Siemens PLM Software's Intuitive, Easy-to-deploy, Simulation and Programming Solution Minimizes Robot Downtime and Increases Throughput

PLANO, Texas--Siemens PLM Software introduces RobotExpert software, a new, intuitive, easy-to-deploy robotic simulation and programming solution for small and medium size manufacturers that helps minimize downtime and increase throughput for shop floor robots. RobotExpert, which supports industry applications, such as pick-and-place, arc welding, polishing, gluing and more, expands Siemens PLM Software's digital manufacturing solutions which include its industry leading Tecnomatix® portfolio for digital manufacturing, automation and simulation.

The use of industrial robots to perform complex, repetitive tasks is expanding rapidly across a variety of industries and as such there is a need for an out-of-the-box solution for robotic simulation and programming. RobotExpert enables the design, simulation, optimization and offline programming of robotic applications to maximize the speed, flexibility and operation of automated systems. Featuring an intuitive 3D environment, the software combines the simplicity to optimize robotic paths and improve cycle times with the power to simulate virtual mockups of complete manufacturing cells and systems. RobotExpert can be used to generate the most suitable combination of equipment to meet specific manufacturing needs, supporting faster product introduction as well as early evaluation of manufacturing times, costs and project investments.

Industrial robots are traditionally programmed manually, which means production downtime and non-optimized robot programs. RobotExpert provides an offline programming and simulation tool which helps to minimize downtime by allowing the majority of the programming work to be done virtually while optimizing the program to reduce the cycle time and increase throughput. Simulation capabilities also help to reduce hazards to shop floor personnel and equipment.

"Manufacturers, big and small, are under a great deal of pressure to maximize return on capital investment, and production line automation provides an excellent opportunity to help increase efficiency," said Zvi Feuer, senior vice president, Manufacturing Engineering Software, Siemens PLM Software. "Specifically, small and mid-size manufacturers needed an intuitive and easy-to-deploy solution that removes the complexities involved with implementing a robotic simulation and programming solution. That is why we have developed RobotExpert as an independent software solution, which builds on Siemens PLM Software's proven leadership in digital manufacturing. We have taken more than two decades of experience delivering robotic solutions for some of the most complex applications and created a simple intuitive solution which will help small and medium size manufacturing companies across industries build better products by making smarter manufacturing decisions."

RobotExpert is available immediately. For more information please visit www.siemens.com/plm/robotexpert.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with seven million licensed seats and more than 71,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with companies to deliver open solutions to help them make smarter decisions that result in better products. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About Siemens Industry Automation Division

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) supports the entire value chain of its industrial customers - from product design to production and services - with an unmatched combination of automation technology, industrial control technology, and industrial software. With its software solutions, the Division can shorten the time-to-market of new products by up to 50 percent. Industry Automation comprises five Business Units: Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, Siemens PLM Software, and Water Technologies. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/industryautomation.