Cell setup with Wandelbots NOVA
There are currently two different types of cell setups that are supported by Wandelbots NOVA: Cells containing a single robot and cells containing multiple robots. While the two cell setups are different, the supported cell components and the included component categories are the same.
Before setting up the cell, it is mandatory to have read and understood the safety instructions, as well as ensure that only supported cell components are used.
In case the location where the cell has to be set up does not have internet connection, use your browser functionality to print this page and take it with you to the location.
Even if you don't have a physical robot setup, understanding the cell architecture and how the different components are connected is important when developing an app or testing a robot program in a simulation.
Cell setups
When used within a physical robotic cell, Wandelbots NOVA is always installed on an IPC that is connected via LAN to one or multiple robot controllers.
Connections between cell components are affected, e.g. when multiple robot arms are connected to the same controller as opposed to multiple robots in a cell each have their own controller:
Component categories
As visible in both cell setups above, a physical cell setup consists of specific components that are connected to each other. These components are categorized in four groups: Components that form the HMI, components that are part of the safety system, components that require a network connection of some kind and components that impact the workflow of the cell.
HMI
= Human Machine Interface, can be anything between a button with lights and a touchscreen, to control the user role based work. Wandelbots NOVA's HMI is the core apps and functions that are accessibly via an app.
The HMI provides different functionalities depending on the operating state that are executed by different user roles:
User level: Technology and safety commissioner
- Teach robotic movements,
- Teach process recipes,
- Teach process and signal logic
Safety
= Safety components and functionalities that are necessary to ensure a safe working environment to avoid person and material damages.
Including
- Monitoring the safety state, e.g. normal stop, safe stop,
- Descriptions of safety states, e.g. detailed information about emergency stops,
- Confirmation of alarm notices, e.g. reset and confirm emergency stop.
Network
Establish a network connection via TCP/IP network using a standard RJ45 connector. If required, use a commercially standard switch.
Workflow
= program based work flow with possibilities of intervention.
Including
- System configuration,
- Possible: Input of working points, e.g. points within a robot program,
- Possible: Process logic creation,
- Possible: Import of signals and creaion of signal logic,
- Communication links to other systems,
- Possible: Evaluation of processes,
- Possible: Calibrate system.
Supported cell components
To correctly set up Wandelbots NOVA within a physical cell, ensure that all component categories are fulfilled by using only supported cell components:
Physical instance / IPC
A physical instance / IPC is the hardware that runs the Wandelbots NOVA software. The physical instance / IPC is connected to the robot controller.
Wandelbots NOVA currently supports: IPC - Kontron (B-202)
Robots
Select the desired robot brand to see which following robot controllers are currently supported by Wandelbots NOVA.
IRC5 & IRC5 Compact controller
- IRB 1010
- IRB 1100-4/0.475
- IRB 1100-4/0.58
- IRB 1200
- IRB 1300
Periphery
As custom configuration is often required for most tooling, contact Wandelbots Customer Support to get a full overview of all grippers and additional tooling that's currently supported by Wandelbots GmbH. We're looking forward to work with you on your individual tooling integration!
OPC UA
When adding OPC UA to Wandelbots NOVA via the Wandelbots NOVA API, you're adding an OPC UA client to Wandelbots NOVA. Wandelbots NOVA is then able to communicate with the OPC UA server.
The Wandelbots NOVA OPC UA integration supports external periphery with a connected SPS as well as multiple robots.
Once the physical cell is prepared to receive Wandelbots NOVA on a physical instance/IPC, you can connect physical robots to Wandelbots NOVA.