Design and programming a graphical user interface for the IcasBot robot using LabVIEW

The implementation of the distance learning and e-learning in technical fields like Mechanical and Electrical Engineering is still far behind the similar developments in narrative fields like Economy, management. New approach and new specific knowledge are required to develop such a system. We expect to meet the requirements of distance learning by developing the software-based laboratory exercises, i.e., a virtual laboratory. That´s why a graphical user interface (GUI) and simulator is designed here using LabVIEW software for the cable robot of IcasBot (IUST Cable Suspended Robot) with 6 DOFs and 6 actuating cables. This interface is designed to be used for training the users in a virtual environment. This proposed GUI Consists of 4 main sections including of kinematics and Dynamics of cable robot and simulator of robot which is employed to display the virtual motion of the end-effector. Using the proposed GUI in this paper, the user is able to view and study the end-effector motion in a virtual environment before operating the tests on the real robot. Also this software package is designed in a way that could be applicable for simulating all sorts of robots in order to train the users of educational and industrial environments.