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Research Version - 0.2.0

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@zumatt zumatt released this 10 Jun 10:14

Research Release

This research release packages the current Blender add-on workflow for robot setup, Geometry Nodes task authoring, PRC task loading, simulation, and program import/export.

The add-on is intended for research use and has been tested on a single machine configuration, specifically a Kuka KR 6. It is provided as-is and should be treated as an experimental integration rather than a production-ready robotics stack.

Highlights

Embedded PRC server workflow

  • Automatically starts the embedded PRC server when port 5001 is not already in use.
  • Adds manual server controls for start, stop, and opening the PRC web UI.
  • Supports framework-dependent server bundles through a local .NET runtime.

Geometry Nodes

  • Keeps existing PRC node groups and links intact when regenerating missing groups.

New Node Coverage

Motion groups

  • PRC Action Group

Actions

  • PRC Set Output
  • PRC Wait
  • PRC Wait For Input
  • PRC Brake
  • PRC Interrupt Declaration
  • PRC Interrupt Control
  • PRC Function Definition

Simulation and Program IO

Simulation workflow

  • Adds a play/stop loop controls.

Program export and import

  • Exports generated robot programs using driver-appropriate default extensions.
  • Preserves a custom header text block at the top of exported programs.
  • Appends PRC Function Definition bodies as DEF UP<ID>() ... END blocks during export.
  • Imports KUKA .src programs with PTP and LIN blocks into the PRC_Program Geometry Nodes tree.
  • Auto-builds and auto-loads imported programs for immediate simulation.

Known Scope and Limitations

  • Research-only release.
  • Tested on a single machine setup, specifically a Kuka KR 6.
  • Exact controller-runtime parity remains a future milestone.

Suggested Use

This release is suited for:

  • Prototyping robot programs in Blender.
  • Building Geometry Nodes-based motion workflows.
  • Simulating imported or generated tasks visually.
  • Exporting early-stage robot program output for downstream validation.
  • Producing review-ready baked robot animations without requiring PRC at playback time.