Introduction
A Robotic System is much more than a machine that moves. It is a complex “Cyber-Physical” system that perceives its environment, processes information, and performs physical tasks with varying degrees of autonomy. In the context of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), robotics represents the ultimate challenge: integrating sophisticated mechanical kinematics with high-speed electronics and AI-driven software.
Whether it’s a giant arm welding a car frame or a small drone inspecting a warehouse, every robotic system relies on the seamless interaction of three elements: Sensors (Perception), Processors (Decision), and Actuators (Action).
The 3 Main Types of Robotic Systems
To understand where robotics fits into your production strategy, we can classify them into three technical categories:
1. Industrial Robots (Traditional)
These are powerful, high-speed machines designed for repetitive tasks with extreme precision. They usually operate in “cages” or restricted areas for human safety.
- Common Use: Heavy lifting, spot welding, and high-speed pick-and-place.
- PLM Focus: Managing high-stress mechanical requirements and complex power consumption.
2. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Cobots are designed to work alongside humans without the need for safety cages. They are equipped with advanced force-feedback sensors that allow them to stop instantly if they touch a person.
- Common Use: Detailed assembly, laboratory testing, and “hand-guided” tasks.
- PLM Focus: Strict functional safety requirements (ISO 10218) and human-machine interface (HMI) design.
3. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
Unlike the previous two, AMRs are not fixed to the floor. They use LiDAR, cameras, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to navigate dynamic environments.
- Common Use: Warehouse logistics, autonomous delivery, and site inspection.
- PLM Focus: Complex firmware integration, battery life management, and fleet connectivity.
The Anatomy of a Robotic System in PLM
Managing a robot’s lifecycle means managing its specialized “organs”:
- The Controller (The Brain): The embedded system that runs the OS and logic.
- The Manipulator (The Body): The mechanical structure, including joints and links.
- End-Effectors (The Hands): Specialized tools like grippers, lasers, or vacuums.
- Sensors (The Senses): Encoders, vision systems, and torque sensors.
Challenges in Robotic Product Development
| Challenge | Impact on PLM |
| Multi-Domain Synchronization | A change in the robot’s weight (Mechanical) affects the motor torque (Electrical) and the PID loop (Software). |
| Safety and Compliance | Robots must follow rigorous international safety standards to prevent accidents. |
| Environment Adaptability | Ensuring the robot can handle dust, temperature changes, or human interference. |
| Digital Twin Simulation | Validating the robot’s reach and cycle time in a virtual environment before deployment. |
How Visure Solutions Governs Robotic Innovation
Visure Requirements ALM Platform provides the foundation for building safe and efficient robotic systems:
- Holistic Requirements Management: Manage the interplay between mechanical load, electrical power, and software latency in one single platform.
- Safety-First Traceability: For Cobots and AMRs, safety is non-negotiable. Visure ensures that every safety requirement (like “Emergency Stop latency”) is traced to a specific sensor and a verified test case.
- V&V for Complex Motion: Manage multi-step validation processes, from unit testing the firmware to system-level kinematics validation.
- Regulatory Documentation: Automatically generate the technical files needed for CE marking or OSHA compliance in robotic installations.
Conclusion: The Future is Robotic
Robotic Systems are the “physical hands” of the digital world. As they become smarter and more collaborative, the need for a disciplined, requirements-driven approach to their development becomes critical. Integrating robotics into your PLM strategy ensures that these complex systems are not only productive but also safe and reliable.
With Visure, you don’t just build robots; you engineer intelligent, compliant, and high-performance robotic solutions that are ready to lead the next industrial revolution.
Check out the 14-day free trial at Visure and experience how AI-driven change control can help you manage changes faster, safer, and with full audit readiness.
