Robot Software

What Robot Software Do I Need?

Start with one simple question:

What do you want the robot to do?

For a simple application, the basic programming software supplied for the robot may be enough. Additional robotics software becomes relevant when you want to simulate a complete cell, connect external equipment or prepare more complex programs on a computer.

What Does Robot Software Do?

A robot only performs the movements and commands defined in its program. Industrial robot software can determine:

• Where the robot moves

• How fast it moves

• When the gripper opens or closes

• When a workpiece is picked up

• How the robot reacts to a sensor

• How data is exchanged with a PLC or camera

• What happens when an error occurs

One software tool may cover several of these functions. More complex automation projects often combine programming, simulation, vision and communication tools.

The Main Types of Robot Software

Robot programming software

Robot programming software is used to create the robot’s sequence of movements and commands.

A simple pick-and-place program may follow these steps:

1. Move to the pickup position

2. Close the gripper

3. Lift the workpiece

4. Move to the placement position

5. Open the gripper

6. Return to the starting position

Many systems offer graphical programming interfaces for basic applications. More advanced processes may require text-based programming or specialist knowledge.

Robot simulation software

Robot simulation software creates a virtual model of the planned robot application.

A robot simulation can help answer questions such as:

• Can the robot reach every required position?

• Could the robot collide with the machine or cell?

• Is the robot installed in the right place?

• Does the gripper fit inside the available workspace?

• Is the planned movement sequence possible?

• How might different layouts affect the process?

Simulation tools can model robots, equipment and movement paths before the real system is fully installed. They are commonly used for reach checks, collision detection and offline preparation.

A simulation supports planning but does not replace testing on the physical system.

Robot offline programming

With robot offline programming, the program is prepared on a computer instead of directly on the physical robot.

This can be useful when:

• The robot is already being used in production

• A new process must be prepared

• Several process versions need to be compared

• Complex paths must be created

• Production interruptions should be reduced

The software must support the specific robot model and controller. A suitable postprocessor may also be required to convert the planned movements into the format understood by the robot controller.

Vision software

Vision software processes images or 3D data from a camera.

It can help a robot:

• Detect components

• Find the position of a workpiece

• Distinguish between different parts

• Inspect visible features

• Locate randomly placed objects

• Calculate suitable gripping points

Vision software is especially relevant when workpieces are not always presented in the same position or orientation.

Communication software and interfaces

Communication software connects the robot to other equipment, such as:

• PLCs

• Cameras

• Machines

• Conveyors

• Sensors

• Measuring systems

• Computers

Interfaces such as ROS, Modbus or LabVIEW can be used to exchange commands, status information and process data. Both connected systems must support a compatible method of communication.

Which Software Fits My Application?

Four Questions to Ask Before Choosing Robot Software

1. What task should the software solve?

Begin with the process rather than individual software features.

Ask:

• Do I only need to program one robot?

• Do I need to simulate a complete cell?

• Will a camera be used?

• Does the robot need to communicate with a machine?

• Will different products or process variants be handled?

• Should programs be prepared on a separate computer?

A clear process description makes it easier to identify which software functions are actually necessary.

2. Is the software compatible with my robot?

Not every robot software platform supports every robot.

Check:

• Robot manufacturer

• Exact robot model

• Controller type

• Supported communication interfaces

• Additional axes

• Grippers and other equipment

• Program import and export

A tool can offer many functions but still be unsuitable if it cannot communicate with your hardware.

3. How easy is the software to use?

The operating concept should match the experience of the people who will use it.

A simple interface can make the first steps easier. More complex applications may still require additional functions or programming knowledge.

4. Which devices must be connected?

A robot rarely works alone in a complete automation system.

Check whether the software needs to communicate with:

• A PLC

• A camera

• A gripper

• A conveyor

• A machine

• A sensor

• Safety equipment

• A computer or production system

The more components involved, the more important compatible interfaces and clearly defined signals become.

Online Programming, Offline Programming and Simulation

These methods are often used together. A process can first be planned with robot simulation tools and then tested and adjusted on the physical robot.

Trying Free Robot Simulation Software

Free robot simulation software can be useful for learning the basics and comparing different tools.

Before choosing a tool, check:

• Is the interface easy to understand?

• Is your robot model available?

• Can you add grippers and workpieces?

• Can you create the required movements?

• Does the software identify collisions?

• Can it import the data formats you need?

Some providers offer downloads or trial access for robot simulation and offline programming. The available functions can differ between tools.

For an initial test, the most important question is whether the software can represent your basic robot, layout and process.

Does a Simulation Replace a Physical Test?

No. A simulation is based on a digital model and cannot represent every condition in the real application.

Real-world differences can include:

• Workpiece tolerances

• Cables and hoses

• Inaccurate part feeding

• Flexible materials

• Gripper tolerances

• Changing camera results

• Signal delays

• Tool and fixture deviations

A simulation is valuable for planning, but the application must still be tested and commissioned on the physical equipment.

What Is the Difference Between Robot Software and Software Robots?

These terms sound similar but describe different technologies.

A software robot does not normally move a physical robot arm. It automates digital tasks such as transferring information between computer programs.

The software shown here is intended for physical robots and industrial automation systems.

Which Additional Components May Be Required?

Depending on the application, you may need further hardware or software components:

• Robot controller

• Gripper

• Vision system

• Camera

• PLC

• Sensors

• Communication interfaces

• Industrial computer

• Safety equipment

• External axes

The software should therefore not be selected in isolation. Reliable automation depends on all components working together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robot Software

What is robot software?

Robot software is used to program robot movements, simulate applications and connect robots to other devices.

Which software do I need for my first robot?

For a simple application, you will usually start with suitable robot programming software. Simulation, vision or communication software is added when the application requires those functions.

Do I always need robot simulation software?

No. Direct programming may be enough for simple applications. Simulation is especially helpful for complex cells, limited installation space or processes with many movements.

What is robot simulation software?

It creates a virtual model of the robot, gripper, workpiece and surrounding equipment. This allows you to examine reach, movements and possible collisions before commissioning.

Can I program a robot on a computer?

Yes, provided that suitable offline programming software is available for the robot model and controller.

Can one software tool support multiple robot brands?

Some tools support robots from different manufacturers. Always check whether the specific robot model and controller are supported.

What is a postprocessor?

A postprocessor converts a planned program into the format required by a specific robot controller.

What is ROS?

ROS is a software framework for developing and connecting robot applications. Whether it is suitable depends on the robot, controller and integration requirements.

How do I connect a robot to a PLC?

The robot and PLC need a compatible communication interface. Signals such as start, ready, error and cycle complete must then be clearly defined.

Does simulation replace testing on the real robot?

No. Simulation supports planning but cannot reproduce every physical influence. The program must still be checked and safely commissioned on the real system.

Find the Right Robot Software

Not sure whether you need programming, simulation, vision or communication software? RBTX helps you identify the required functions and select compatible components.

Book a free expert video call

Discuss your robot, application and required interfaces with an RBTXpert during a free 30-minute video call.

Test your application before investing

A feasibility test can help determine whether the robot, software, gripper and other components work together as planned.

Request a complete automation solution

When you need more than software, RBTX can also support the selection of a robot, controller, vision system, end effector and integration service.

Next step: Compare robot software, book a free consultation or have your application tested before purchase.