I’ve recently started experimenting with using ChatGPT (the AI assistant by OpenAI) to help write and debug URScript for our UR5e. I’m curious to hear if anyone else here has tried integrating Chat GPT into their workflow when working with Universal Robots.
To be clear, I’m not talking about connecting Chat GPTdirectly to the robot (although that would be interesting too) — I’m using it more like a smart assistant while writing URScript, formatting socket messages, and figuring out logic for things like force mode, tool paths, or using threads effectively.
So far, it’s surprisingly helpful for:
Explaining URScript commands with examples
Drafting templates for communication protocols (e.g. with external PCs)
Helping understand error messages or unexpected robot behavior
Of course, I still have to double-check everything it suggests — and it doesn’t know the robot hardware in real time — but for fast prototyping and brainstorming, it’s been a boost.
Has anyone here tried something similar? Maybe even connected ChatGPT to a local interface for operator support or documentation generation?
Would love to hear how others are using (or avoiding) AI tools like this.
I haven’t used ChatGPT for URScript yet, but I’ve been using it for Python scripting when working with URCaps and some Modbus comms. It’s actually saved me a ton of time, especially when I’m stuck on formatting JSON payloads or troubleshooting socket behavior.
Have you noticed any specific limitations? Like, does it get confused between URScript and Python syntax sometimes?
yeah, it does sometimes mix up syntax, especially with indentation or trying to use Python-style logic in URScript. But if you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to catch.
My results have been much like yours.
Another user recommended github copilot + Ahern’s urscript extension for vscode in this thread:
Since he wrote that comment, it seems that ChatGPT has become better, at least at distinguishing between URScript and python.
It’s pretty good for checking for syntax and logic errors.
It’s also good for documentation - pulling out variables, describing what they do, separating by local/global, etc.
As mentioned, you must check everything it does - Several times I’ve seen an error, pointed it out, gotten a “Oh, yes, I see my error - here’s the corrected version” – followed by the exact same error.
Thanks for the insights — I agree, ChatGPT isn’t perfect, especially with URScript specifics. I’ve seen the same: good at catching syntax issues and summarizing logic, but it still needs close review. I’ll definitely try GitHub Copilot and Ahern’s extension — sounds like a solid combo for day-to-day work.