WO2007025928A1

WO2007025928A1 - A portable operating device for an industrial robot

Info

Publication number: WO2007025928A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/065652
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mariana Olsson; Pia Stoll; Åsa Grönqvist; Sara Lövemark; Per Norlin; Görgen Johansson; Ralph SJÖBERG; Peter Eriksson
Original assignee: Abb Research Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-08-29
Filing date: 2006-08-24
Publication date: 2007-03-08

Abstract

An industrial robot system comprising a manipulator (31 ), a control unit (32) for controlling the manipulator, and a portable programming device (30) for teaching, programming and manually operating the robot, wherein the programming device comprises functionality for handling the robot in a production state and functionality for teaching and programming the robot. The system further comprises a portable operating device (1) for manually operating the robot, which operating device comprising functionality for handling the robot in a production state and is lacking functionality for teaching and programming the robot, wherei n the programming device and the operating device are replaceably connected to the control unit of the robot.

Description

A PORTABLE OPERATING DEVICE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL ROBOT

A PORTABLE OPERATING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable operating device, for manually operating an industrial robot having a manipulator and a control unit for controlling the manipulator.

The invention also relates to an industrial robot system comprising a manipulator, a control unit for controlling the manipulator, and a portable programming device for programming and manually operating the robot.

PRIOR ART

An industrial robot is programmed to carry out work along an operating path. Existing practice for programming a robot involves on-line teaching the robot a sequence of working points by means of a portable device, generally denoted a Teaching Pendant Unit, called hereafter a TPU, or off-line programming of the robot by means of an external computer. In order to teach the robot during on-line programming, the robot is manipulated to positions and orientations along the desired operating path. These positions and orientations are stored as instructions in a memory in the control unit. The robot program is generated, based on the specified positions and orientations. However, programming a robot by teaching can be time-consuming, especially if the work object has a complex geometry. Therefore, it is a trend today that more of the robot programming is made offline. Off-line programming of the robot is carried out on an ex- ternal computer, for example, by a high-level computer programming language and CAD/CAM. During operation of the ro- bot, the instructions of the robot program are executed, thereby making the robot operate as desired.

A person controlling a robot is denoted an operator. In the fol- lowing the words user and operator are used synonymously. An industrial robot can be operated in different operation modes. When the robot is put in automatic mode, the control unit controls the robot, and when the robot is put in manual operation mode, the robot is controlled by the TPU. The TPU is, for exam- pie, used for manual motion of the robot, teaching, programming, maintenance and testing or program. Manual motion of the robot is, for example, employed to bring the robot to a safe position during start up and maintenance operations and to recover from program fault. Manual motion is also used during teaching of the robot.

The TPU is provided with operator control means, for example a joystick, a ball, a set of buttons or any combination thereof, for manual motion of the robot. Further, the TPU is provided with a visual display unit, and safety equipment, such as an enabling device and a stop device, in order to protect a user against injury during manual control of the robot. The stop device is for example an emergency stop button. The enabling device is for example a switch or a push button, which has to be pressed by the operator to enable control of the robot by the TPU.

The TPU is designed to make it possible for a user to creating new robot programs, to install new robot programs, and to amend existing robot programs. The TPU may also be used for monitoring a robot program, changing certain variables in the program, starting, stopping and editing the program. For example, it is possible to adjust the position of a working point on a programmed path by the TPU. It is also possible to delete and add programming code to an existing robot program by the TPU. As more and more functionality has been added to the TPU over, the cost to manufacture the TPU has increased significantly. A solution to this problem is suggested in the international patent application WO01 /71878A1 . This document dis- closes a shared operating device, having teach pendant functions, for a network of programmable equipment such as industrial robots. Each robot in the network is provided with a control handler connected to the control system of the robot. The control handle provides an emergency stop function and manual control of the robot. Further, the control handler is provided with an enabling device, and a member for manual motion of the robot such as a jog button or a joystick. The operating device includes functionality for teaching and programming the robot and a graphical user interface and input means such as a keyboard. The shared operating device is designed to be connected to the control handles, one at a time. When the operating device is connected to the control handle, they together provide all functionality of a traditional TPU. Due to the fact that one operating device, which is the expensive part, is shared among a plurality of control handles, costs are reduced.

An industrial robot is often used in a production line in a manufacturing plant. Before the robot is put into operation, it is programmed to perform a task by an operator specialized in robot programming. When the robot has been put into operation, it is instead handled by production personnel who are normally not skilled in programming of the robot. The production personnel does not necessary have to perform any programming of the robot. However, when the robot is in a production situation it is sometimes necessary to adjust the position of a working point on the path, or make other adjustments of the robot program. Therefore at least one operator of the productions personnel should be authorized to adjust the robot program and to perform programming of the robot. A problem in connection the TPU is that productions personal easily get confused by the multitude of functionality that is available on the TPU. Most of the functionality is of no use in a production situation. Another problem is that the productions personal carry out unauthorized "improvements" of the robot program, which they are not skilled to do. These program modifications leads to reduced productivity, tool damages as well as increased software maintenance costs. In order to prevent not authorized productions personnel from editing the robot pro- grams, or performing robot programming, the TPU is provided with a password, which should only be known by authorized operators. However, it has appeared that usage of passwords has limited effect, when it comes to prevent unauthorized "improvements" of the robot program. The passwords are leaking out into the organization.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a portable op- erating device for operating an industrial robot, which is easy to handle in a production state, and which prevents unauthorized "improvements" of the robot program.

This object is achieved by an operating device as defined in claim 1 .

Such an operating device comprises functionality suitable for operating the robot in a production state, but lacks functionality for teaching and programming the robot. With "functionality suit- able for operating the robot in a production state" is understood functionally which is necessary to have in order to be able to operate the robot in a production situation, for example, means for manually moving the robot, means for starting and stopping of a robot program, means for providing a user with information from the control unit as well as from the operating device itself, and safety equipment to ensure safety of the user during manual control of the robot such as an emergency function. The information provided to the user is, for example, messages, such as error messages, and options to be selected by the user. This type of functionality is of course also useful in other situations, for example during teaching and programming of the robot, or in other types of robot application, which does not directly involve any production. With "functionality for teaching and programming the robot" is understood functionally which is necessary to have in order to be able to create new robot programs, to install new robot programs, and to amend existing robot programs.

An operating device according to the invention is constructed to make it impossible for a user to create new robot program code, and to amend existing robot program code. The operating device has no programming capabilities, but has capabilities for operation only. Such an operating device is particularly suitable for productions personnel, who has little knowledge of robot programming, and who are only authorized to run, i.e. start and stop, the robot programs, but who are not authorized to adjust the programs or create new programs. Authorized programming personnel may either use off-line programming of the robot by means of an external computer, or use a traditional TPU having teaching and programming facilities. Due to the fact that unauthorized personnel are provided with operating devices, without programming functionality, they are prevented from modifying the robot program and to cause damage due to unauthorized amendments of the robot program.

The operating device, according to the invention, does only con- tain essential functionality that is needed in the daily operation of the robot, such as functionality required for operation of the production, as well as corrective measures at process failures. This simplification increases uptime and productivity, as well as reduces cost for scrapped products and damaged tooling. A fur- ther advantage with an operating device according to the invention is that it is much cheaper to produce than a traditional TPU. Although, an operating device according to the invention is particularly useful in a production line, it is also useful in other situations such as operation of separate production cells, each containing one or several robots and associated production equipment, or a tryout line or cell. The invention is for example useful in robot application such as paint spraying, freight/packet, sorting, freight/baggage handling and foundries.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating device is designed to receive information from the control unit about which tool coordinate system currently is active, and the operating device is arranged in such manner that a user is only allowed to manually move the manipulator in the currently active tool coordinate system, or to move one axis at a time. This embodiment prevents the user from moving the robot in any other coordinate system than the currently active tool coordinate system. Other coordinate systems are not as intuitive to the user, and thus are more difficult to use in a situation critical to a per- son or a process. This embodiment may prevent collisions with the robot, and thereby increases the security. However, movement of individual axis, axes by axes, is allowed. Movement of individual axis is not critical, and does not jeopardize the security.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the means for providing a user with information from the control unit comprises a display member displaying the user information as text messages. This is the conventional way to provide information to a user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the means for providing a user with information from the control unit comprises a speech synthesizer and a loudspeaker providing the user infor- mation as spoken messages. One of the most expensive parts of an operating device is the display member. According to this embodiment it is possible to replace the traditional display with a speech synthesizer and a loudspeaker, thereby reducing costs and still providing the same functionality. A speech synthesizer and a loudspeaker are much cheaper than a display member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the operating device comprises a microphone connected to a speech analyzer for input of command to the control unit. In order to be able to operate the robot in a production state the operator should be able to it input orders to the control unit via the operating device. This embodiment makes it easy for the user to input orders to the control unit by using the voice. Further, the number of necessary buttons on the operating device are reduce and thus the costs for producing the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved industrial robot system, which alleviates the problems mentioned above, and makes it possible for personnel, which is authorized thereof, to perform on-line programming of the robot and to adjust existing robot programs, and prevents unauthorized personnel from interfere with existent program code and to create new program code.

This object is achieved by an industrial robot system as defined in claim 4.

Such a robot system comprises a manipulator, a control unit for controlling the manipulator, and a portable programming device for teaching, programming and manually operating the robot, wherein the programming device comprises functionality for operating the robot in a production state and functionality for teaching and programming the robot. The system further comprises a portable operating device for manually operating the robot, which operating device comprising functionality for oper- ating the robot in a production state and is lacking functionality for teaching and programming the robot. The programming de- vice and the operating device are replaceably connected to the control unit of the robot. With "replaceably connected" is understood that the programming device and the operating device are adapted to be connected to the same control unit, but not at the same time. For example, the programming device is a traditional TPU.

This robot system provides the possibility to control the robot by either a programming device, having operating functionality as well as teaching and programming functionality, or an operating device having only operating functionality. The invention makes it is possible to provide authorized programming personnel with a programming device having teaching and programming functionalities, and to provide production personnel, who are not au- thorized to program the robot or make any changes in the program code, with an operating device having only functionality for operating the robot in a production state. Thereby, productions personnel are prevented from making unauthorized amendments of the robot program, and authorized programming personnel are permitted to program the robot and make changes in the program code.

Another advantage with a robot system according to the invention is that the cost for the system is reduced compared to a tra- ditional robot system having only programming devices.

For safety reasons it should not be possible to simultaneously connect the programming device and the operating device to the control unit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is provided with means to ensure that it is not possible to simultaneously connect the programming device and the operating device to the same control unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the programming device and the operating device are physically connected to the control unit, the control unit is provided with a connecting mem- ber having one single socket outlet, which is adapted to be connected to the operating and programming devices, one at a time, to ensure that it is impossible to simultaneously connect the programming and operating devices to the control unit. Thus, it is not possible to simultaneously connect both the programming device and the operating device to the same control system.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the robot control unit comprises a safety system including means for enabling emergency stop of the robot from the programming device and the operating device, and the control unit is provided with switching means adapted to disconnect and connect the safety system in connection with connecting and disconnecting the programming/operating device and the control unit. This em- bodiment makes it possible for the operator to connect/disconnect the portable device to/from the control unit during operation of the robot, without having to switch off the power for the robot system. Accordingly, it is easy to change between a programming device and an operating device, or to change from one operating device to another operating device, during operation of the robot. This is, for example, necessary when a robot operator is exchanged during operation of the robot.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the switching means is user operated. If the programming device, or operating device, is physically connected to the control unit, it is convenient to have a user operated mechanical switch, which makes it easy for the operator to disconnect the safety system before changing between the devices, and to connect the safety system later, when the changing has been completed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least the operating device is wirelessly connected to the control unit. Thanks to the reduced number of functionality of the operating device, the power consumption of the operating device is signifi- cantly reduced, compared to a traditional TPU, which makes the operating device particularly suitable for a wireless design.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the functionality for handling the robot in a production state comprises: an emergency stop function, manual motion control of the robot, start and stop of a robot program, and a display member for displaying messages from the control unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the functionality for teaching and programming the robot comprises: creating a new robot program installing a robot program, and amending a robot program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a portable operating device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows an industrial robot system including a portable operating device and a portable programming device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows connection means for connecting a portable device to the control system of the robot.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of an emergency stop function.

Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an enabling function.

Fig. 6 shows a portable operating device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of the operating device shown in figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a portable operating device 1 for manually operating an industrial robot according to a first embodiment of the invention. The operating device is a small and handheld device. The operating device 1 is either wirelessly or physically connected to a control unit of an industrial robot. The operating device 1 comprises safety equipment to ensure safety of an operator. For safety reasons, the operating device 1 is provided with both an emergency stop button 2 and an enabling switch 3. For the operator to be able to handle the robot in a production state the operating device 1 is provided with means for providing information, for example messages, from the control unit of the robot, as well as information from the operating device itself, to the user. In this embodiment, the operating device is provided with a display member 5, displaying messages and information from the control unit of the robot as well as information from the operating device itself. The display member 5 is, for example, a graphical display. In order to make the operating device cheap, a black and white display is used. In another embodiment the display member 5 could be a touch screen. Preferably, the display resolution is in the range of 128x64 pixels. In this embodiment the display device is adapted to display six lines. The operating device 1 provides a possibility to receive and display messages from the control system of the robot. The messages are, for example error messages or event messages. The error messages are contained in an error list. The display unit is also used to display options to the operator, and the operating device is provided with an operators interface to select an option among the displayed. The operating device 1 comprises operator's interface for communication with the control system of the robot. The operator's interface comprises a plurality of buttons that are divided into action buttons, having predefined functions, and user buttons, the functions of which are programmed by the operator. In this embodiment the operating device 1 is provided with eight user's buttons. All user buttons and action buttons shall be configured for generating both an up and down virtual key event that is read by software. All buttons are preferably elevated so that the op- erator can feel the buttons. Preferably each button has an internationally understandable symbol in accordance with the regulation for controlling of moving machinery. The operating device 1 is provided with an operator's interface for starting and stopping of a robot program and for manually moving the robot.

The operating device 1 comprises the following action buttons:

1 ) Four scroll buttons 6 for scrolling the display up, down, left and right.

2) An escape button 7, which makes it possible to regret an in- put and to step backwards.

3) A start program button 8 and a stop program button 9.

4) An enter button 10.

5) A display the list of error messages button 14.

6) Selection button 16, selecting which mechanical unit to be moved.

7) Selecting between two jogging modes: tool coordinate mode and or joint mode 17.

8) Jogging buttons 18-23.

The start/stop buttons 8,9 stops and starts the execution of the robot program. The escape button 7 is connected to the usage of the display, for deselecting or getting a way from dialogues. After marking the decided selections, like a mechanical unit for operation, the selection is made by pressing the enter button 10. Acknowledgement of faults and events is also done with the enter button 10. There is one button each for scrolling text on the display up down and right/left. It is possible to scroll stepwise by pressing and releasing the button.

The operating device 1 is adapted to provide a possibility to re- ceive and read error messages from the control system of the robot. The error messages are contained in a list. When an error message has been received from the control system an indication is shown to the operator, in this embodiment a red light emitting diode (LED) is turned on when there are unread error messages to be retrieved. If there are no unread error messages, a green light emitting diode 13 is switched on. If the red diode is on and the button 14 is activated the error messages from the control system are displayed on the display device 5. If there are more than one error message a list of the error mes- sage are displayed and the operator may select one of the error messages by means of the scroll buttons 6.

The operating device 1 provides functionality for manual motion control of the robot. If there is more than one mechanical unit connected to the control system, the operating device provides a possibility to select which mechanical unit to be controlled by means of the selection button 16. To be able to select a mechanical unit for manual jogging, there is a scrollable list containing all units like robot arms, guns, transfer equipments etc. A marker in the form of inverted text, underscore or any other marking, shall be used for selection of unit. After selection of unit it shall be presented with identity and number of axes. In this way the operator knows which jogging buttons are available. When the operator touches the selection button 16, a list of all available mechanical units are displayed on the display device 5, and the operator may select one of the mechanical units by means of the scroll buttons 6 and the enter button 10.

The operator interface of the operating device 1 also provides a possibility to switch between two possible jogging modes: tool coordinate or joint. Tool coordinate mode means that selected unit is jogged in a currently active tool coordinate system. Joint mode means that it is only possible to move one axis, or joint, at a time. This selection is affected by means of the selection button 17. Information, about which tool coordinate system is cur- rently active, is received from the control unit of the selected mechanical unit.

Manual motion of the selected mechanical unit is affected by means of six pairs of jogging buttons 18-23. In this embodiment there is jogging buttons for six degrees of freedom. Each degree has a separate +/- button. Two jogging modes are available: joint and coordinated. If joint mode is selected, each pair of jogging buttons moves the robot about one of the axis. For example, buttons 18 moves the first axis of the robot, and buttons 22 moves the fifth axis of the robot. One of the buttons, in the pair, moves the axis in one direction, and the other button moves the axis in an opposite direction. When coordinated mode has been selected, actuation of the buttons 18-20 moves the robot along the X-, y-, or z- axis of the currently active tool coordinate sys- tern, and actuation of the buttons 21 -23 rotates the robot is about the x-, y- or z- axis of the currently active tool coordinated system.

The buttons are labeled both with axis number 1 - 6 and sym- bols for coordinates as well as free orientation. Characteristics of the jogging button are, for example, when a button is pressed, the movement starts at low speed v-low. This speed lasts for a certain time t-low. After expiration of this time, the speed increases by a certain constant dv/dt. If the jogging button is pressed long enough, the maximum manual speed will be reached. As soon as the button is released, the movement stops. At consecutive activations, the movements commence from the low speed. It is possible, in a configuration file, to set values for v-low, t-low, and dv/dt. It is assumed that the maxi- mum speed value is available in the system The operating device is provided with eight user's buttons F1 - F8, which functions are programmable by the operator to have a predefined function, for example to move the robot to predefined position. The operating device is provided with means 25 to eas- ily label each function button F1 - F8, for example, by inserting a paper or plastic labels under a transparent folio. The label is mechanically secured from falling out.

The operating device 1 is provided with five LEDs, four of which the color is green and one which is red. Three green LEDs 26, indicate auto, motors on, and running. The LED indicating motors on shall indicate that the main contactor is engaged, i.e. there is current to the motors. If the system is in manual mode, the indication is achieved at operation of the enabling device. The LED auto shall go on when the system enters auto mode, which is made by operating a key switch. In auto mode the system may start moving at any time, even remotely control. When at least one program task of type "normal" is running the signal "running" shall go on. A green LED 12 indicated that error log list is displayed on the screen 5. A red LED 13 is turned on if there is at least one unacknowledged error in the log list.

When an error message is to be read, the operator has to press the list button 14, scroll the marker down to the message he would like to study, and then press the enter button 10. The text will fill the six lines. If the operator presses the scroll button 6, the next six lines of the error message will be displayed. Alternatively, the operator will only get a new line at each scroll. Acknowledgement of the message is done by pressing the enter button 10. Pressing the escape button 7 closes the opened error message.

The robot program is started by the start button 8 and stopped by the stop button 9. Furthermore, the display device will not show any program code. Further, functionality for changing the position and orientation of the working point is not available on the operating device, and there is no functionality available for saving programs. If this is required it has to be done with PC- base tools, or by usage of a TPU. However, the operating device 1 provides a possibility to tune certain selected process parame- ters. Tuning of process parameters has to be done by uses of the functions keys F1 - F8.

The operating device 1 does not provide any support for coordinated manual movements of multimove configurations. The maximum configuration of coordinated movement is limited to a six axes arm movement in the actual tool coordinate system.

The operating device 1 is not designed for programming, or modification of robot program. It is intended as an operator's tool. The operating device is designed such that it is impossible to create any new robot programs, to install any new robot programs, or to make any amendments of existing robot programs, by means of the operating device. For example, the following functionality are excludes: 1 ) all kind of program modification like:

- modifying the position of working point,

- change of speed,

- selection of program,

- tuning of parameters, unless not achievable via the users button F1 - F8,

2) changing of coordinate system, except for changing between active tool coordinate system and joint, and

3) display of program code.

The operating device 1 provides functionality for operating the robot in a production state and is suitable for operators having limited theoretical skills and who are responsible to take minor actions to keep production going. The operator is familiar with the process behavior, but is not allowed to make process ad- justments. By excluding the possibility of programming, the high standard of the original program will not degrade through any- bodies well-meant improvement. When more qualified actions are to be taken, tools for off line programming, or a traditional each pendant unit is to be used. The operating device 1 makes it possible to acknowledge simple error situations, like gate open, to restart the robot, and to handle occasional predefined process failure situations.

Figure 2 shows an industrial robot system including a portable operating device 1 and a portable programming device 30. The robot system further comprises a manipulator 31 and a control unit 32 for controlling the manipulator. The portable programming device 30 comprises functionality for teaching, programming and manually operating the robot as well as functionality for handling the robot in a production state. Preferably, the pro- gramming device 30 is a conventional TPU, described in the prior art. The programming device 30 includes an enabling device 33a, an emergency stop button 33b and a joystick for manual motion of the manipulator. The programming device 30 is connected to the control unit 32 by means of a cable 34 having a connector 36.

The operating device 1 is connected to the control system 32 by means of a cable 37 having a connector 38. The design of the connector 36 and the connector 38 are identical. The control unit 32 is provided with a connecting member 40 having one single socket outlet 42, which fits both the connector 36 of the programming device, and the connector 38 of the operating device. Thus, it is only possible to connect one of the programming device and the operating device at a time. The connector 38 preferably contains pins for power as well as for communication. The connector 38 shall be easy to connect/disconnect from the socket outlet 42, without the use of tools. Preferably, the connector 38 is keyed to prevent exchanging of the operating device with other units, besides the programming unit. All signals from the operating device is contained in the same cable. Figure 3 shows the connecting member 40 in more details. The connecting member 40 further comprises a switch 44, which makes it possible to connect and disconnect the programming device and the operating device during operation of the robot. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the emergency stop function of the operating device. However, the emergency stop function of the programming device is arranged in the way as disclosed in figure 4. In this embodiment, the emergency stop button 2 is hardwired to an emergency stop chain 46 of the robot control unit 32. The switch 44 is a user-operated switch, and is connected to switches 48 on the emergency stop chain 48 of the control unit. The switch 44 opens and closes the switches 48, and thus enables and disables the emergency stop chain 46. Thereby, it is possible to avoid emergency stop of the robot dur- ing connection and disconnection of the operating device.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the enabling function of the operating device. The enabling function of the programming device is arranged in the way as disclosed in figure 5. In this em- bodiment, the enabling device 3 is hardwired to an enabling chain 52 of the robot control unit 32. The switch 44 is connected to switches 50 on the enabling chain 52. The switch 44 opens and closes the switches 52, and thus enables and disables the enabling chain 50. The switches 48, 50 are connected to the switch 44 such that when the switch 44 is turned to an "OFF" position, the safety system, including the enabling chain and the emergency stop chain, is disconnected, and when the switch 44 is turned to an "ON" position, the safety system is connected. When the safety system is disconnected, it is possible to dis- connect the portable device that for the moment is connected to the socket outlet 42, and instead connect another portable device to the socket outlet 42.

In a robot system having a programming device and an operat- ing device wirelessly connected to the control unit, the control unit is provided with software means in order to ensure that it is not possible to simultaneously connect the programming device and the operating device to a control unit. Also, the control unit is provided with software means for controlling the switches 48 and 50 of the safety system, in order to disconnect and connect the safety system when connecting/disconnecting a portable device and the control unit.

All electronic components of the operating device 1 are mounted on a single PC-board in order to minimize the number of internal connectors and cables. The operating device comprises processors, memory and equipment for communication with the control unit. For example, the processor has the performance of a Ubi- com IP2022-120 (trade mark) or similar with a built in communication capacity. No additional processor capacity for handling of the graphical display is needed. No other memory than what is included in the Ubicom unit is needed. The communication protocol between the operating device and the control unit, as well as between the programming device and the control unit is, for example, TCP/IP. The operating device is loaded with embed- ded software required for its function.

Figure 6 shows a portable operating device 60 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Elements corresponding to the ones of the first embodiment, shown in figure 1 , are given the same reference numbers as the corresponding elements of that embodiment. The operating device 60 according to the second embodiment differs from the operating device of the first embodiment in that it lacks the display member 5 and the user buttons, and in that the number of action buttons is significantly reduced. Instead the operating unit is provided with a connection unit 62 for connecting a head set 64 including a pair of loudspeaker 66, for example earphones, and a microphone 68.

Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the operating device 60 shown in figure 6. The operating device 60 includes a processor means 70, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a com- municating unit 72 communicating with the control unit of the robot. The communicating unit 72 receives information from and sends information to the robot control unit. The device 60 further comprises a speech analyzer 74 connected to the microphone 68 via connection unit 62 and a speech synthesizer 76 connected to the loudspeaker 66 via connection unit 62. The speech synthesizer 76 converts text messages into voice messages, and the loudspeaker 66 presents the voice messages to the user. The device 60 also includes a command storage 78 for storing a plurality of predefined orders to the control unit. When the user inputs a voice command via the microphone 68, the speech analyzer 74 converts the voice command into computer readable data, which data is compared with the commands stored in the command storage 78. If the converted data corre- sponds to a command in the command storage, the command is sent to the control unit.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. For example the buttons for manual motion on the operating device could be replaced with other control means, for example a joystick or a ball.

Claims

1 . A portable operating device (1 ) for connecting to a control unit (32) of an industrial robot, and for manually operating the robot, wherein the device provides functionality for operating the robot in a production state including:

- an emergency stop function (2),

- manual motion control of the robot (18-23), and

- start and stop of a robot program (8,9), and wherein the device does not provide functionality for teaching and programming the robot, characterized in that the device further comprises means for providing a user with information from the control unit as well as from the operating device itself.

2. The portable operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said functionality for teaching and programming the robot comprises:

- creating new robot programs,

- installing robot programs, and - amending a robot program.

3. The portable operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating device is designed to receive information from the control unit about which tool coordinate system cur- rently is active, and the operating device is arranged in such manner that a user is only allowed to manually move the manipulator in the currently active tool coordinate system, or to move one axis at a time.

4. The portable operating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for providing a user with information from the control unit comprises a display member (5) displaying said information displaying said information as text messages.

5. The portable operating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for providing a user with information from the control unit comprises a speech synthesizer (76) and a loudspeaker (66) providing said information as spo- ken messages.

6. The portable operating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a microphone (68) connected to a speech analyzer (74) for input of command to the control unit.

7. An industrial robot system comprising a manipulator (31 ), a control unit (32) for controlling the manipulator, and a portable programming device (30) for teaching, programming and manu- ally operating the robot, wherein the programming device comprises functionality for handling the robot in a production state and functionality for teaching and programming the robot, characterized in that the system further comprises a portable operating device (1 ) for manually operating the robot, which operat- ing device comprising functionality for handling the robot in a production state and is lacking functionality for teaching and programming the robot, wherein the programming device and the operating device are replaceably connected to the control unit of the robot.

8. The industrial robot system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (32) is provided with means (42) to ensure that it is not possible to simultaneously connect the programming device and the operating device to the same control unit.

9. The industrial robot system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the programming device (30) and the operating device (1 ) are physically connected to the control unit (32), the control unit is provided with a connecting member (40) having one sin- gle socket outlet (42) adapted to be connected to the operating and programming devices, one at a time, to ensure that it is im- possible to simultaneously connect the programming and operating devices to the control unit.

10. The industrial robot system according to any of claims 7-9, wherein the control unit of the robot comprises a safety system including means (46) for enabling emergency stop of the robot from the programming device and the operating device (1 ), and the control unit (30) is provided with switching means (44) adapted to disconnect and connect the safety system in connec- tion with connecting and disconnecting the programming/operating device and the control unit.

1 1 . The industrial robot system according to claim 9, wherein said switching means (44) is user operated.

12. The industrial robot system according to any of claims 7-10, wherein at least the operating device (1 ) is wirelessly connected to the control unit (30).

13. The robot system according to any of claims 7-12, wherein said functionality for handling the robot in a production state comprises:

- an emergency stop function,

- manual motion control of the robot, - start and stop of a robot program, and

- means for providing a user with information from the control unit as well as from the operating device itself.

14. The robot system according to claim 13, wherein said means for providing a user with information from the control unit comprises a display member (5) displaying said information as text messages.

15. The robot system according to claim 13, wherein said means for providing a user with information from the control unit comprises a speech synthesizer (76) and a loudspeaker (66) providing said information as spoken messages.

16. The robot system according to any of claims 7-15, wherein said functionality for teaching and programming the robot comprises:

- creating a new robot program

- installing a robot program, and

- amending a robot program.

17. The robot system according to any of claims 7-16, wherein the operating device is designed to receive information from the control unit about which tool coordinate system currently is active, and the operating device is arranged in such manner that a user is only allowed to manually move the manipulator in the currently active tool coordinate system, or to move one axis at a time.