In addition to using the program edited by itself, KUKA robots can also use program codes generated by offline programming software or other programming tools. There are many ways to load external program files such as KUKA robots into the controller.
To load an external program file on a KUKA robot, first, ensure the file is in the correct format. Then, access the robot’s control interface. Navigate to the program loading section. Select the desired external file from the storage device, and initiate the loading process. Follow the prompts for successful loading.
1 Generate external program
In KUKA.SimPro offline programming software, generate program code and save it.
2 Load external program
(1) Load program via USB flash drive
Preparation stage: Make sure that the program file to be loaded has been saved in the USB flash drive, and make sure that the USB flash drive file format is correct and has no virus or damage problems.
Operation steps:
①Insert the USB flash drive into the KUKA robot.
②Set the robot to “Expert” mode to view the program files on the external USB.
③Copy all .src files and .dat files on the USB to the robot R1 folder.
Copying method:
Select the file, click the Edit button, and select the Copy option;
Locate the cursor in the corresponding folder, click the Edit button, and select the Add option.
Edit and compile: Find “Program Editor” in the main menu, open the program file you just imported, and make necessary changes and edits. After editing, select the “Compile” option to compile the program file to ensure that there are no syntax errors.
Execute the program: After compiling, select the “Execute” option to upload the program file to the robot controller and start running. During this process, you must ensure that the format and version of the program file match the requirements of the robot controller to avoid operating failures.
(2) Download the program through WorkVisual
Import program files: Use KUKA programming software (KUKA WorkVisual) to open an existing project file and import an external program. Download the program to the robot: Connect the robot and computer via Ethernet, select the transfer function in KUKAWorkVisual, and transfer the program file to the robot controller.
Run and debug the program: Execute the program on the robot controller and monitor its running status through the user interface or external devices (such as industrial PCs). If necessary, debug and optimize the program to ensure that the robot performs the task as expected.