The RAPID programming language is very similar to other common ST programming in many ways, but the differences assist programming for robotics. Using functions for robot-specific tasks or motion allows for easy-to-understand programming, and the ability to create your own functions allows for a more flexible programming environment.

Image by James Harrison used courtesy of Unsplash In the ABB robot world, the RAPID language is used for programming. It has a similar look and feel to most ST and closely resembles C-style programming languages. The RAPID language has embedded functions that the robot can use.

The RAPID language has embedded functions that the robot can use. These embedded functions are what allow the robot to move to different locations (e.g., functions like “MoveL” is a linear move to a taught point). Some functions compute math instructions or deal with how sensitive the robot is to external forces.

It means that the expression to the right is passed to the variable on the left. There can only be a variable to the left of := For example, the following is a correct RAPID code resulting in reg1 having the value 3: 14 Copyright 2007, 2012 ABB. All rights reserved. 3HAC029364-001 Revision: A 3HAC029364-001 Revision: A Copyright 2007, 2012 ABB.