ABB Robot IRC5 New Teach Pendant SxTPU4 Software Description

The SxTPU4 software for ABB robot IRC5 new teach pendant is a significant update. It’s not included in Robotware but distributed via a separate plugin, allowing use on systems with older Robotware versions without an upgrade. Starting from Robotware 6.15.04, it’s distributed through Robotware when the SxTPU4 version is 1.4.0 or newer. Running on Windows 10 with.NET Framework 4.8, it differs from old versions in many aspects. However, there are still some known glitches to be fixed.

1. Introduction
   The new teach pendant of ABB Robot IRC5 series has been significantly improved and upgraded in hardware. Although the hardware appearance of the new teach pendant is consistent with the new generation of OMNICORE teach pendant, its internal operation interface and functions are still specially optimized for the IRC5 series, so that the IRC5 series robots can complete various operation tasks more accurately. The new teach pendant SxTPU4 software of ABB Robot IRC5 is a key technology update launched by ABB for the IRC5 series in its robot product line.
   For SxTPU4, the software is not included in Roboware, but distributed through this separate plug-in. This means that the SxTPU4 FlexPendant hardware can be used in systems with older RobotWare versions without upgrading RobotWare. The plug-in can be deployed to the controller or installed directly to the FlexPendant via USB.
   Starting with RobotWare 6.15.04, the FlexPendant SxTPU4 software is distributed through RobotWare, but the SxTPU4 version must be 1.4.0 or later to be automatically updated.
   The plugin supports the specified RobotWare revisions. Support for Robotware: 6.05.00-6.xx
   II. Important information
   There are differences between the SxTPU4 and previous versions of the teach pendant, which may require adjustments in third-party application code.
   III. Operating system and software platform
   The operating system on the SxTPU4 is Windows 10, while previous versions used Windows CE. The .Net Framework used by the SxTPU4 is .Net Framework 4.8, while previous versions used .Net Compact Framework 3.5.
   The System.Environment.OSVersion.Platform information applies to applications developed using the FlexPendant SDK. The .NET API ‘System.Environment.OSVersion.Platform’ does not produce the same results as in previous older versions.
   This property returns the value ‘PlatformID.WinCE’ when running on older versions of the FlexPendant, as they both use Windows CE as the operating system. However, the SxTPU4 runs on Windows, resulting in a different result – ‘PlatformID.WinNT’, i.e. the same as for the virtual FlexPendant.
   A common construct in client applications is to use Environment.OSVersion.Platform to determine if the application is running on a real FlexPendant device or a virtual FlexPendant. Using this approach, the application cannot distinguish whether it is running on the device or in a virtual environment.
   To correct this, the client application must be modified. It is recommended to use one of the following properties of the FlexPendant SDK:

• ABB.Robotics.Controllers.Controller.ControllerType
• ABB.Robotics.Controllers.Controller.IsVirtual
  to check if the FlexPendant is connected to a real controller or a virtual controller. The controller type determines which operations are supported (virtual controllers have some limitations) and whether the controller’s file system is remote (real controller) or shared with the FlexPendant (virtual system).

1. Fonts and font size
   Text displayed on an SxTPU4 will have a different style compared to previous FlexPendant builds. This can lead to situations where, for example, button texts no longer fit – generally, the text is slightly longer.
   This is caused by the software runtime (operating system and .NET). The standard font is slightly different (for better readability) and the size (height and width) of the strings is also different. However, this behavior is common in the following scenarios:

• Virtual FlexPendant
• SxTPU4• ScreenMaker designer
• Visual Studio designer
  Text that is displayed normally on an SxTPU3 (and earlier builds) may need to be adjusted (to provide more space for the text). This verification can be done using a virtual FlexPendant.

1. Remaining errors
   There are currently some known issues.
2. Normally operations that take a long time will display a wait cursor, but currently it is not fully implemented and may cause situations where the FlexPendant appears unresponsive.
3. All texts in the startup application have not yet been translated.