Autor: Jörg Krüger

The methods presented allow the splitting of classic monolithic numerical controls of industrial robots and machine tools into their functional units. The core functionalities can then be brought onto different computers in even separate places. Using techniques of augmented reality allows enriching a captured scene with additional information, as a virtual model of the industrial robot or the planned paths. Combining these approaches leads to a simplified programming task for industrial robots as the programs can be visualized in their context. This decreases setup time and improves quality.

The third industrial revolution culminated in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing but limited computing power and the dystopia of a deserted factory prevented its success. Industry 4.0, however, stands for the integration of people, technology and organization. Based on the networking of products, tools and means of production become all relevant information available. The combination with cloud computing and big data enables the analysis and utilization of such information.

Smartphones and tablet PCs are increasingly wowing industrial applications with their high functionality, ever greater capability and ease of use. The project “Spatial Programming of Industrial Robots” makes full use of these benefits. The robot programmer is supported through a mobile augmented reality app and gesture-based interaction for the definition of the program. In this regard, the app covers spatial visualization of the program in a real environment and program management. The robot programs can be transmitted from the mobile device via an unified interface to the robot controllers. Furthermore, there are interfaces for the exchange of robot programs with common simulation tools of the digital factory.