ScreenMaker: From .NET to drag & drop

Customization of a robotic cell allows integrators to make the most complicated system easy to use. A key part of customization is usually attained by the use of a graphical HMI, such as a PLC or other touch screen devices. Identifying the target market or personas for HMI customization tools is critical in the design of such a tool, so that you make sure that you provide the right tools to the right people. Robotics manufacturers have been trying to differentiate from their competitors by providing different tools to allow customization of a robotics system. In this paper, we described the approach that ABB has taken to allow robotics programmers, with no previous experience in programming languages, to develop a custom graphical screen in the ABB FlexPendant by simple drag & drop software components. The display building methodology is similar in operation to methods used by popular tools such as Microsoft Power Point. Reviewing ABB´s ScreenMaker approach will help illustrate the key aspects of identifying and meeting the needs of your target market.