About creating controller applications

Robots are usually delivered with a general operator interface. However, different processes require different operator handling and customers need flexible solutions where the user interface is adapted to user specific needs.

FlexPendant SDK allows system integrators, third parties or end-users to add their own customized operator interfaces for the IRC5 controller. Such custom applications can be added to the standard views of the FlexPendant.

For PC based applications, see Application manual - PC SDK.

Note
Controller applications are not platform independent. You must choose to develop the application for either the FlexPendant or the PC platform (For more information, see Application manual - PC SDK).

The difference between the two platforms is that a FlexPendant application is a local client, whereas a PC application is a remote client.

Remote clients do not have all the privileges of a local client. For example, both PC and FlexPendant applications can reset the program pointer and start RAPID execution, for example, but for a PC SDK application to do this there are certain restrictions. Mastership of the Rapid domain must be requested explicitly by the application programmer and the IRC5 controller has to be in automatic operating mode.

An advantage of a remote client, on the other hand, is the possibility to monitor and access several robot controllers from one location. As for large applications the PC platform is also less limited than the FlexPendant as regards memory resources and process power.

Note
A minimum response time for a real controller should be expected to be in the order of 10-100 milliseconds, meaning that hard real time demands cannot be met on any platform. For more information, see Communication between FlexPendant and controller.

A well-designed user interface presents relevant information and functionality at the right time. In this respect, customized user interfaces are clearly very desirable to the end-user. As tailored solutions are easier to operate, they also optimize user’s investment in automation.

FlexPendant SDK enables customized user interfaces for IRC5. It is important to keep in mind, however, that FlexPendant SDK itself does not guarantee increased customer value. To achieve this, FlexPendant SDK applications should be developed with care and with a heavy emphasis placed on ease-of-use. Understanding end-users’ needs is in fact crucial to realizing the benefits of customized interfaces.

FlexPendant SDK uses Microsoft .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio. It is thus assumed that you know how to program for .NET platforms using Visual Studio. Among programmers .NET distinguishes itself by the programming model provided by the Microsoft .NET Framework.

One feature is the programming language independence, leaving the choice to the developer to use any language provided by the integrated development environment Visual Studio. Most prefer C# or Visual Basic, which both offer safe and efficient development.

For a Windows programmer familiar with Visual Studio and .NET, developing a customized operator view is rather straight-forward. FlexPendant SDK is fully integrated with Visual Studio, which means that a .NET programmer will recognize wizards for project setup and tools for visual design support and debug and so on.

Considerable efforts have been made to allow controller application developers to start working without having to overcome a steep learning curve. To further speed up the development process, the virtual IRC5 of RobotStudio can be used to test and debug controller applications.

Note
Knowledge of Windows programming, object orientation and a .NET programming are the prerequisites to use FlexPendant SDK.

Developing an application for the FlexPendant, a device with limited process and memory resources, can be quite demanding. Issues such as performance and memory management need to be addressed.

It is strongly advisable to read this manual to learn about specific FlexPendant SDK issues while moving to FlexPendant SDK development.

Note
Take the time to study this manual along with the release notes, and avoiding rushing into coding.