SRCI - Robotics

SRCI - Standard Robot Command Interface

SRCI is an open standard for programming and operating robots in a PLC environment. It enables standardized programming and operation of industrial and collaborative robots, regardless of the PLC or robot manufacturer. SRCI accomplishes this by standardizing the communication between the robot controller and the PLC.

SRCI is the next step in the evolution of the robotics market.

In practice, SRCI provides robot commands as function blocks within the PLC programming engineering tool. This means that customers can program their entire machine, including the robot program, in the same development environment. In addition, SRCI-based systems allow the user to create their own customized operator screens, which greatly improves the user experience for both operators and maintenance personnel.

SRCI brings various advantages:

It significantly reduces the need for specialized expertise related to specific robot manufacturers.

Simultaneously, it streamlines training efforts, making robotics more accessible than ever before.

Functional Principle

SRCI is based on a remote procedure call system.
It requires two main software components:

Server (Interpreter):
The server, also known as the interpreter, resides on the robot controller. It handles incoming requests from the client (running on the programmable logic controller or PLC).
Client:
The client, which runs on the PLC, invokes server functions by sending command messages along with their corresponding arguments to the robot controller.
Upon receiving the command, the robot controller executes the specified function and sends back command-specific response messages.

SRCI communication between the PLC and the robot controller is fieldbus agnostic, meaning it can be realized via PROFINET (isochronous mode is not necessary) but also via other fieldbuses.

Profiles and functions

SRCI specifies over 115 commands, ranging from basic move commands (such as linear movements) to more complex commands like force control.

To use an SRCI function, it must be supported by both the server and the client. These commands are categorized into different groups:

Profile Core:
Provides basic commands and the core functionalities of the interface. Every SRCI implementation in broad release supports at least the commands within this profile.
Profile Extended and optional commands:
Manufacturers can individually add commands from these groups to their implementations.
For details on which command is supported by which manufacturer, consult the SRCI Vendor Map.

Download SRCI specification of all required features here (Members only)

SRCI Vendor Map

Visit the SRCI Vendor Map!

The Vendor Map is the official hub for up-to-date SRCI-related information.

Manufacturer Support:

Find out which robot and PLC companies are already part of the SRCI community. Stay up-to-date with the latest players in the field.

Feature Insights:

Discover the entire list of functions implemented by each manufacturer. From essential functions to advanced capabilities, explore the possibilities.

Function Availability:

Explore which specific functions are at your available to you when you choose a particular robot and a specific PLC vendor.

Everything right down to the level of supported parameter values.

Product Finder Link

Here you can find the following information:

Any product that officially supports SRCI

Get Together for Robotics: Where Innovation Meets Collaboration!

Are you ready for an extraordinary experience in the world of robotics? Look no further! The annual “Get Together for Robotics” event is your gateway to a dynamic convergence of manufacturers, organizations, universities, and passionate robotics enthusiasts—all united under one roof.

Don't miss out on the upcoming Get Together for Robotics Event in October, 2024!

Unparalleled Networking:

Connect with industry leaders, fellow robotics users, and decision-makers. Share ideas, forge partnerships, and expand your professional network.

Cutting-Edge Insights:

Immerse yourself in captivating days of knowledge-sharing. Discover the latest trends, breakthroughs, and innovations that are shaping the future of robotics.

Direct Interaction with Manufacturers:

As a robotics user or customer, you’ll have a unique opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers. Bring your requirements, ask questions, and influence the next wave of robotic solutions.

Executive Roundtables:

Join thought-provoking discussions led by industry visionaries. Explore the latest developments, market trends, and visionary perspectives.

Experts Onstage:

Witness the brilliance of robotics experts as they share insights, tips, and real-world experiences. Their expertise will inspire and empower you.

Don’t miss out! Mark your calendar for the next “Get Together for Robotics” in October 2024. For more details, visit our event page.

Check out also the list of previous Get Together for Robotics iterations:

Get Together for Robotics (2022)

Get Together for Robotics II (2023)

Impressions of the latest Get Together for Robotics (2024):

GTFR24 ExpertRoundtable

GTFR24 DeutscherRobotikVerband

GTFR24 Neura

GTFR24 TechnischeHochschuleNürnberg

GTFR24 UnchainedRobotics

GTFR24 ExecutiveRoundtable

GTFR24 FANUC

GTFR24 Schneider Electric

GTFR24 Stäubli

GTFR24 University of Applied Sciences Amberg WeidenOTH

GTFR24 SRCI WorkingGroup

GTFR24 Intrinsic

GTFR24 Siemens

GTFR24 SumitomoDemag

GTFR24 VDMA

GTFR24 PROFIBUS&PROFINET International

GTFR24 Mech Mind

GTFR24 Siemens Factories

GTFR24 TERADYNE

GTFR24 vorausrobotik

Selection of Relevant Press News (German and English):

You think a news article about SRCI is missing here?

Please contact Benjamin Lohrer via benjamin.lohrer(at)profibus(dot)com!

Knoll, A. (2024, 2. September). New vendor map gives information on SRCI providers. Elektroniknet. https://www.elektroniknet.de/international/new-vendor-map-gives-information-on-srci-providers.220032.html

Interact Analysis. (2024, 20. Juni). Siemens’ cooperation with robot vendors targets integrated robot control - Interact Analysis. https://interactanalysis.com/insight/siemens-cooperation-with-robot-vendors-targets-integrated-robot-control/

Enterprise Talk (2024, May 24): Universal Robots announces seamless integration of Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI). https://enterprisetalk.com/quick-bytes/universal-robots-announces-seamless-integration-of-standard-robot-command-interface-srci

Staff, R. R. (2024, April 25). Universal Robots integrates cobots with Siemens PLCs - The Robot Report. The Robot Report. https://www.therobotreport.com/universal-robots-integrates-cobots-with-siemens-plcs

A/S, Universal Robots (2024, April 18). Universal Robots announces seamless integration with Siemens PLCs, in: PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-robots-announces-seamless-integration-with-siemens-plcs-302121317.html.

(2024, April 5). Die lang erwartete Lösung? - ROBOTIK UND PRODUKTION. Wartung & Instandhaltung - Smarte Servicedienstleistungen. https://robotik-produktion.de/allgemein/trendumfrage-zur-srci-schnittstelle

(2024, March 28). Roboter über die SPS programmieren - SPS-MAGAZIN. Wartung & Instandhaltung - Smarte Servicedienstleistungen. https://www.sps-magazin.de/steuerungstechnik-sps-ipc-cnc/roboter-ueber-die-sps-programmieren

PI begrüßte zur Robotik-Konferenz über einfachere, maschinenintegrierte Roboterprogramme. (2023, November 24). Das Informationsportal Der Elektrotechnik, Automatisierung Und Digitalisierung. https://www.elektro-automatisierung-digital.de/branchennews/pi-begruesste-zur-robotik-konferenz-ueber-einfachere-maschinenintegrierte-roboterprogramme

Ciupek, M. (2023, November 23). Siemens und Teradyne unterstützen gemeinsam Standard für die einfache Integration von Robotern. VDI Nachrichten - Das Nachrichtenportal Für Ingenieure. https://www.vdi-nachrichten.com/technik/produktion/siemens-und-teradyne-unterstuetzen-gemeinsam-standard-fuer-die-einfache-integration-von-robotern

SRCI: a Win-Win-Win for Robot Automation. (2023, November 1). https://profinews.com/2023/11/srci-a-win-win-win-for-robot-automation

Redaktion, K. (2022, November 23). Roboter: Progammierung soll einfacher werden. K-Zeitung. https://www.k-zeitung.de/roboter-progammierung-soll-einfacher-werden

ingenieur.de - Jobbörse und Nachrichtenportal für Ingenieure. (2022, November 23). Initiative für vereinfachte Roboterprogrammierung. ingenieur.de - Jobbörse Und Nachrichtenportal Für Ingenieure. https://www.ingenieur.de/fachmedien/konstruktion/automatisierung/initiative-fuer-vereinfachte-roboterprogrammierung

SRCI von Profibus - Get together for Robotics: Start in eine einfachere, standardisierte Roboterprogammierung - Automation.at. (2022, November 22). https://www.automation.at/bericht/robotersteuerungen_1052/get-together-for-robotics-start-in-eine-einfachere-standardisierte-roboterprogammierung_2022-11-22

Customer Storys

Pharmabotix (Pharma/Biotech) is using SRCI to produce on large scale.

Sonplas GmbH, a mechanical engineering company:

Saving on maintenance training

EPF, an italian enteprise that works in the fields of industrial automation and renewable energy:
"Today, if the robot is compatible with the SIMATIC Robot Library, we no longer need specialist robot expertise."

You want to add your company's customer story here?

Please contact Benjamin Lohrer via benjamin.lohrer(at)profibus(dot)com!

SRCI Links:

SRCI FAQ
SRCI Forum
SRCI Product Finder

SRCI Information Flyer

SRCI over PROFINET