Robot controller as Cell Master

[Jim Tyrer]

Do you use robot controllers to control the whole cell, with no PLC/SPS used?
In my case I can't, because my boss does not think it's a good idea. (WHAT...NO PLC!??)

[Sven Weyer]

Why not?
The newest robot controller can control of more than 3 robots at the same time!
I think the programming is a little diffrend like a PLC.
I find is not so bad. It's works good!
 ;D
robotic74

[Werner Hampel]

as often we can  :supi:

[slinky]

It depends on your application and how complicated the cell is. I am trying to persuade some of our smaller customers to go down this route. The latest model ABB and Motoman robots have the ability to make your own HMI on the pendant. I still prefer an independant one for the operator though. It should be possible with ethernet comms (and possibly others) to display error driven messages on the HMI. I would love to try it. It would be a great cost saving method. On most applications it would mean changing the background program (concurrent IO ladder on Motoman), but once it's been done once the worlds your oyster. If anyone tries it can they let me know how they get on. I will help wherever possible.

[bnhnt]

I have not hade the opportunity to use multiple robots on one pendent,
Do you have the option to move both robots at the same time

[slinky]

When you create a job, create it with R1+R2. This is a two robot job, you can also have R1+R2+S1 if you're using a manipulator etc. You can also have two separate jobs called from the master using a Pstart (parrallel start) as in my example above. When you are in either of these jobs you can use shift+4 to toggle dual operation mode on and off. This enables both programs to step forward and back at the same time. In addition, instead of mapping cross talk, you use Tsyncs. When you enter a Tsync in a program, the program will not step on until the other robot program reaches its equivalent Tsync.
Hope this helps.

[bnhnt]

That is helpfull and very interesting thank you
 :supi:

[vulpes_h]

I have use ABB IRC5 controllers whit 4 robots. it is easy to use. it is possible to move all robots at the same time you can have external axis connected to each robot as well.

Yes. you don’t need a PLC in a robot cell, ABB have multitasking to control  I/O to machines etc,   you can run several I/O buss system on a IRC5 controller. Profibus interbus (cu,optic) ,canbus or devicenet …
All robot have the same safety channels on the safety board, so if 1 robot stops all robots are stopped.
But with 4 IRC5 controllers it is separate. (One controller for each robot.)

Whit ABB IRC5 controllers you can order the configuration you need for a specific cell.
It is easy to communicate form one  “IRC5 controllers” to a anther one using I/O sio etc.
1,2,3 or 4 robot on one controller sharing safety, I/O data etc in one cell.
With I/O interlock 5-9 robots and 2 controller´s ect.

And you can use any type of ABB robots an running them together.

(Controller = computer and tech pendent)