Can a robot be used as a processor (or be connected to a processor as an operator)?

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Travis Cunningham asked Jun 30, '16 Phil BoBo commented Jun 30, '16

Can a robot be used as a processor (or be connected to a processor as an operator)?

I have two robots near a set of combiners. One of the robots purpose is to move items from a conveyor to the combiner. The other robot is to 'dispense' compounds into that item.

Currently I have a few sources creating items (that I am calling compounds) and the dispensing robot moves these items to the combiner, and then moves away from the combiner after unload.

I would like for the robot to be present during the processing (combining) time.

Software Version:

FlexSim 16.1.0

combiner processors robots

Answer 1 · 2016-06-30T15:20:52Z

Phil BoBo answered Jun 30, '16 Phil BoBo commented Jun 30, '16

Yes, you can use a robot as an operator.

robot-operator.gif (11.0 MiB)

· 3

Travis Cunningham commented · Jun 30, 2016 at 06:38 PM

Okay, got it, thanks Phil and Sam.

It looks like the robot is being utilized during the processing of the combiner, however, it isn't moving or showing any motion towards the combiner.

What sort of code could I use to set the joint locations during each of the combiner's processing times?

I know the position I would like the robot to be in during the processing, I just can't seem to come up with the coding/logic to place it there during the combiner's processing times.

Thank you again,

0 ·

Phil BoBo ♦♦ Travis Cunningham commented · Jun 30, 2016 at 07:39 PM

Robots don't do anything during a travel task; they only move during offset travel.

The default task sequence for using operator gives a travel and a utilize task. To make the robot move, you can give it a task that makes it do offset travel, such as placeoffset, pickoffset, traveltoloc, or travelrelative.

Attached is a model that demonstrates how you can do this.

2 ·

robot-operator.fsm (22.0 KiB)

Phil BoBo ♦♦ Phil BoBo ♦♦ commented · Jun 30, 2016 at 08:47 PM

You can find more information about controlling the Robot to move in specific paths using task sequences in the User Manual section FlexSim Object Library > TaskExecuters > Robot > Motion Paths.

1 ·

Answer 2 · 2016-06-30T15:22:53Z

Sam Stubbs answered Jun 30, '16 Sam Stubbs edited Jun 30, '16

I'd have to look into what options there are for turning a robot INTO a processor. Of course you could always program the logic to add in delays and state change to BUSY to mimic the idea of it processing. But you can definitely use the robot as the operator for the process.

Just make a center port connection from the Processor to the Robot, and then in the Processor's properties window, under the main Processor tab, just check the checkbox that says: "Use Operator(s) for Process." And just make sure the "Pick Operator" is calling the centerobject function which it should by default.

useasoperator.png (24.8 KiB)

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