Microsoft and DS SolidWorks Enhance Robot Simulation

By DE Editors

Engineers now have a more accurate way to simulate robots in action before they're put to work thanks to new software developed by Microsoft (Redmond, WA) and Dassault Systemes’ SolidWorks Corp. (DS SolidWorks; Concord, MA). The new simulation capability helps companies program robots more quickly and effectively, a key advantage for robot manufacturers seeking improved efficiency.

Users of Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008 (Microsoft RDS) will be able directly incorporate 3D CAD models designed in SolidWorks software into Microsoft's Visual Simulation Environment (Microsoft VSE) and simulate their operation more accurately. As a result, robotics developers can correct any robotic application issues early and maximize the robots' performance. The solution takes advantage of the fact that both applications support a common XML format, COLLADA, for rendering 3D objects and motion. A demo of the solution is available now at SolidWorks Labs, and the solution itself will be available for download from SolidWorks Labs the first week of December.

A robot designer, for example, can download the free SolidWorks/Microsoft RDS integration software, export a SolidWorks robot design into Microsoft VSE, develop the robotic application, then simulate the robots' operation prior to deployment. The integration preserves dimensions, constraints, mass properties, motors, springs, colors, textures, and more from the SolidWorks model.

For more information, visit Microsoft.

Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corp., or Dassault Systemes.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.