The OPC UA URCap enables the UR line of robots to connect to other OPC UA compatible devices and software. Using the world’s most popular standards- based data connectivity method.
Set up secure connections between the robot and network. Through standard OPC UA authentication and certificates.
It can receive data over the network from other OPC UA Servers and translate it into variables in the UR robot.
VDMA Functionalities
The OPC UA URCap can now provide condition data and robot-specific data. Read more about VDMA here. The URCap has been updated to include new object structures to conform to the VDMA’s standards regarding the following:
Supervision: With provided data, the robot system can be supervised and monitored. Functional analysis of individual robot systems within the factory ground is possible. During the production phase the companion specification provides data about the operational and safety states, as well as process data.
Condition monitoring: This is the process of determining the condition of machinery while in operation, in order to identify a significant change which is indicative of a developing fault. This is a major component of Predictive Maintenance where the maintenance is scheduled to shorten the downtime. The typical parameters needed for condition monitoring like motor temperature, load, on time are provided by the companion specification for robotics.
Asset management: The companion specification for robotics provides detailed information of the main electrical and mechanical parts like part number, brand name, serial number etc. With this data, an effective maintenance is possible because the technician knows in advance which parts need to be changed and can be prepared.
Main features of the OPC UA software for UR
Our OPC UA URCap is the only software that translates data from UR robots to OPC UA data. This enables Universal Robots to connect to Industry 4.0
Pricing
There are no hidden fees or extra charges. Because we trust our product, you don’t pay for support.
30 day free trial
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Easy to install and implement Simple and cheap solution
Looking for a helpful guide for understanding the client and server functions? Learn how to use the OPC UA UR-cap through this video demonstration!
We successfully installed the URCap on two robots, one CB-series, and one E-series. One robot was configured as an OPC UA server, while the other was an OPC UA client, enabling data exchange in both directions.
FAQ for OPC UA UR-Cap
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the OPC UA URCap. Software that connects Universal Robots to OPC UA. Continuously updated.
What is OPC UA?
The OPC Unified Architecture (UA), released in 2008, is a platform independent service-oriented architecture that integrates all the functionality of the individual OPC Classic specifications into one extensible framework.
The OPC UA URCap is a software module that extends the functionality of the Universal Robots programming interface with basic data exchange via the industry standard OPC UA protocol. (source: Unified Architecture – OPC Foundation )
What is the OPC UA URCap?
The OPC UA URCap is a software module that extends the functionality of the Universal Robots programming interface, with basic data exchange via the industry standard OPC UA protocol.
Is it open source?
No, the OPC UA URCap is not open source, but the OPC UA related services are built using the open source open62541 OPC UA implementation.
What are the requirements for installing the OPC UA URCap?
The OPC UA URCap is developed using functionality available in the following URCap API version 1.5.
– CB3.1: available in Universal Robots software v.3.8 or greater, – E-series: available in Universal Robots software v.5.2 or greater.
How do I use the OPC UA URCap?
The functions of the OPC UA URCap can be accessed in 3 different ways:
– Program nodes – Script functions – Low-level API (the OPC UA daemon)
Is the OPC UA URCap an opc server or opc client?
It can be both, client and server functions can be used simultaneously.
What kind of variables are supported?
Currently supported variable types are bool, string, integer and double.
Is there an import functions for variables?
Yes, you can use your own created ini files and import them into the OPC URCap.
Do the OPC UA work like the robots modbus/tcp data items which are always available, even when a program is not running on the robot?
No, the functions provided by this URCap are application-level, meaning that the OPC UA data exchange must be controlled by the main robot program.
Do this OPC UA support OPC UA Information Model for Robots by VDMA and OPC Foundation?
Yes, all mandatory fields of the Robotics information model are available, including: – MotionDevices – Controllers – SafetyStates
Are there standard robot status data items that the OPC server will make available to an external client?
Yes, robot status data is provided within the Information Model for Robotics.
It appears you can create an OPC tag/attribute that allows one to programmatically move any program variable in to an OPC tag within the server. Is this required for ALL data on the OPC interface?
The main purpose of our URCap is to provide application-level data exchange functions to the robot program, so the short answer is yes.
However, the OPC UA Server is running in the background, even if the robot program is stopped therefore it is possible to write an independent background process that update OPC UA variables independent of the robot program.
Do I need a licence per robot?
Yes, you do.
Can I buy a licence and use it on different robots?
No, a permanent license is always bound to a specific robot with its serial number.
How do I get a licence?
There are several ways to get a license.
The direct way is to purchase a OPC UA license. Here you will sign-up for a license and we will help you through the process of installing your license. You pay a one-time-fee by invoice after receiving the license. If you are a UR Distributor, UR System Integrator or Educational Institute we offer a special rate. If you qualify these criterias you can apply for a special rate.
You can also try the OPC UA URCap for 30-days before deciding to buy.
How do I get a trial licence?
After installing the OPC UA URCap on your robot, follow the instructions below or see screencast in link below. – Enter Installation in top menu – Choose “OPC UA” in left-side menu – Choose “License” in tabs – Click “Copy license request to USB” and a pop-up should appear – Choose “Yes” to activate the trial license.
To use the OPC UA URCap, you will need to obtain a valid licence file for the robot in question.
The license can be temporary or permanent. A temporary license (Our 30-day free trial license) can be installed on any robot for evaluation purposes. A permanent license is always bound to a specific robot with its serial number.
Permanent licenses require a unique license request that is generated on the robot. Perform the following steps to get a valid license request on a USB disk: – Insert a USB drive into the robot – Click the “Copy license request to USB” button in the OPC UA URCap – Disconnect the USB drive
After receiving a license file from Rocketfarm, perform the following steps to install your OPC UA URCap License: – Copy the license file to the root folder on a USB drive – Connect the USB drive to the robot – Click the “Copy license from USB” button, in the OPC UA URCap – Disconnect the USB drive
Is it possible to create the OPC UA license in advance?
Unfortunately not. For us to create a license we need the request files from the actual cobot. It is not enough to share the serial number with us.
Is it possible to use the OPC UA license in the UR Simulator?
Yes, it is possible. As you won’t be able to upload the license to the robot from a physical USB stick, you can do the following: When you insert a USB disk in the teach pendant, Polyscope creates a symbolic link to it in the programs folder. In the URSim simulator you don’t need a real physical USB disk; just create any folder directly under “/media” in the file system, and create a symbolic link to this folder in the actual “programs” folder. It will be functionally identical to a physical USB disk plugged into a physical teach pendant.
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