New wireless teach-in of industrial robots with the drag&bot MotionMATE

Setup and usage

First, the tracking sensors are placed around the robot’s workspace and the MotionMATE is added in drag&bot software. The user is then guided step-by-step through the calibration process of the MotionMATE. The device can be used directly for the precise submilimeter teach-in of all robot movements. Classical trajectories consist of a number of poses – each pose consists of a 3D coordinate and the associated orientation – as well as seamlessly connected paths can be demonstrated and thus taught to the robot. Since the robot does not have to be moved during teach-in, it can also be used in the robot’s safety-critical workspace. Corrections and adjustments of the paths are possible at any time in the so-called Trajectory Wizard, a graphic aid in the software for setting up robot movements. Thanks to the intuitive user interface of drag&bot, the operation and retrofitting of an industrial robot application is possible within minutes, even for employees without extensive IT and robotics knowledge. A free online simulator, detailed video tutorials and digital training documents help to familiarize users quickly and independently with the new technology.

Hardware independent user interface for robot systems

The robot operating system drag&bot is hardware-agnostic, i.e. it does not only work with all common robot brands and models, but it also includes preconfigured and directly usable drivers for intelligent gripping systems, bin picking solutions, PLC and feeding systems, as well as a wide range of interfaces for cameras and image processing solutions. All tools are available for a comfortable and fast plug&play integration of robot hardware. Instead of hardware-specific, time-consuming and expensive training, robot systems with drag&bot can be used independently and productively after only a few hours. In addition, existing robot programs can also be used on other systems with different hardware setups. The software from drag&bot covers the majority of all currently possible robot applications.

10 times faster teach-in for path-controlled processes

The MotionMATE offers advantages over classic teach pendants, especially for applications in which the robot has to follow complex paths – such as gluing, deburring, welding or polishing. In these applications in particular, a large number of individual points in space are still frequently approached manually one after the other and linked to form a path. If adequate CAD/CAM support is not available or regular adjustments have to be made, this process can be very time-consuming, even for professionals. Various studies have shown that in this case a gesture-controlled teach-in procedure, such as with the MotionMATE, is on average 10 times faster than the status quo. As a result, manufacturing companies can save up to 90% of the costs for this step. Thanks to the fast changeover, robots are increasingly worthwhile for SMEs with typically low production volumes or high product variance in the process.

Delivery planned for 2021 – reservations possible

The MotionMATE is not the only way to easily control robots with drag&bot. The company has already demonstrated in several publications that industrial joysticks, a 3D mouse or gamepads can be used for robot teaching.  The MotionMATE is available until mid-December at a reduced introductory price. The bundle around the MotionMATE contains an industrial PC with preinstalled drag&bot software as well as the additionally required sensors and hardware. As part of this special offer, "early adopters" can additionally secure an Update & Support contract free of charge in the first year. Reservations are currently possible at https://www.dragandbot.com/MotionMATE.