Robot drivers provide an alternative to Offline Programming. Robot drivers allow you to run a simulation directly on the robot (Online Programming). More information available in the Robot Drivers section.

A connection between RoboDK and the ABB robot can be established to move the robot automatically from a connected PC using RoboDK. This allows using RoboDK’s Run on robot option for online programming and debugging. The connection can be established through an Ethernet connection (TCP/IP) or a Serial connection (RS232).

Important: The ABB software option PC Interface is required if you use an Ethernet connection (it includes the socket messaging features).

Important: Some USB to Serial (RS232) cables are no longer compatible with Windows 11.

Follow these steps to set up the RoboDK driver for ABB robots:

1.Connect the computer to the robot using an Ethernet cable (or RS232 connection if you are planning to use serial connection).

2.Load the RDK_DriverSocket.mod module to the robot (using a USB drive, FTP transfer or RobotStudio). It should be used as the main task and this module already contains the Main program call.
Alternatively, use the RDK_DriverSerial.mod module if you prefer using the RS232 connection.

Follow these steps on the ABB teach pendant to load the program from the teach pendant:

a.Select ABB➔Program Editor

b.Select Tasks and Programs (at the top)

c. Select Show Modules (at the bottom)

d.Select File➔Load Module… (select YES to lose the program pointer)

e.Select the mod file, then select OK.

3.Run the Main program (you will find the Main program in RoboDK_Driver.mod).

Note: You may need to update the robot IP variable if you are using the RDK_DriverSocket.mod module (line 37):

CONST string SERVER_IP := "192.168.125.1";

The default communication port for the provided program is 2000 but it can also be changed.