Hand guiding and TwinTrack are both intuitive methods for programming robots, offering alternatives to conventional programming techniques. But What Does Hand Guiding Mean in practice, and how does it compare to newer technologies like TwinTrack? This article breaks down the similarities and differences between these two programming methods, providing a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding TwinTrack
TwinTrack is a modern programming tool designed to simplify offline robot programming. Unlike traditional methods that require specialized training and programming skills, TwinTrack enables users to program robots by tracing the desired path using a handheld probe and a laser tracker. This allows technicians, who are experts in their specific tasks, to directly teach the robot without relying on programmers who may not possess the same in-depth understanding of the task. TwinTrack leverages readily available laser tracker technology for precise position detection and is compatible with laser scanners from various manufacturers.
Defining Hand Guiding
Hand guiding is an online programming method commonly associated with collaborative robots (cobots). It involves physically manipulating the robot arm to guide it through the desired movements within the workspace. This method necessitates direct physical contact with the robot during the programming phase. For safety, the robot must operate in a safe mode, typically at a reduced velocity, as the user interacts with it.
Similarities Between TwinTrack and Hand Guiding
Despite their differences, TwinTrack and hand guiding share some fundamental similarities:
1. Eliminating Conventional Programming
Both methods offer user-friendly alternatives to conventional robot programming, bypassing the need for complex coding. Conventional programming involves:
- Using a manufacturer’s specific programming language to create programs on the robot’s teach pendant or offline.
- Jogging the robot into position using the teach pendant.
These traditional approaches require extensive training and experience in industrial robotics, making them less accessible to new or inexperienced users.
Alternative text: A technician using a teach pendant to program a robot, highlighting the complexity of conventional programming.
2. Intuitive Target Teaching
Robot programming involves defining the target positions the robot needs to reach. Conventional methods demand a deep understanding of the robot’s coordinate system, including Euler angles and geometrical calculations. Both TwinTrack and hand guiding eliminate this requirement. Users simply indicate the desired positions, either with the handheld probe (TwinTrack) or by physically moving the robot (hand guiding), allowing the system to learn the target points.
3. Point and Path Teaching
Most robot movements consist of either moving to specific points or tracing defined paths. Teaching the robot these targets or paths is essential. Both TwinTrack and hand guiding facilitate both point and path teaching. Users can define specific target points or guide the robot along a desired trajectory, enabling it to learn the required movements.
Key Differences Between TwinTrack and Hand Guiding
Despite their shared characteristics, TwinTrack and hand guiding have several significant differences:
1. Speed
Hand guiding can be time-consuming and tiring. Physically dragging the robot to teach points and paths can be slow, especially for complex tasks. TwinTrack, on the other hand, allows for rapid programming, with points defined as quickly as moving the handheld probe to the desired locations.
2. Precision
Hand guiding is often criticized for its lack of precision. Accurately positioning the robot while physically dragging it can be challenging. TwinTrack utilizes a laser tracker, enabling target position detection with a precision of up to 0.150mm, equivalent to the width of a human hair.
Alternative text: A laser tracker measuring a part, illustrating the high precision capabilities of TwinTrack.
3. Robot Compatibility
Hand guiding is limited to specific robot manufacturers that offer this feature. If your robot manufacturer doesn’t provide a hand guiding option, you cannot use it. TwinTrack offers broader compatibility, working with over 500 robots from 50 different manufacturers, with the list constantly expanding.
4. Offline Programming Capabilities
A core difference lies in their programming approach. TwinTrack is designed as an offline programming tool, while hand guiding is strictly an online method. Online programming requires the physical robot to be present, taking it out of production whenever program changes are needed. TwinTrack’s offline capabilities minimize downtime and allow for program optimization before implementation. However, TwinTrack can also be used for online programming if desired.
5. Calibration
TwinTrack offers the added benefit of robot calibration using the same hardware it uses for programming. Calibration ensures that the robot’s digital twin in the offline programming software accurately represents the real-world robot. Accuracy is a common concern for users new to offline programming, and TwinTrack addresses this directly.
Alternative text: Calibrating a KUKA robot using a Creaform C-Track, highlighting the calibration capabilities of TwinTrack.
Choosing Between TwinTrack and Hand Guiding
The best choice depends on specific needs and priorities. If your robot comes standard with hand guiding and you prioritize simplicity over speed, precision, offline programming, and calibration, hand guiding might suffice. However, if any of TwinTrack’s advanced capabilities are important to your application, it warrants serious consideration.
Selecting the right robot programming tool is crucial, so carefully evaluate your requirements and choose the solution that best aligns with your objectives.
