This page explains how to connect the robot to a network. Please consult an IT administrator for help with networking.
Contents
Physical Connection
Connect the robot to a network switch using the Ethernet port on the outside or inside of the control box. The outside port is located near the bottom on the right hand side and has a plastic cover that unscrews. The inside port it located in the top middle of the controller once you open the controller door. Note: As of Intera 5.3 the internal Ethernet port can be used for connecting to the robot so long as the port is enabled in the Field Service Menu. Also note, that the wireless Ethernet functionality is not operational at this time, therefore a physical cable is required. The network switch can be for a small localized manufacturing cell network, or a larger office or plant wide network.
IP Addressing
DHCP
By default, the robot uses DHCP and will be assigned an IP address automatically. If there is a DHCP server on the network, it will be assign the IP address similar to the other devices on the same subnet. If there is no DHCP server, the robot will assign itself an address in the range 169.254.0.0-169.254.255.255 which is reserved for Automatic Private IP Addressing. Most computers will also assign themselves an IP address in this range when set up for DHCP and in the absence of a DHCP server. This will allow the computer to communicate with the robot. However, if your computer is set up for static IP addressing, you will have to either change it to use DHCP or set the static IP and CIDR suffix such that it can communicate with devices in the range 169.254.0.0-169.254.255.255.
Static IP
If you are using TCP/IP and the robot is receiving connections from other devices, a static IP address is required so that it does not change, allowing other devices to connect using its IP address. To set a static IP address on the robot, first boot into the Field Service Menu (FSM) by connecting a USB keyboard and continually pressing and releasing Ctrl-F or just F (for Intera 5.3 or later) while the robot is booting up. Tab or arrow over to the "Configuration" button and press enter, select the outside port config (normally used for intera studio) or inside port (normally used for ProfiNet/EtherNet IP). Here you can set a static IP address.
- IP Gateway: The IP address of the network device that connects different networks. The address must also align with the robot's IP address and the CIDR Suffix. If the robot is on an isolated local network, this is not relevant, but is still required. Example: If the IP address is 10.10.10.10/24, then the IP Gateway must be 10.10.10.x.