Robot Calibration Mobile App

February 11, 2023
App Uses Double Spikes Method for Calibration

The application now supports robots from 14 leading industrial robot manufacturers.

SprutCAM Tech's Robot Calibration mobile app is designed to accurately calibrate the Tool Center Point (TCP) and automatically transfer the data to SprutCAM X Robot via a  smartphone.

Tool Center Point (TCP) calibration is a process used in robotics to determine the position of a tool relative to the robot's arm or body. This information is critical to ensuring the accuracy of the robot's movements and the precision of its tool operations. The goal of TCP calibration is to find the exact position of the tool tip, which can then be used as a reference point for the robot's motion control system. This allows the robot to consistently and accurately perform tasks such as cutting, drilling and welding in the correct location. The calibration process typically involves measuring the positions of various points on the tool and using these measurements to calculate the position of the TCP.

The original version of the application only worked with the robots of three well-known  manufacturers. The latest version of SprutCAM Tech's Robot Calibration app now supports TCP calibration for the following robot brands: FANUC, Kuka, CRP, Denso, Dobot, Estun, Hiwin, Hyundai, Motoman, Newker, Manutec, Nachi, OTC Daihen and Turin.

SprutCAM Tech’s app uses the double spikes method for calibration:

  • 1st step. Measurement of the position of the long tool. The position of the tool is measured at different joint angles or at different positions along the robot path.
  • 2nd step. Measurement of the short tool position and automatic determination of the tool orientation.
  • 3rd step. Automatic recognition with OCR and reading of the data by the Robot Calibration application and calculation of TCP coordinates.
  • 4th step. Transmission of TCP coordinates to MachineMaker using a QR code.

The double spikes method is a TCP calibration method used in robotic and machine tool applications. It consists of measuring two points on a probe and calculating the position of the tool center point based on these measurements. The purpose of TCP calibration is to determine the location of the TCP with respect to the robot's base coordinate system so that it can be accurately positioned for machining or other operations. The double spikes method can be useful in situations where the probe is unable to measure the tool position at the exact TCP.

The Robot Calibration mobile app provides SprutCAM X Robot software users with the following benefits:

  • Elimination of errors caused by manual data entry.
  • Reduced robot debugging time.
  • No need for expensive calibration tools or services.
  • Ever-growing list of supported robots and mechanisms.
  • The engineer interacts with the robot using a standard smartphone.

Download and use SprutCAM Tech's Robot Calibration mobile app for free from Google Play and Apple Store.

Related Glossary Terms

  • calibration

    calibration

    Checking measuring instruments and devices against a master set to ensure that, over time, they have remained dimensionally stable and nominally accurate.

  • industrial robot

    industrial robot

    Robot designed for industrial use. Primarily used as a material-handling device but also used for changing tools, assembling parts, and manipulating special tools and measuring devices. Depending on design, an industrial robot can be programmed to perform a task by means of a controller, or it can be “walked” through the required movements by utilizing a digitizing system that translates movements into commands that the robot can be “taught.” See robot; teaching pendant.

  • robotics

    robotics

    Discipline involving self-actuating and self-operating devices. Robots frequently imitate human capabilities, including the ability to manipulate physical objects while evaluating and reacting appropriately to various stimuli. See industrial robot; robot.