ROBOTemplate is a product/solution that significantly simplifies the integration of ABB robots into applications running on B&R PLCs. It is suitable for both simple applications and more complex projects where higher flexibility is required.
Solution was developed as a collaboration between the Czech teams of ABB and B&R. Development started in 2020, and since then the solution has been successfully tested and deployed in a number of diverse projects, covering both simple applications and more advanced use cases.
What ROBOTemplate Solves
ROBOTemplate consists of:
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a PLC library (B&R)
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a plugin on the ABB robot side
The core idea is simple. The PLC does not control the robot in real time, but only triggers predefined RAPID procedures and waits for the result (success/error).
From the PLC perspective, the robot behaves as a “black box”, which greatly simplifies the overall application logic.
Commissioning
One of the main advantages is very fast deployment.
On the ABB side:
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install the required option
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call a function in the
mainprogram
On the B&R side:
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import the library into the project
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use provided function blocks (sample is available)
The result is a nearly plug & play solution without need to implement custom communication.
Typical Use Cases
Simple Projects
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one PLC controls single or multiple robots
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each robot executes only a few routines
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the PLC simply triggers actions based on the process
Typical scenarios:
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pick & place
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simple handling
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coordination of multiple robots
More Complex Projects
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working with RAPID modules directly from the PLC
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possibility to:
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download a module from the robot
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modify data (e.g. targets)
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upload it back to the robot
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This enables:
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runtime position changes
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production parameterization
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flexible adaptation to process changes
Additional Features
Besides executing routines, the library provides several important features commonly required in projects:
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robot status monitoring:
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motor state
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program execution
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operation mode (Auto/Manual)
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error states
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error handling including E‑STOP acknowledgment
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general data exchange channel between PLC and robot (BOOL and numeric values)
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file handling via REST API:
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uploading and downloading robot modules
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modifying robot data from PLC
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What It Improves Compared to Traditional Approaches
Traditional integration often involves:
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reimplementing communication logic for every project
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complex integration with process logic
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limited or difficult simulation (e.g. when using Profinet)
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dependency on specific hardware
ROBOTemplate provides:
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reusable and unified communication
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cleaner architecture
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ability to simulate both PLC and robot without special hardware
Starter Pack
A ready to use starter pack is available and can be shared or used as a project baseline.
It includes:
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Add-In for Robot Studio
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library for Automation Studio
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example PLC project
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documentation
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virtual PLC for testing
This allows fast project start without building the structure from scratch. Available on request.
Licensing
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No license is required for simulation
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License for each part (ABB and B&R) is required when running on real hardware
Licensing is handled within the ROBOTemplate solution and does not affect the development workflow. This makes it easy to start with simulation and move to real hardware later without changes to the application structure.
