What is OLP?

Offline programming means creating robotic operation routines in a virtual robot cell on specialist PC software. Once the simulated routines are ready, tested and validated programs are transferred onto robot controllers for execution. This removes the need of moving the physical robot to target positions to create programs. The word offline is opposed to online, where programming can only take place using the robot itself which prevents it from being used in production.

There are four steps to offline programming: virtual cell building, program simulation, post processing and deployment.

• Cell Building – A virtual robot cell is the visual basis for offline programming and important for collision detection. It is possible to achieve OLP without any visual representation of the physical cell but this is for advanced programmers skilled in both robotics and software programming.
• Simulation – This is the main step where operations especially robot trajectories are built and tested. The simulation can include events as well as robot controller routines, which are then translated into real controller programs.
• Post Processing – Post processors are used to create robot controller programs from simulation. The instructions set and data format of the robot in used is looked at and verified.
• Deployment – The programs are now ready to be transferred to the controller. Most modern controllers accept offline generated programs, with minor adjustments required once downloaded to the controller.

Benefits of Offline Programming

There are three main benefits of offline programming compared to the traditional teach pendant programming method.

• Time Saving and Reduced Production Interruption. With OLP, programming time can be reduced up to 80%. This increases equipment efficiency and avoids production stoppage whilst developing new robot programs.
• Tools for Complex Applications. Complex applications require extended manual programming and this can be reduced by using software tools such as paths extraction, logic and conditions in programming and mathematical tools.
• Barrier Breaker. Traditionally, industrial robot operators and engineers are skilled jobs trained in a particular way. The skills and safety (literally) barriers not only isolate robots but also learning opportunities from any interested trainees. These barriers can be leveraged by utilising OLP on PC software, from a proof-of-concept exercise to staff training.

Skills Required for OLP

What are the skills required for achieving offline programming? Many OLP software providers state that no coding skills are needed – but is it true? We believe the following skills are essential to begin the journey of robotic simulation and offline programming.

1. Basic Computer Skills

Most offline programming software have an intuitive graphical interface but the majority are still PC based software. Basic understanding of PC operations is required, which is different to smart phone screens we are used to handle today.

2. Understanding of Programming

Programming is to create a logical routine to achieve some tasks. This requires planning, analytical and problem-solving skills, even with a flowchart styled programming tool. Using a friendly GUI to program is convenient, although any advanced robotic programming would require the same skills for software programming in computer science.

3. Basic Robotics Knowledge

Robots are made for handling industrial tasks and they behave in certain ways due to their design. Basic understanding of robot operations in 3D space is essential to program a robot, but the learning doesn’t have to wait for the physical robot. With generic OLP software like RoboDK, one can start experiencing robots from different brands and their programming specifications before the robot arrives.