Getting Started with the LabVIEW
™
Robotics Module
Version 2012
The LabVIEW Robotics Module is a software package that allows you to develop and deploy a robotics
application using LabVIEW, other National Instruments software, and device drivers.
This document discusses how to develop a robotics project in LabVIEW and deploy the application to
a hardware target, such as a real-time controller. Use this manual to access information about robotics
programming concepts and to complete exercises to teach you how to set up hardware controllers and
build and deploy applications. This document provides references to the
LabVIEW Help
and other
National Instruments documents for more information as you create the robotics application.
Contents
Host Computer..............................................................................................................................3
Real-Time Controller....................................................................................................................4
Sensors and Actuators...................................................................................................................5
Installing Software and Device Drivers on the Host Computer...................................................5
Configuring an RT Target.............................................................................................................6
Creating a Starter Kit Project Using the Robotics Project Wizard...............................................7
Exploring the Project in the Project Explorer Window................................................................8
Exploring VIs that Control the Starter Kit Robot.........................................................................9
Configuring Target Properties.....................................................................................................12
Overview of Robotics Application Architectures.......................................................................13
Deploying and Downloading VIs to a Target.....................................................................................13
Building a Robotics Application that Runs at Startup........................................................................14
Creating a Build Specification....................................................................................................14
Building and Running a Startup Application..............................................................................15
Related Documentation...............................................................................................................16
Related National Instruments Software......................................................................................17
Overview of the LabVIEW Robotics Module
The Robotics Module extends the LabVIEW graphical development environment with additional
functionality for robotics development, control, and application. The LabVIEW Robotics platform
provides a standard hardware and software development solution for designing your robotic control
system. The Robotics Module plugs into the LabVIEW development environment and delivers an
extensive robotics library with built-in connectivity to robotic sensors and actuator, foundational