Universal Robot - Robot Configuration for MachineLogic Applications

  • Updated on May 13, 2025
  • Published on Apr 28, 2025
  • 3 minute(s) read
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Overview

Welcome to the MachineMotion AI integration guide for Universal Robots! This guide walks you through the setup process to connect, control and create MachineLogic application with your UR e-Series Robot!

Compatibility Notice

This user guide is compatible for MachineMotion AI only. To access the guide for the previous MachineMotion v2, follow the following link: MachineMotion v2 - Configuration Guide

1. System Requirements

To program a UR e-Series Robot with MachineMotion AI, ensure you have the following components:

  • ✅ MachineMotion AI Controller

  • ✅ Pendant V3

  • ✅ Robot Safety Module

  • ✅ E-Stop Module with Reset

  • ✅ UR e-Series Robot with controller

  • ✅ Safety Extension Cables

  • ✅ URCap Software from Vention (via USB or download)

Note: This list depicts the minimum set of components needed to configure and control your UR e-Series robot with MachineMotion AI.
Your system may have a different set of components according to your safety needs.

2. Hardware Setup

2.1 Components Connection

  1. Connect the Robot Safety Module to the MachineMotion AI controller, pendant, and robot controller (As shown in Figure 1).

    Wiring Diagram for Robot with MachineMotion AI

    Figure 1: Connection Diagram for MachineMotion AI with Robot Safety Module

  2. Ensure all safety devices are wired properly and the controller safety wiring is done as per following diagram

    UR_controller.png

  3. Power on all devices.

2.2 Robot Controller Safety Configuration

The input & output pins on the Universal Robots controller can be configured as safety pins using the UR Teach Pendant.

  1. Navigate to: Installation > Safety > I/O

  2. Assign to config_in[0], config_in[1] : Safeguard Reset

  3. Assign to config_out[0], config_out[1] : System Emergency Stopped

Settings Lock by safety password

If the safety settings are locked by a safety password, simply input your safety password then unlock.

By default, Universal Robots safety password is: easybot

Configuration settings for input and output signals in a robotic system interface.

Universal Robot Safety I/O Configuration

3. Configure the UR Controller Network

3.1 Set a Static IP

On the UR Teach Pendant:

  1. Go to: Menu > Settings > System > Network

  2. Set to Static Address

  3. Use the following values:

    • IP Address: 192.168.5.3

    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

    • Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0

    • DNS Servers: 0.0.0.0

Click Apply.

User interface for robot programming with options to run, program, or configure.

Network settings interface showing IP address and connection status details.

3.2 Security Settings

To ensure the connection between the MachineMotion and the Universal Robot can be established properly, validate that the following settings match the following parameters.

Go to: Menu > Settings

Security → General Settings

Settings menu showing security options and inbound connection restrictions for network access.

Security → Secure Shell Settings

Settings menu displaying Secure Shell options for authentication and key management.

Security → Services Settings

Settings interface displaying enabled services and security options for system configuration.

4. Install and Configure the URCap

4.1 Install Vention’s URCap

  1. Insert the USB key with the URCap into the teach pendant.

    1. You can also download the URCap manually with the following link:

      externalcontrol-1.0.5
      34.46 KB

  2. Go to: Menu > Settings > System > URCaps

  3. Tap +, select the .urcap file, and tap Open.

  4. Restart the robot controller when prompted.

Settings menu displaying URCaps information and options for external control configuration.

4.2 Configure the URCap

  1. Go to: Installation > URCaps > External Control

  2. Define the following IP and Port address according to the MachineMotion you have:

MachineMotion AI

  • Host IP: 192.168.5.2

  • Custom Port: 50002

Configuration settings for external control including IP address and port number.

MachineMotion v2

  • Host IP: 192.168.5.1

  • Custom Port: 50002

Configuration settings for external control including IP address and port number.

4.3 Enable Remote Control

  1. Navigate to: Menu > Settings > System > Remote Control

  2. Click Enable

Settings menu for Remote Control with options to enable or disable features.

4.4 Zero the TCP (Tool Center Point)

  1. Go to: Installation > General > TCP

  2. Set all TCP values to 0 (X, Y, Z, RX, RY, RZ)

Tool Center Point settings with position and orientation measurements displayed on the interface.

4.5 Create and Save a UR Program

  1. Create a new program: New > Program

  2. From the tree view: URCaps > External Control

  3. Validate the Host IP and Port are the correct one according to your MachineMotion (ensure they match step 4.2)

  4. Save..

  5. Select Save All, this will ensure the installation and program are saved together.

  6. The program must be named with this exact name: vention_control.urp

Important: This name must be exact for MachineMotion AI to recognize the UR program.

Settings for external control including host IP and custom port information displayed.

4.6 Switch to Remote Control Mode

  1. On the top bar, switch from Local to Remote Control

vention_control program and remote control

4.7 Power On the Robot

  1. Tap on the red pill displaying Power off

  2. Tap On

  3. Tap Start

  4. The robot should now be energized and ready to be controlled

Robot control interface showing status, payload settings, and operational buttons.

5. Connecting to the Robot Controller from MachineMotion

You're now ready to deploy your MachineLogic application from your Vention project to the MachineMotion AI controller!

Follow the steps detailed in the Deploy your Application and Configuration to Controller documentation.

6. Troubleshooting

If the robot connection fails, there could be a few reasons that are the root cause:

Issue

Potential Cause

Solution

Robot not responding

Controller is in Local mode

Switch to Remote Control (Section 4.6)

IP conflict

IP address mismatch

Re-check network (3.1) and URCap settings (4.2)

Safety error

Module not wired correctly

Revisit wiring setup (Section 2.1)

MachineMotion v2 - Configuration User Guide