Coventry-based Fanuc UK Ltd (www.fanuc.eu) has launched the latest version of its 3-D simulation software for robot motion control.

Robo-Guide Version 9 can be used for pre-sale concept simulations, right through to a full off-line programming package for the shopfloor.

The upgraded software is said to be suitable for both new and experienced robot users.

It includes: a more intuitive user interface; the most up-to-date virtual controllers; and a drag-and-drop function for the addition of robots and components to a work-cell layout.

Furthermore, RoboGuide can support Fanuc’s latest R30iB Plus robot controller, which includes the new iHMI interface.

RoboGuide is based on more than 16 years of research and development.

According to the company, the software allows operators to design, test and modify robotic systems through the use of a fully simulated 3-D CAD environment.

The simulations, which can be conducted off-line, provide accurate robot motion and cycle times when designing and verifying a system. Finalised programs can then be downloaded to the robot.

The software is designed to be intuitive, allowing 3-D CAD to be imported directly into a cell layout. RoboGuide also includes a Karel editor and compiler for advanced customisation and programming.

In addition, industry-specific versions of the software are available, including: ChamferingPro for deburring; HandlingPro for material-handling processes; PaintPro for paint applications (an additional spray simulation plug-in is available to aid process development); and WeldPro for arc-welding applications.

CAD-to-path functionality, which automatically generates programs based on CAD data, is supplied as standard in all versions of RoboGuide.