Robotics - SRCI
- Standardized cross-manufacturer data interface makes robot implementation easy & interoperable
- Reduction of service &maintenance complexity through one single robot library
- No robot-specific programming knowledge required, by mapping to our proven technology of PROFINET
New: SRCI Vendor Map
Stay up to date with the currently available SRCI implementations.
SRCI allows for efficient programming in a PLC engineering environment.
Robots are a integral part of digital factories
Stationary robots are increasingly being integrated as complete systems in modern production lines in order to increase the degree of automation and reduce costs. Those envisioning the large robot lines in the automotive industry are not entirely wrong, but adoption is occuring in many other industries as well. Even medium-sized companies, whether in the food & beverage industry, the packaging industry, or even electronics suppliers, are turning to robot-based solutions. As these robots become smaller, less expensive and easier to handle, they are set to become an integral part of digital factories. At the same time, the number of applications is constantly increasing and even companies in emerging markets are integrating more and more robots.
There is no end in sight to the boom.
When it comes to practical implementation, there are still some challenges to overcome. It is important to know that each robot manufacturer today brings its own automation program with it. In contrast, the production line is typically controlled by a PLC, and the user programs the production line application via the PLC's programming system. Currently, if a company wants to integrate a robot into a higher-level PLC-controlled process, it is usually very tedious.
Above all, engineering and commissioning are associated with high levels of complexity and effort. This remains true during subsequent operation: every system maintenance, every update, the integration of a different robot type, or even a new manufacturer entails an abundance of work. As a result, users of industrial robots usually have to decide early on in which robot type and manufacturer they want to invest their effort . Innovative and new solutions are therefore used less frequently.
Increasing complexity due to robot manufacturer variance
A number of robot manufacturers have joined forces to develop a uniform interface to PLC's. Thanks to this new data interface, named 'Standard Robot Command Interface', users can uniformly control and program the complete robot systems of different manufacturers integrated in a production line via the PLC programming system. The development, expansion and maintenance of the new data interface standard has been placed in the hands of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI).
Large efficiency increases are possible through uniform robot interfaces
Working out a cross-manufacturer interface was anything but trivial, since the automation systems in the respective robots were brought to the market decades ago and have been constantly developed further over these years.
To give just one example:
Identical robot movements are currently represented quite differently merely depending on the engineering. Therefore, a common understanding first had to be achieved, which led to the question of what a cross-manufacturer interface, applicable to all, should look like?
The solution: Standardized Interface for both sides
Now, with the uniform 'Standard Robot Command Interface', robot programming can be made uniformly - and thus more efficiently - for PLC programmers and PLC suppliers. Via this data interface, robot programs can be written completely in the PLC by calling the robot functions and reporting the required robot state information back to the PLC.
The 'Standard Robot Command Interface' is being data interface is mapped to PROFINET first, since PROFINET has been proven in many applications for many years on the part of both robot manufacturers and PLC manufacturers. For end users, too, the handling of PROFINET is daily work, proven and known by its operators
The proven PROFINET-Communication is the basis
The big advantage is that the PLC manufacturer only needs a single robot library that contains the function blocks for programming robots from different manufacturers. On the other hand, the robot manufacturer also only needs to implement a single interpreter for its robot controller. The programming is performed entirely by the PLC automation specialists.
There are other benefits as well. For example, although the focus in the development of the interface was on the PLC and robot programmers, the end customers, i.e. machine operators and plant operators, will also benefit from the data interface.
Since no robot-specific programming knowledge is required, manufacturer-independent robot programming will also reduce errors during program transfer.
As a result, both, users and manufacturers, are convinced that this will reduce complexity during service and maintenance.
The first step towards interoperable & simple robot data interfaces are made!
The development, expansion and maintenance of the 'Standard Robot Command Interface' has been placed in the hands of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). One of PI's key tasks is to standardize data interfaces across manufacturers so that communication in automation systems is simple and interoperable. In the past, PI has already successfully launched the proven PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive, PROFIenergy, and PA profiles.
For the development of this new robot profile, PI has therefore set up a new "Robot Systems" Working Group to launch the new "Standard Robot Command Interface". PI is now taking care of standardization, market introduction in the form of trade fairs, workshops, etc., and maintenance of the new profile. This is another step on the way to flexible and agile production, in line with future Industrie 4.0 applications.
Here you can find several frequently asked questions:
On the robot side, commands are converted into the local programming environment via the uniform interface (interpreter).
On the PLC side, templates or higher-level commandsor function blocks can also be created that combine multiple actions via the data interface.
PLC manufacturers can create additional benefits this way.
There will be different levels or classes in the robot interface. First, there will be a defined scope of functions that are necessary for all and for simple functions. Higher-level functions can then be added as options. For example, the first focus is on handling functions, e.g. pick & place applications. Functions such as jog mode, the teaching of path points, the creation and validation of a motion profile and the changing of configuration data are provided for this purpose. In the future, however, it is planned to integrate other applications, such as those of welding robots, as well.
Here is a SRCI-Matrix that shows the supporting manufacturers and also the supported functions by each manufacturer.
Here is a SRCI-Matrix that shows the supporting manufacturers and also the supported functions by each manufacturer.
SRCI
(Standard Robot Command Interface)
SRCI implementation status of manufacturers
This webpage provides up-to-date information on released SRCI implementations. You can inspect the available functions of a specific manufacturer, search for a manufacturer that supports a particular function, or compare manufacturers to see which functions are available in a specific setup of SRCI client and interpreter.
The website is continuously updated with new SRCI implementations when they are officially released, as well as important news related to SRCI.
Welcome to the Get Together for Robotics event series!
Welcome to Get Together for Robotics!
The "Get Together for Robotics" series is a premier gathering in the field of robotics, aimed at bringing together industry leaders, experts, manufacturers, organizations, start-ups, researchers, universities, and all robotics enthusiasts. This ongoing series of events offers a comprehensive platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the robotics community.
About the Series
The "Get Together for Robotics" series is dedicated to advancing discussions, exploring innovations, and fostering partnerships in the dynamic realm of robotics. Each event within the series is designed to address current trends, emerging technologies, and key challenges faced by the industry.
What to Expect
- Insights from Industry Leaders:
Gain valuable insights from representatives and insiders of major robot manufacturers, PLC manufacturers, and relevant organizations. Stay updated with the latest technologies, trends, and visions driving the robotics landscape.
- Engaging Sessions:
Experience and participate in keynote speeches, the Roundtable and panel discussions
- Networking Opportunities:
Connect with peers, experts, and executives in the robotics ecosystem. Exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and expand your professional network during interactive networking sessions.
Key Highlights
Trends and Visions: Explore the latest trends, technological advancements, and future visions in robotics. Get inspired by industry leaders and thought-provoking discussions.
Executive Roundtables: Engage in discussions with top executives in the robotics sector. Gain strategic insights into market dynamics, innovation strategies, and industry best practices.
Upcoming Events
In 2024, the third Get Together for Robotics will take place in Erlangen - check it out!
tay tuned for updates on upcoming events in the "Get Together for Robotics" series. Each event promises to deliver valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a platform for collaboration and growth within the robotics community.
Join Us!
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, a researcher, or simply passionate about robotics, the "Get Together for Robotics" series welcomes you to be a part of this exciting journey. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore innovative solutions, and stay at the forefront of robotics advancements.
Contact
For inquiries or partnership opportunities related to the "Get Together for Robotics" series, please contact us at benjamin.lohrer@profibus.com