Movement Control: Provide control over the robotic arm’s movement along different axes (e.g., rotational, linear) with precise positioning and speed control.
End-Effector Control: Manage the operation of the end-effector (e.g., grippers, tools), including opening, closing, and applying force.
Path Planning: Implement path planning algorithms to determine optimal trajectories and movements for the robotic arm to execute tasks.
User Interface
Control Interface: Offer a user-friendly interface for manual control of the robotic arm, including joystick, touch screen, or keyboard inputs.
Configuration Settings: Allow users to configure and adjust settings such as movement limits, speed, and operational modes.
Real-Time Monitoring: Display real-time status and feedback on the robotic arm’s position, speed, and operational state.
Automation and Programming
Task Programming: Provide tools for users to program and automate tasks, including step-by-step sequence programming and scripting.
Preset Operations: Allow users to save and execute preset operations or routines for common tasks.
Simulation: Include a simulation feature to test and visualize movements and tasks before executing them on the actual robotic arm.
Safety and Error Handling
Emergency Stop: Implement an emergency stop function to immediately halt the robotic arm in case of a safety issue.
Collision Detection: Include sensors and algorithms to detect and prevent collisions or interference with the environment or other objects.
Error Logging: Record and log errors or faults, including detailed information for troubleshooting and analysis.
Sensor Integration
Feedback Sensors: Integrate sensors (e.g., encoders, accelerometers) to provide feedback on the robotic arm’s position, orientation, and movement.
Force Sensors: Utilize force sensors to measure and control the force applied by the end-effector.
Communication and Connectivity
Interfacing with External Systems: Allow integration with other systems or devices, such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) or vision systems.
Data Logging and Export: Enable logging of operational data and export it for analysis or reporting.
Calibration and Maintenance
Calibration Tools: Provide tools and procedures for calibrating the robotic arm to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Maintenance Alerts: Notify users of maintenance needs, such as component wear or required adjustments.
User Management and Access Control
User Accounts: Support user account management with different roles and permissions (e.g., administrators, operators, maintenance personnel).
Access Control: Implement access controls to restrict or grant access to different system features based on user roles.
Non-Functional Requirements
Performance
Response Time: Ensure low-latency response times for user inputs and commands to provide real-time control of the robotic arm.
Throughput: Design the system to handle high-throughput operations if applicable, such as in manufacturing environments.
Reliability
System Uptime: Maintain high system availability with minimal downtime to ensure continuous operation of the robotic arm.
Fault Tolerance: Implement fault-tolerant mechanisms to ensure the system remains operational in the event of hardware or software failures.
Usability
User Interface Design: Design an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that facilitates efficient control and programming of the robotic arm.
Training and Documentation: Provide comprehensive user manuals, training materials, and help resources to assist users in operating the system.
Security
Data Protection: Implement security measures to protect control commands, configuration settings, and operational data from unauthorized access or tampering.
Authentication and Authorization: Use secure authentication methods to control access to the system and its features.
Maintainability
Code Quality: Maintain a well-documented and modular codebase to facilitate ongoing maintenance and updates.
Update Management: Provide a structured process for deploying updates and patches, including testing and user notifications.
Compatibility
Hardware Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with various robotic arm models and configurations, including different sensors and end-effectors.
Software Integration: Ensure the system can integrate with other software applications used in the operational environment.
Compliance
Industry Standards: Adhere to relevant industry standards and regulations for robotic arm safety, performance, and interoperability.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulations related to robotic systems and automation, including safety and environmental standards.
Backup and Recovery
Data Backup: Implement regular backups of system configurations, user settings, and operational data to prevent data loss.
Disaster Recovery: Develop and maintain a disaster recovery plan to restore system functionality and data in case of major failures or emergencies.
