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What is the purpose of the RTR plug-in in Siemens PS?
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Pairing Tecnomatix Process Simulate, provided by Siemens, with RTR’s RapidPlan* will empower users with the ability to generate collision-free paths created by RapidPlan. These paths can then be simulated and recorded within Process Simulate, subsequently deployed to the robots on the shop floor. This integration significantly alleviates customers' challenges when implementing industrial robots, enhancing productivity, and maximizing the benefits of robotics. The solution is straightforward: The user defines paths as a list of process points, RTR identifies collision-free routes between these process points, and generates a new path that incorporates the necessary waypoints and interlocks for collision-free operation of the cell. This video shows an end-to-end example of the RTR Plugin use. *RapidPlan is the name of RTR’s software product. |
What are the system specifications?
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How do I setup the system?
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The Tecnomatix Process Simulate installation does not require any additional step. The RapidPlan Plug-in will be installed with the standard distribution. The feature can be enabled through the corresponding license. In addition to the plug-in in Siemens PS, users need to install the RapidPlan software. There are 2 ways of installing RapidPlan:
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Which are the use cases where the plugin brings value, and which aren’t?
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The RTR software (RapidPlan) supports point-to-point applications (spot welding, riveting, inspection). Handling applications are not fully supported, but can work with workarounds. The reason to this is that Siemens PS does not communicate to RapidPlan if the robot is holding the part or not, and the status of the jig and clamps. Path applications, like dispensing, arc welding, or roller hamming hemming are not supported. |
Are additional axis, like robot rails and weld guns, supported?
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Yes, both linear rails and weld guns are supported. These axes must be configured as additional axes within the robot controller. The user is responsible for specifying the positions of the external axes at the process points, while RTR will determine the positions of these axes within the waypoints. |
The export step is warning me that the gun will be exported as a monolithic, why?
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RapidPlan does not support all kind of weld gun kinematics yet. Certain guns, like X-type guns may have what we called a kinematic loop, which is not supported. In this case, Siemens PS will export the gun as a static obstacle, in which case RapidPlan will not be able to open or close the gun. The gun will be exported in the current opening state. If the gun movement is necessary, the user will have to modify the gun kinematics to a different one that does not have kinematic loops |
Does the plugin change the order and allocation of process points, the configuration of the robot at each point, and the rotation around the process point?
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The RTR plugin only does motion planning. Changing the order and allocation of targets and the robot configuration and position is considered cell optimization. Realtime Robotics is capable of optimizing these parameters, but this is currently outside of the scope of the plug-in. For more information about Optimization, please contact Realtime Robotics. |
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Path Planning User input
Tool output
Pros: Fast computation, integration in Siemens PS Cons: Does not look for better solutions for target allocation, sequencing, or robot configuration |
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Optimization User input
Tool output
Pros: Provides optimized results, reducing cycle time even further. Cons: Longer computation times, not integrated into Siemens PS. |
I want to optimize my robot paths, not just to do motion planning, what can you offer?
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