OptoForce optimizes application software

OptoForce, the hardware and software specialist for tactile sensing in industrial automation, announces a software update: The comprehensive update of the application software enables lightweight robots from Universal Robots to perform automation tasks with the sensors from OptoForce even faster and with even higher quality. Additionally, the update further reduces the required integration time of the tactile sensors.

The six-axis tactile sensors from the Hungarian company OptoForce give industrial robots the fine sensitivity to undertake tasks that previously required human fingertip feeling. The sensors are characterized not only by their particularly flexible application possibilities for various tasks but are also very easy to implement thanks to an integrated software package. Programming knowledge is not necessary.

The latest software version is compatible with all models of HEX-E and HEX-H sensors and offers significant advantages, especially in surface finishing applications such as polishing or deburring: The now maximally consistent speed results in a significantly higher quality standard.

Furthermore, lightweight robots from Universal Robots can now follow any type of surface shape even more precisely. This is made possible through wedge-worm movements and a constant torque. Despite these significant advances in robot functions, the integration and application of OptoForce sensors and software modules remain just as simple and intuitive as before.

OptoForce also announces that the pricing of the tactile sensors will not change with this update: the price-performance ratio continues to improve.

"At OptoForce, we are in constant dialogue with our customers, system integrators, and distributors. Thanks to this market insight, we always know what is needed in specific applications to improve a company's operational performance through the use of industrial robots," says Ákos Dömötör, CEO of OptoForce. "We are pleased to meet market needs with this software update while keeping investment costs at a consistently low level. By reprogramming our core software, we can offer companies relying on lightweight robots from Universal Robots several new automation options with increased speed, performance, and reliability."

"In Germany, the shortage of skilled workers is particularly noticeable. Therefore, we are pleased to further pave the way for companies relying on automation with this update to achieve the highest possible competitiveness," says Szabi Fekete, Sales Manager DACH at OptoForce.

The software update from OptoForce includes the following new features:

1) Hand-guiding of the robot arm with increased precision and flexibility:

- Snapping onto axes simplifies aligning the tool orientation on vertical or horizontal planes.
- The anti-drift button allows for longer manual guiding and more stable operation.

2) Improved pin-insertion application with more functions and higher speed:

- Insert up to five times faster.
- More reliable insertion with detection of blockages and adjustable force and torque limits.

3) New F/T Move command to make programming easier and more efficient:

- Multiple waypoints can be added with a single button press, speeding up programming.
- Constant speed for smoother movements.

4) New F/T Control command that enables even more applications (e.g., deburring):

- Sensor operates more precisely and maintains force more consistently.
- Control of force and torque.
- Advanced users can more precisely intervene in parameters to optimize application speed.
- Users are offered more extensive options in operational mode, such as individually customizing coordinate systems.

5) Compatible with the latest robot software from Universal Robots:

- OptoForce software is compatible with both the latest UR software Polyscope 3.5 and the previous version Polyscope 3.4.

6) Faster and smoother system updates:

- Updating the compute box of earlier versions becomes easier. Even previous models can benefit from this and future software versions.

7) New connection protocol reduces sources of interference:

- The newly rewritten connection protocols ensure a more robust and reliable system to support continuous 24/7 industrial operation.

8) New compute box for the interface to the robot controller for developers:

- The new compute box for the interface to the robot controller allows developers to integrate OptoForce tactile sensors into less common robot models. Currently, OptoForce sensors are compatible not only with Universal Robots but also with models from KUKA.

OptoForce will present the new software update, along with additional applications, at Automatica, Hall B4, Stand 407.