Grok: Steps to Record a FlexPendant Simulation Session in RobotStudio

To record a 60-second session of you operating the Virtual FlexPendant in ABB RobotStudio on a Windows 10 PC to simulate robot operation, you can use the built-in ScreenRecorder feature. Below are the steps to achieve this, based on available information about RobotStudio's capabilities:

 

 

 

Steps to Record a FlexPendant Simulation Session in RobotStudio

1. Ensure RobotStudio is Properly Set Up:
   • Confirm you have a working virtual controller and Virtual FlexPendant in RobotStudio. Start RobotStudio, load or create a station with a virtual robot, and ensure the Virtual FlexPendant is operational.
   • Verify that your Windows 10 PC has sideloading of apps enabled for the Virtual OmniCore FlexPendant, if applicable (Settings > Update & Security > For Developers > Enable Developer Mode).
   • Check that Windows Firewall is not blocking RobotStudio features (Industrial Robot Discovery Server, RobotStudio StudioAppFramework, Virtual RobotController). You may need to unblock these in Windows Security settings.
2. Access the ScreenRecorder Feature:
   • RobotStudio includes a ScreenRecorder tool that allows you to record either the entire RobotStudio graphical user interface (GUI) or just the graphics viewer, which is useful for capturing FlexPendant operations.
   • Navigate to the Simulation tab in RobotStudio’s ribbon menu.
3. Configure Recording Settings:
    
    
   

   
    
   • In the Simulation tab, locate the Record Movie section. You’ll find options like Record Application (captures the entire RobotStudio GUI) or Record Graphics (captures only the 3D simulation window). For your purpose, Record Application is recommended to capture the Virtual FlexPendant interface.
   • Before starting the recording, ensure the Virtual FlexPendant is open and the simulation is ready to run. Press the Play button in the Virtual FlexPendant to start the robot simulation.
4. Start Recording:
   • Click the appropriate Record button (e.g., Record Application) in the Record Movie section.
   • Operate the Virtual FlexPendant for 60 seconds to simulate the robot operation as desired.
   • To stop recording, click the Stop Recording button in the same section.
5. Save and Review the Recording:
   • The recording is typically saved as a video file (based on Microsoft Windows Media Technology) in a location specified by RobotStudio, often the project folder or a default directory. Check the RobotStudio output window or settings for the exact file path.
   • Review the video to ensure it captured the Virtual FlexPendant operations correctly. You can export or share the video for training or demonstration purposes.

Troubleshooting and Notes

• Recording Option Unavailable:
  • If the Record Application option is grayed out or unavailable, you may need to install a specific codec or update RobotStudio. Some older versions (e.g., RS 5.11.02) required additional components like ScreenMaker for recording, though ScreenMaker is primarily for creating FlexPendant screens, not recording.
  • Ensure you have the latest version of RobotStudio (e.g., 2020.1 or newer) for improved recording functionality. You can download updates from ABB’s official software download page.
  • If issues persist, try reinstalling RobotStudio or checking for missing dependencies like Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications (VSTA).
• Comparison to RoboDK:
  • Unlike RoboDK, which has a straightforward built-in screen recording feature for simulations, RobotStudio’s ScreenRecorder is integrated but may require specific configurations or updates. However, RobotStudio’s recording is robust for capturing both the GUI and 3D simulation, making it suitable for your needs.
• Alternative Recording Methods:
  • If RobotStudio’s ScreenRecorder does not work as expected, you can use external screen recording software on your Windows 10 PC, such as:
    • Windows Game Bar: Press Win + G to open Game Bar, then click the record button to capture the RobotStudio window.
    • OBS Studio: A free, open-source tool for high-quality screen recording.
    • Microsoft PowerPoint: Insert a screen recording directly into a slide for simple captures.
  • These alternatives are reliable and do not depend on RobotStudio’s internal tools.
• Virtual FlexPendant Issues:
  • If the Virtual FlexPendant does not display correctly (e.g., white screen), ensure you’re using a properly created virtual controller system. Avoid copying systems directly between PCs; use Pack & Go and Unpack & Work to transfer systems.
  • For OmniCore controllers, ensure the Virtual FlexPendant is associated with the correct application by reinstalling ABB Robotics FlexPendant if needed.

Additional Tips

• Optimize Recording Quality:
  • For a cleaner recording, focus the RobotStudio window or maximize the Virtual FlexPendant before starting. Adjust the graphics settings in RobotStudio for better visual clarity (e.g., enable TrueMove™ Path Visualization for accurate robot paths).
  • Test a short recording (e.g., 10 seconds) first to confirm settings and file output.
• Use for Training:
  • The ScreenRecorder is designed for demonstrations and training, so your 60-second video can be used to showcase FlexPendant operations effectively.
• Check System Requirements:
  • Ensure your Windows 10 PC meets RobotStudio’s requirements (e.g., sufficient RAM, updated .NET Framework) to avoid performance issues during recording.

If you encounter specific errors or need further clarification, let me know, and I can guide you through troubleshooting or alternative solutions!

Sources: -: RobotStudio Simulation Software - Toolkit Technologies -: RobotStudio — Software from ABB optimizes robot setups -: Recording application — ABB Robotics User Forums -: Release Notes RobotStudio 2020.1.2 -: Virtual FlexPendant — ABB Robotics User Forums -: Virtual Flexpendant Ommicore does not run — ABB Robotics User Forums

 

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To record a 60-second session of operating the Virtual FlexPendant OmniCore in ABB RobotStudio on a Windows 10 PC, you can use RobotStudio’s built-in ScreenRecorder feature or external recording tools. Below are concise steps tailored for the OmniCore Virtual FlexPendant, addressing its specific setup and potential issues.

Using RobotStudio’s Built-in ScreenRecorder

1. Set Up the OmniCore Virtual FlexPendant:
   • Open RobotStudio and load a station with an OmniCore virtual controller (e.g., IRB 1300). Ensure the virtual controller is running.
   • Launch the Virtual FlexPendant OmniCore from the Controller tab by selecting the controller and clicking Virtual FlexPendant.
   • Verify the FlexPendant displays correctly. If it shows a white screen, ensure:
     • Windows 10 has Developer Mode enabled (Settings > Update & Security > For Developers).
     • Windows Firewall allows RobotStudio apps (Industrial Robot Discovery Server, StudioAppFramework, Virtual RobotController).
     • The virtual controller system was created properly (use Pack & Go/Unpack & Work instead of copying systems).
2. Access ScreenRecorder:
   • In RobotStudio, go to the Simulation tab in the ribbon menu.
   • Locate the Record Movie section, which includes options like Record Application (captures the entire RobotStudio GUI, including the FlexPendant) or Record Graphics (captures the 3D simulation window).
3. Start Recording:
   • Select Record Application to capture the Virtual FlexPendant OmniCore interface.
   • Operate the FlexPendant for 60 seconds to simulate robot operations (e.g., jogging, running programs).
   • Click Stop Recording button in the Record Movie section.
4. Save and Locate the Video:
   • The video (typically Windows Media format) is saved in the project folder or a default directory (check the RobotStudio output window for the path).
   • Review the recording to confirm it captured the FlexPendant operations.

Troubleshooting OmniCore FlexPendant Recording

• Recording Option Grayed Out:
  • Update to the latest RobotStudio version (e.g., 2024)).
  • Ensure required codecs are installed (e.g., Windows Media Encoder).
  • Reinstall RobotStudio if dependencies are missing (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio Tools).
• FlexPendant Not Working:
  • Reinstall the ABB Robotics FlexPendant app if the OmniCore version fails.
  • Avoid using systems copied between PCs; recreate or transfer via Pack & Go.
• Performance Issues:
  • Close background apps to ensure smooth recording.
  • Adjust RobotStudio’s graphics settings ( for better clarity.

Alternative Recording Methods

If RobotStudio ScreenRecorder fails, use external tools:

• Windows Game Bar: Press Win + G, select the FlexPendant window, and record.
• OBS Studio: Free software for high-quality captures.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Insert a screen recording for simple captures.

Key Notes

• RobotStudio’s ScreenRecorder is sufficient for recording the OmniCore Virtual FlexPendant, similar to RoboDK’s feature but integrated into the Simulation tab.
• Test a short recording first to verify settings.
• For training or demos, focus the FlexPendant window before recording for a clean video.

If you face specific errors, share details, and I’ll guide you further!

Sources:

• RobotStudio: Record Video — ABB Robotics User Forums
• Virtual FlexPendant OmniCore Issues — ABB Robotics User Forums
• RobotStudio 2020.1 Release Notes
• ScreenRecorder Setup — ABB Documentation