Connecting PC via Ethernet for Python Feedback Loops on a Vectis Welder (Safely)

Technical Questions Robot Communication
1

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to connect my PC directly to our UR cobot via Ethernet to start writing custom scripts and feedback loops using Python (running out of an Anaconda environment).

Our system was originally built and programmed by a contractor (Vectis Automation), so it’s currently running their URCap software and existing production weld programs. Our goal is to start developing our own custom routines and logic in Python so we aren’t entirely reliant on the pre-installed setup for new tasks.

I am relatively green to UR scripting and networking, and honestly, I’m a bit terrified of accidentally corrupting, wiping, or messing up the original Vectis welding programs currently running production.

A few questions for the community:

  1. Has anyone done this type of dual-integration before (running standard Python loops on a heavily integrated turnkey system)?
2

I’m just curious, but what makes you start with Python? I see a lot of people do it and I just haven’t really dipped my toes in that yet.

As far as I was aware, I thought Vectis’s CAP was fairly generic, in that you should be able to use it directly to create new programs to weld new parts for example. I don’t think you’re really locked-in to anything there.

If you’re worried about messing things up, just take backups before trying anything.

As for your actual question, it will depend on what exactly you’re trying to use Python for. If it’s just data collection/analysis, you’re probably fine. If you’re trying to use it to take over commands of the robot to actually fire the welder, etc, that would likely need to be talked over with Vectis. They may or may not expose basic welding commands as urscript commands. (I know we do with our welding CAP)