PolyScope X URCap

All the tools and documentation you will need to start developing a URCap for PolyScope X.

What is a URCap?

A URCap (Universal Robots Capability) is a software extension for Universal Robots that allows developers to customize and extend the functionality of UR robots by wrapping the scripting language into user friendly programming screens. URCaps can be used to integrate additional hardware, add new functionalities, or enhance the user interface of the robot's Polyscope GUI. Essentially, it is a software bundle, that is operating as a child process of PolyScope. Hence PolyScope will register the URCap, and interact with it in various ways.

Key Features of URCaps

Custom PolyScope User Interfaces
Dynamic and Flexible URScript Generation
Third-Party Device Integration
Modular Development

Why Develop a URCap?

Enhanced flexibility and customization

Developing a URCap allows you to tailor the robot’s functionality to meet specific application requirements. Whether it's integrating specialized tools, creating custom motion sequences, or developing intuitive user interfaces, URCaps provide the flexibility to customize the robot’s capabilities.

Integration of third-party devices

URCaps make it easier to integrate third-party devices and peripherals with UR robots. This can be crucial for applications that require specific sensors, actuators, or other hardware components to be controlled and monitored seamlessly.

Improved user experience

With URCaps, you can create custom user interfaces that simplify the operation of complex robotic processes. This can lead to improved productivity and reduced training times, making it easier for operators to use the robots effectively.

Enhanced automation capabilities

By extending the functionality of UR robots with URCaps, you can automate more complex tasks and processes. This can lead to increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and improved overall performance of your automation system.

Development efficiency

The URCap SDK provides API tools, libraries, and documentation that streamline the development process. This allows developers to quickly create and deploy custom solutions, reducing development time and costs.

Examples of URCap applications

Custom Grippers: Integrate and control custom-designed grippers directly from the Polyscope interface.
Vision Systems: Add support for vision systems to enable advanced functionalities like object recognition and inspection.
Specialized Motion Control: Develop custom motion control algorithms for applications requiring precise movements.
Operator Guidance Systems: Create interfaces that guide operators through complex assembly or inspection tasks.

Key Components of URCap Development

PolyScope X URCaps are developed using TypeScript and/or JavaScript. The development of URCaps relies on the URCap Software Development Kit (SDK) provided by Universal Robots, which includes tools and libraries for creating custom extensions and plugins that integrate seamlessly with the PolyScope X interface.

TypeScript and JavaScript Programming Languages

Primary Languages: TypeScript and JavaScript are the primary programming languages used to develop URCaps for PolyScope X. TypeScript offers static typing and modern language features, enhancing code quality and maintainability, while JavaScript ensures a dynamic and versatile development environment.

JavaScript/TypeScript SDK: The URCap SDK provides a set of APIs in JavaScript and TypeScript that allow developers to interact with the robot's system, create custom user interfaces, and extend the functionality of PolyScope X.

Angular Framework

GUI Framework: Angular is used as the graphical user interface (GUI) framework for developing URCaps. Angular allows developers to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces with reusable components, ensuring a seamless user experience within the PolyScope X environment.

Component-Based Architecture: Angular’s component-based architecture enables modular development, making it easier to manage, test, and scale the user interface components of URCaps.

YAML Configuration

Component Configuration: URCaps require YAML configuration files to define metadata, such as the bundle name, version, and dependencies. These configuration files help manage the lifecycle and integration of the URCap within the PolyScope X environment.

Containerized Background Processes

Background Execution: URCaps can create background processes that run alongside the main PolyScope X interface using container technology. These containerized processes can perform various tasks such as data processing, communication with external devices, or running complex algorithms that require continuous operation independently of the main robot program execution.

Isolation and Scalability: Containers provide isolation and scalability for background processes, ensuring that they run reliably and do not interfere with the main PolyScope X operations.

PolyScope X Tools

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