Simulation-based robot cell design in AdeptRapid

Abstract

In order to rapidly design and deploy automated manufacturing systems, simulation-based design and optimization software will become increasingly essential. Using a simulator to design alternative concepts and communicate them to system integrators and end-users can effectively reduce the overall time needed to install flexible automation. Robots do not work in isolation. Simulation based cell design must pay significant attention to the design and operation of various peripherals. Object oriented techniques seem to be a clear win in cleanly implementing not only simulated robots but also libraries of cell peripherals. Overall cycle time of a robotized cell must be predictable to within a few percent. This need produces requirements not only on accurately predicting robot motion times, but also timing associated with cell peripherals such as grippers, conveyors, and parts feeding schemes. With all these items accurately modelled, the system can perform optimizations to automatically search for superior designs. This paper introduces AdeptRapid, a simulation based design system that has been developed by the SILMA division of Adept Technology, Inc.