What Is a Robotic Controller?
The robotic controller has the following principles and functions:
- Determines robot motion.
Determines the next move of the robot in response to commands from a PLC or other high-level device. - Calculations and commands
Calculates the motion of the motors in the robot’s joints and sends commands to the motors. - Abnormality detection
Detects abnormalities in the robot and stops it.
Some recent products are equipped with AI, and many robots can determine how to move next time without teaching. Robotic controllers for industrial robots and human-controlled robots are available from robot manufacturers, and specifications differ among manufacturers.
A robotic controller is not compatible with other companies, and a robotic controller from a particular manufacturer cannot operate a robot from another manufacturer.
Other Information on Robotic Controllers
1. Types of TP (teaching pendant)
There are two types of TPs: wired type and wireless type (e.g., tablet type).
Wired Type TP
The wired type is often used for traditional industrial robots. Workers are accustomed to using them at manufacturing sites where existing industrial robots are used, such as automobile manufacturers.
One disadvantage of the wired type is that it may take some time for beginners to master its use. To use this type of controller for beginners, it is necessary to become proficient to some extent by reading manuals or attending robot training sessions, or requesting a dedicated robot SIer to build a system.
Wireless type TP
The wireless type is mainly used for human-controlled robots. One advantage of this type is that it is designed to be relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
Many TPs employ a large touch panel screen and an intuitive operation called direct teaching so that even beginners can use the system immediately. Therefore, it is possible to control the robot by ourselves without hiring a robot SIer.
In addition, the absence of thick cables makes it possible to build a neat robot system.
2. Evolution of Robotic Controllers
Robotic controllers are evolving daily in response to the expansion of robot applications and the growing demand for automation. Here, we discuss the evolution of robotic controllers toward miniaturization and higher functionality.
Miniaturization
In recent years, demand for smaller robots has been increasing for applications such as electronic component assembly. In line with this trend, there is a growing demand for smaller robotic controllers.
Robot manufacturers such as Fujikoshi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Yaskawa Electric have commercialized compact robotic controllers in the 12-15L volume class. These products are more than 70% smaller than conventional models.
Increasing Sophistication
It can be said that robotic controllers are evolving in a direction that allows them to control not only robots but also surrounding machines altogether. For example, some robotic controllers have PLC functions built into them, eliminating the need for an external system control panel to control servo motors, I/O, and other functions.