You can establish a connection online between RoboDK and the ABB robot to move the robot automatically from a connected PC using RoboDK.

This allows you to use 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).

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.

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) converters 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.Download the MOD driver files for ABB from the customer area.

3.Load the RDK_DriverSocket.mod module to the robot (using a USB drive, FTP transfer or ABB 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.

4.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.