Energid released the newest version of its Actin software development kit (SDK), a real-time adaptive robotic motion control and path planning toolkit. Version 5.5 introduces new features for improved ease-of-use, including Actin Viewer enhancements, Motion Script updates and G-code support.
Actin 5.5 comes with a new, simpler IDE for creating Motion Scripts. The motion script GUI plug-in can now be used to create motion scripts to initiate tasks on an Actin model. The interface includes options to save, save as and open. Users can also take advantage of syntax highlighting, improved icons and layout, a toolbar quick-access button, and context menu options for inserting motion scripts from the current state of the model.
Additionally, Motion Script now comes with its own updates, and developers can write custom functions with it. A list of Motion Script variables are available that can be passed to the function by value or reference. According to Energid, this resulted in a new function: developers can create a Motion Script using multiple files. Similarly, this allows users to build modular programs that create Motion Scripts with multiple files. With this feature, developers can create complex scripts plus reuse scripts in advanced applications.
Actin 5.5 also supports toolpaths defined in G-code. The toolpath files can be produced in third-party CAD/CAM software packages based on part models. Actin will then automatically convert imported toolpath files into robot motion.
According to Energid, the new updates should allow developers to further minimize time to proof-of-concept and time to market.
“Actin can save months or years of development time and money over in-house programming and open source tools, and now we’ve added new features that make Actin even easier to use,” said Doug Barker, Energid chief operating officer. “Actin 5.5 expands the SDK’s core motion control and path planning libraries and adds efficiency improvements to core motion planning algorithms. This release will make it possible for customers to more easily address robotics process applications like dispensing and deburring using toolpaths generated from G-code. We’ve also made it easier for developers to create robot tasks through our Motion Script Interface.”
While developers can manually program several intermediate waypoints and hand-tune paths to avoid collisions, singularities and joint limits, the Actin SDK can accomplish these autonomously. Actin identifies the most optimal paths in real-time. It responds to sensory input, which directs the robot on the most efficient path to avoid collisions. Additionally, the robot’s movements are updated dynamically. That means it doesn’t require constant reprogramming even in dynamic, mission-critical environments.
For more on Energid’s latest advancements, check out Tackling Robotic Bin-Picking Challenges with Motion Control and Path Planning.