Who We Are
Hi, we are Poly-Robotics. We are a Canadian robotic integrator specialized in the design and fabrication of custom robotic cells for complex welding applications.
The History of VPR
The VPR system was born out of necessity. Years ago, we faced a series of projects involving large, manually tack-welded assemblies with significant part-to-part variation. We found that traditional methods (like TCP touch-sensing or 1D distance sensors) were either too slow or not powerful enough to deal with complex part geometry.
To complete these projects, we developed our own internal vision platform. What started as a set of custom scripts evolved into a robust set of tools that are now used by both us and our customers to add vision to RAPID programming.
What is VPR?
It is important to clarify the positioning of this tool: VPR is not a seam-tracking product. It is a “Look-then-Weld” system designed to replace or augment touch sensing.
VPR uses a 6th-axis mounted camera/laser setup to locate weld joints in 3D space. What truly differentiates VPR from other vision solutions is its deep, native integration with RobotStudio and ABB controllers.
How it works:
- Reference Creation: You save a “Reference” image of the ideal weld joint (either from a virtual CAD model or a real part).
- Detection: During production, the robot moves to the same nominal position. VPR takes a live image, compares the laser profile against the saved reference, and detects the joint location.
- Correction: The system processes the images and returns the position of the joint to RAPID.
100% Virtual Validation
One of our primary goals was to create a 100% offline workflow for programming vision. The Teach Tab of the Add-in allows the user to create and save reference images. The Run Tab is designed to behave exactly like the VPR HMI software used on the factory floor. This way, VPR requests made from RAPID behave exactly the same whether they are made in a virtual controller or in a real one.
The key to all of this is the fact that the Add-in can generate laser images directly from your CAD geometry inside RobotStudio. The Add-in takes into account the camera specifications and the optics used to generate images that are as close to reality as possible.
What this means is that since the camera and vision algorithm are fully functional inside RobotStudio, the users can move their part, re-run their program and then watch as the virtual robot adapts its path to match the new part position.
Why We Are Sharing This
We are currently evaluating the potential of VPR as a standalone product. We are sharing the full version of our RobotStudio Add-in with the community to:
- Gauge interest in a deeply integrated ABB vision tool.
- Gather feedback from power users and fellow integrators on the workflow.
- Identify potential partners / other integrators who could be interested in this product.
Notes
- The addin is only compatible with virtual controllers, this version cannot be used with a real controller.
- VPR has been used exclusively by Poly-Robotics internally. Please consider the current version a public beta.
Downloads & Resources
The Add-in is completely free to use for simulation and offline programming.
- [Download VPR RobotStudio Add-in]: The .rspak for the Add-in.
- [Download Demo Pack & Go]: A ready-to-run RobotStudio Pack & Go featuring a sample welding cell, CAD parts and 2 sample programs.
- [Workflow Documentation]: A concise guide explaining how to set up a demo RobotStudio project using VPR.
How to use the Pack & Go - Video
- Install the VPR Addin and restart RobotStudio.
- Open the pack & go.
- Open the VPR Addin. The button is on the right side of the home tab tool bar.
- Select the run tab on the right of the addin.
- Run the main() RAPID routine.
Feedback
As we mentioned, we are evaluating if VPR should become a standalone commercial product. We are looking for big-picture feedback from the community:
- Utility: Does a native RobotStudio vision workflow solve a real pain point for you, or do you prefer external vision systems?
- Viability: Is this something you could see yourself using in a production cell?