I have to build a plc trainer using an Allen Bradley SLC 500 for a college course. I have only have limited experience with plc’s and no experience with robotics.
We are placing a minature conveyor belt on the trainer. Does anyone know how or what I would need to connect a robotic arm to this? Or where I can get some help or more info.
Anything to get me pointed in the right direction will be appreciated.
I don’t have help, but would like to know also as it would help with what I got going with my welding project.
It’s been a long long time since I did anything with an AB machine. It was the slick 50 back in the day. 
To control any of the arms from the AB machine you need to send serial data formatted for the SSC-32. Check out the SSC-32 manual for the comm info and command formatting.
lynxmotion.com/images/data/ssc-32.pdf
If this is not possible or practical you can attach a microcontroller that has been programmed with the proper move sequences for the arm. RIOS can generate this code for a Basic Stamp 2 or Basic Atom by the way. Then modify the microcontroller code to run the sequence when an input on the microcontroller goes high or low. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the nudge in the right direction. I printed the manual and will take it to school tonite. Hopefully we will make some headway on the project.
I think we could use the computer software to program the movements and just have the plc turn it on when an item gets to the end of the conveyor belt., but it would better (for the project) if the plc could do it all.
Anyone else have any more ideas, please let me know.
