Alternative Connection with KRC4 using Ethernet.

    Hi Team,

    I hope this message finds you well.

    I am currently working on a project involving experiments with KUKA robots, a welding machine, and accelerometers. This project is part of a research initiative with limited funding, so I am exploring alternatives to the KUKA.Ethernet.MS package for establishing an Ethernet connection between a KUKA KRC4 controller and other devices (e.g., PC, Raspberry Pi, S7-1200, etc.).

    Is it possible to manually program and configure the connection as an alternative to using the KUKA.Ethernet.MS package? If so, I would greatly appreciate any guidance or resources you could provide.

    Thank you for your assistance and patience!

    KUKA KRC4 supports socket communication for data exchange via the TCP/IP protocol. Using KRL, you can configure the robot as a client or server, set the IP address and port manually, and manage communication with commands like SOCKOPEN, SOCKWRITE, SOCKREAD, and SOCKCLOSE. This approach allows flexible integration with external devices without additional software packages.

    only robots can save us

    Quote from maleza

    KUKA KRC4 supports socket communication for data exchange via the TCP/IP protocol. Using KRL, you can configure the robot as a client or server, set the IP address and port manually, and manage communication with commands like SOCKOPEN, SOCKWRITE, SOCKREAD, and SOCKCLOSE. This approach allows flexible integration with external devices without additional software packages.

    Thank you so much!

    wait.. what?

    KUKA does have several communication options but none with the name of KUKA.Ethernet.MS

    there is KUKA.Ethernet/IP which is one of products with an M/S in the name (master and/or slave). this is a fieldbus that can be used with some PLCS like AB, Omron etc.

    there is KUKA.EthernetKRL which is also paid option that allows TCP/UDP socket communication (client or server or both). Pretty sure this is what maleza was thinking of.

    those official KUKA packages are of course not free.

    if your robot has them - good for you. you may also check for others like OPC or DeviceConnector.

    but if none are already installed and you are looking for communication option that is free, your best bet is to pick one of proxy servers developed by users:

    KVP (Kuka VarProxy)

    KVP for KRC4

    C3Bridge

    1) read pinned topic: READ FIRST...

    2) if you have an issue with robot, post question in the correct forum section... do NOT contact me directly

    3) read 1 and 2

    Yes, you can connect to KUKA KRC4 via Ethernet without using the KUKA.Ethernet.MS package.

    You can manually implement TCP/IP communication in KRL using COPEN, CREAD, and CWRITE. This lets the KRC4 act as a basic socket client or server, allowing communication with devices like a PC, S7-1200, or even a Raspberry Pi.

    For budget-friendly prototyping, Raspberry Pi boards from Robocraze are a great choice—they’re reliable and perfect for interfacing with sensors like accelerometers over Ethernet.

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