Multilayer robot communication based on a server/client gateway concept

A typical workcell communication layout can be divided into a set of encapsulated sub-networks ranging from low level data transmission to high level factory communication. Due to the different network standards and communication requirements on each level, hardly or no interlinks between the different communication layers are available to the user. With the increasing importance of process quality documentation (EN29000) and powerful tools for offline robot program generation, as well as logistical process management, a more flexible and open communication structure is required. This paper presents a gateway concept based on a client-server structure to transmit data between the different network levels. Such an open structure obviously requires a strict security concept, which is realised using a link-oriented data transfer. Depending on the type of communication channel, different services are available to the user, allowing e.g. to store sensor data in a quality documentation database or to download offline generated robot programs from the desktop workstation to the robot control unit