The Ins and Outs of MotoSim EG-VRC

Yaskawa’s high-detail simulation tool for Motoman® robots, MotoSim® EG-VRC, is a PC-based software designed for accurate, offline programming of complex systems. With an extensive model library (as well as many built-in functions) the time, risk and expense of creating robot jobs and setting up workcell configurations is drastically reduced via the use of this user-friendly software.

What Robots are Covered?

The latest release of MotoSim EG-VRC (version 2019 SP3) is designed for Yaskawa Motoman robots that use a NX100, DX100, DX200, FS100, YRC1000 or YRC1000micro robot controller. ERC, MRC and XRC robot models are covered by the MotoSim EG software.

What is the Software Designed to Do?

MotoSim EG-VRC has two main functions:

• To enable offline programming, where a simulated workcell can be programmed as a real-world application.
• To help conceptualize all possible robot scenarios, like “How fast can the robot go with this particular application?”, “Can the robot move in a particular fashion to weld a certain part?”, etc.

What are the Advantages of Offline Programming?

While there are many perks to offline programming some of the most notable advantages of using MotoSim EG-VRC are:

• It provides a way of creating a robot job while the workcell is still under construction, speeding up integration time, as the data files can be transferred once the workcell is complete. While some basic touch-up may be required, having the robot job prepared beforehand can be a huge timesaver.
• More common, perhaps, is the ability to program a robot for “part B” while “part A” is being run on the same robot. Once “part A” is complete, the files can then be downloaded to the robot controller to run “part B” when needed. Again, this saves time, facilitating quick changeover.
• Functional safety can be set up, where items like arm interference, speed limits and safety zones can be established. This includes the ability to graphically overlay the safety zones (Robot Range Limits) in the simulation to allow both visual confirmation and testing with motion in the simulation.
• In situations where extremely fast cycle times are required, MotoSim allows users to look at the duty cycle of the robot, so the life of the motors and reducers can be monitored.

Popular Key Features

While MotoSim EG-VRC is not limited to the following, these features provide huge advantages to manufacturers looking to save valuable resources.

Collision Detection

When several robots must work in close proximity, it is important to be sure they are programmed to work as a team. The Collision Detection feature turns robots red in the simulation to signal a potential interference hazard, allowing the robot programmer to make cost-saving adjustments before the robot program is used on the factory floor.

Path Planning

A robot is programmed to move from point to point, however, it is important to plan around certain items such as fixtures for holding parts. With Path Planning, programming a robot to maneuver around fixed points is made easier, as it activates Collision Detection to help avoid interference.

3D PDFs

This feature is especially helpful when interacting with customers or leading a presentation, as it allows a 3D image rotational view of a robot simulation in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Conveyor Tracking

When parts are in different positions, the use of Conveyor Tracking helps the robot to easily align those parts, as needed.

Cam Path

If performing a painting application, a glue dispensing task, a welding application or another complex task, the Cam Path feature can help automate the process. Instead of having to manually teach points to the robot, this feature serves to provide points automatically.

Learn How to Simulate

Take a deep dive into these features and more, by listening to Nelson Barksdale’s Robotic Simulation and Offline Programming webinar. This presentation features a live walkthrough of MotoSim EG-VRC, providing helpful tips for creating your own robot simulations.