Pick and Place robot simulation in MSC ADAMS

ADAMS is a multi-body dynamics simulation software used by industries to test their product before manufacturing it. In this tutorial, we will discuss how to perform a simulation of Pick and Place robot in MSC ADAMS.

Robots created a revolution in the industry field by automating the manufacturing process and making the output fast. Pick and Place robot is one such robot which is used in industries like automobile, aerospace, embedded system, etc. to speed up the manufacturing process in the assembly line.

The Pick and Place robot have to withstand various loads on its joints and components while functioning. After manufacturing then testing the components will increase the production cost. So with the help of ADAMS multibody simulation software, we are going to simulate the model to find the loads acting on its joints.

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Project Implementation:

First design the CAD model of the robot using CAD software like Solidworks, Autodesk, CATIA, etc. Save the model in Parasolid format (.x_t). Open the MSC ADAMS software. Create the model by giving the units and gravity.

Goto file>import in the file import tab choose the file type as Parasolid (.x_t). Place the CAD file in “file type to read” tab and select the model as “Robot”. Click OK.

Now you can able to see the pick and place robot model in the workplace. To get a solid view press the toggle button on the bottom right corner of the screen.

Apply material properties to parts - Keep the robot model in the isometric view and choose the material of the robot. Under the browse tab, you can able to see different parts of the robot. Give the material properties for each part. For example, select the grip part of the robot - under “define mass by” select “geometry and material type” and keep the material type as steel.

Similarly, select the material type for all the parts.  If you want to differentiate the components you can change the colours also.

Mark the fixed joints for the pick and place robot. The fixed points for the robot are platform, conveyor, and the robot base.

Mark the revolute joint for the connector points of the robot. Rename the joints based on their movement. Now add the motions for the joints using “Joint motions” option.

Now we will add the forces to the model. Goto forces > special forces and click contact. Here you can set the material and the unit of the force. Give the inputs for the conveyor belt and the material to be picked.

In the robotic arm, the gripper is loaded with the spring for automatic opening/closing for picking up the load. So using “Flexible connections” option give the torsion spring option for the joints.

Under motions, define the runtime for picking the component and click on simulate. Now you can able to see the robot picking a component. Input the runtime for other motions and perform the simulation. Click results > post-processor to create the animated view of the pick and place robot.

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• ADAMS

• ADAMS
• Mechanical
• Analysis
• Robotics

Pick and Place robot simulation in MSC ADAMS