Virtual reality based support system for layout planning and programming of an industrial robotic work cell

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Traditional robotic work cell design and programming methods are inefficient for current industrial demands.
• Existing methods require specialized programming knowledge and pose safety risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel Virtual Reality (VR)-based Programming of a Robotic Work Cell (VR-Rocell) system.
• To enhance the human-robot interface for intuitive robotic work cell design and programming.
• To address safety concerns and the need for trained personnel in robot programming.

Main Methods:

• Development of two sub-programmes: VR-Robotic Work Cell Layout (VR-RoWL) for design and VR-based Robot Teaching System (VR-RoT) for programming.
• Implementation of simple, user-friendly interfaces for inexperienced users.
• Conducting a case study involving the assembly of an electronics casing in a Robotics Laboratory.

Main Results:

• Output models demonstrated compatibility with commercial software without data loss.
• Generated KUKA commands were functional in a commercial simulator.
• Real-world operation indicated potential robot dynamics, not programming inaccuracies, as error sources.

Conclusions:

• The VR-based solution (VR-Rocell) offers an efficient and accessible approach to robotic work cell programming.
• The system successfully simplifies robot command generation for users lacking extensive programming expertise.
• VR technology is a viable solution for improving industrial robotic work cell implementation.