Universal Robots Integrates SRCI for PLC Programming of Robots

Universal Robots (UR), a supplier of collaborative robots (cobots), has now integrated the Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) into its software. UR said it is among the first cobot vendors to offer this functionality.

The SRCI is a new standard for robotics manufacturers that aims to create a single interface between PLCs and robots. The full integration of SRCI into UR’s software will reportedly enhance the connectivity capabilities of UR’s cobots and ensure customers a frictionless integration with Siemens PLCs (programmable logic controllers). Siemens is the first—and currently only—PLC vendor supporting SRCI in the automation market, according to UR.

The SRCI is available for UR’s e-Series family and the next-generation robots UR20 and UR30. It can be installed and activated with PolyScope version 5.15 or higher via add-on URcap software.

The uniform cross-manufacturer data interface of the SRCI makes robot implementation interoperable by standardizing definitions and robot commands between UR cobots and Siemens PLCs. UR said this allows for easier and quicker setup and simplifies the deployment of UR robots into existing and new Siemens ecosystem-based production lines.

UR explained further that SRCI adds an additional layer to Profinet that allows the user to program the robots in the PLC. SRCI eliminates the libraries from each robot maker and standardizes the programming across brands. Using SRCI between the PLC and the robot will also facilitate integration of the robot program into general PLC automation to help reduce programming efforts and errors.

 “By having our robots connect seamlessly to a global industry leader like Siemens, we can now offer our partners and customers faster integration and higher ease of use,” said Daniel Friedman, global director of strategic partnerships at UR. “We strive to make cobot automation as simple as possible for our customers and this is yet another step in our commitment to provide automation for anyone, anywhere.”

 “We are encouraged that cobots from Universal Robots can now be controlled via the SRCI and can be programmed by Simatic users,” says Rolf Heinsohn, vice president of factory automation segment control at Siemens. “We want to accelerate factory automation and scale the use of robots in industry by making them simple and available to all our customers’ employees.”