data.

Abstract: A system for picking and packing applications is provided. The system includes a plurality of robots and a plurality of robot controllers. Each robot controller includes a load re-balance subsystem, a load balance subsystem, a robot state change detector subsystem, a communicator subsystem, and a motion control subsystem. Each of the robot controllers is interconnected and in communication with one another via the communicator subsystems. Each of the robots has a workload that may be selectively balanced. A method for balancing the workloads of the robots using built-in processors which run motion control is also provided.