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The path toward general-purpose robots is being paved by software to accelerate application development. Flexiv last week launched Elements Series 3, the latest version of its adaptive robot control system to makes programming faster and easier.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said its engineers have simplified the user experience, focusing on human-centered design and semi-automated features.

Founded in 2016, Flexiv said it is dedicated to developing and manufacturing adaptive robots. The company said it has integrated industrial-grade force control, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to deliver “turn-key automation” that can enhance efficiency while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

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Teach pendant plus simulation

Flexiv asserted that its new, ruggedized Teach Pendant and intuitive software allows programmers of any skill level to easily create and manage robotics applications, whether they’re in an office or on the production-line floor.

In addition, the Elements Studio 3D simulation tool allows users to design, test, and refine their applications before deploying them in the real world.

Fully compatible across PCs, the Teach Pendant, and all Flexiv robots, Elements Studio can reduce deployment time and minimize risk by allowing thorough testing in a virtual setting, claimed the company.

Flexiv redesigns Motion Bar

As part of the newly released Elements hardware, the Motion Bar has also been redesigned. Based on user feedback, it now includes a status-indicator light and dedicated buttons for mode switching, Freedrive, and Jogging.

Flexiv said operators can use the Motion Bar independently or docked to the Teach Pendant for convenient robot control.

When coupled with the ability to build applications by physically moving a robot into position in Freedrive mode, the need for complex and time-consuming programming is removed. This hands-on approach means anyone can quickly and efficiently build, test, and perfect their application.

Elements 3 supports more motion

Flexiv said it has enabled support for multiple external axes, bringing users seven-plus degrees of freedom (7+N DoF) motion control, making the software suitable for complex tasks involving dual-axis rotary platforms or linear guide rails.

Elements 3 also features additional enhanced drag-and-drop function blocks — known as primitives—to accelerate programming and application building. Flexiv recently helped a seafood producer develop a fish fillet-shaping application with its Rizon 4 collaborative robots.

The company said its updated hardware and software are fully compatible with all of its robots, including the newly released Moonlight Adaptive Parallel Robot.