FANUC is launching a new version (v10) of its popular ROBOGUIDE offline robot programming and simulation software. Drawing from direct customer input, the improved version includes several significant enhancements and features that elevate this robot system design tool in terms of graphical performance and overall user experience.
Favored by system integrators, end users, and university research teams, ROBOGUIDE PC software enables efficient and economical robot programming and work cell design. Facilitating straightforward robot system visualization/simulation, ROBOGUIDE enables quicker and simpler configuration of automated work processes. Users visually create and simulate robot programs through an intuitive graphical interface.
With v10, ROBOGUIDE users experience enhanced graphics performance for a more lifelike simulation experience. The new 64-bit software allows ROBOGUIDE to handle larger work cell programming and simulation projects that involve more robots and additional systems/equipment.
To improve the enhanced graphics capability of the software, ROBOGUIDE v10 also includes a completely new user interface (UI). The enhanced UI is more user-friendly and offers an even superior visual depiction of the robot work cell. This ability not only aids experienced users in enhancing their skills but also assists those with limited simulation experience in developing comprehension. Furthermore, the software features a recognizable Windows 11 appearance, and the CAD functionalities are consistent with popular CAD applications.
As a point of note, ROBOGUIDE v10 includes both the new UI and the classic UI. If preferred, existing users can continue using the classic UI until they feel comfortable with the enhanced interface.ROBOGUIDE software offers an integrated, easy-to-follow tutorial, complete with detailed procedure descriptions for each feature. For instance, if a user wants to program and simulate coordinated robot motion for arc welding, they can use the reference example provided as a guide. They can also take advantage of optional plug-ins to reduce set-up time and reduce the risk of error for specific robots applications that include spot welding, palletising, deburring, painting, arc welding and more.
Continuing the ease-of-use theme, the improved Workcell Wizard in ROBOGUIDE v10 makes it even easier and quicker to drop configured robots into work cells. The configured virtual robots could be easily shared with different applications.
Another new addition is the introduction of a virtual reality (VR) application. ROBOGUIDE v10 can record work cell simulations into 3D video for playback inside a VR headset. Headset users can subsequently stop and start the application to gain an ever better perception of robot system functionality. They can also step inside the application (virtually) and stand next to a robot for a close-up view of operational performance.
Sustainability is of course a hot topic across industry right now, with manufacturers increasingly reliant on new technology to support their environmental initiatives. An innovative ROBOGUIDE software option allows customers to estimate robot power consumption and use it to save energy. Another software option is available for estimating the life of the robot’s reducer, helping users to avoid unnecessary replacement and save maintenance costs.
“ROBOGUIDE empowers you to create, program and simulate robots in 3D – quickly and easily – eliminating the need for costly physical prototypes,” says Paul Ribus, FANUC’s Head of Sales Coordination RO Europe. “By harnessing the power of virtual robots, our software enables you to visualise single- or multi-robot layouts with complete clarity, simplifying safety validation and ensuring seamless installations.”
Customers can purchase a permanent licence for ROBOGUIDE v10 via a one-time payment that includes any subsequent upgrades within v10. Alternatively, a subscription-based purchasing model is available. FANUC also offers an upgrade package for existing users wishing to migrate from a previous version of ROBOGUIDE.