SIMPLE ROBOT PROGRAMMING IN MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES: THE SUCCESS STORY OF ROBERT BÜRKLE AND THE SRCI INTERFACE
Industrial automation is no longer a luxury reserved for large corporations. Today, even mid-sized companies are embracing innovative technologies to streamline their operations. A prime example is the German manufacturer Robert Bürkle GmbH, which has successfully integrated industrial robots into its production lines thanks to the Standard Robot Control Interface (SRCI).
Based in Freudenstadt, in the Baden-Württemberg region, Robert Bürkle specializes in manufacturing laminating systems for credit cards and photovoltaic modules, as well as painting systems for the furniture and wood-processing industries. In particular, the company faced a growing need for automation in handling lightweight panels used in caravan manufacturing—some weighing up to 250 kilograms. Robots became essential.
However, Bürkle encountered a major challenge: a shortage of skilled professionals in robot programming. Traditional programming methods required in-depth knowledge of each robot manufacturer’s proprietary system, making integration complex and costly.
To overcome this, Bürkle adopted the SRCI interface, which allows robots to be programmed directly through the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)—eliminating the need for specialized knowledge of each robot brand. SRCI provides a library of PLC function modules that simplify robot control and integration.
The company installed a Yaskawa MOTOMAN GP225 handling robot, capable of lifting up to 225 kilograms with a reach of 2,702 mm. Thanks to SRCI, the PLC programmer was able to work within a familiar environment and complete commissioning quickly. The company also leveraged a digital twin to optimize system design and fine-tuning, improving efficiency even further.
This implementation reflects a broader trend toward standardization and simplification in industrial robotics. Developed by Siemens in collaboration with Profibus & Profinet International (PI), SRCI aims to create a universal interface between PLCs and robots, making programming and operation more accessible across different platforms.
Universal Robots has also integrated SRCI into its software, enhancing the connectivity of its collaborative robots and enabling seamless integration with Siemens PLCs. This simplifies setup and accelerates deployment in production lines built around the Siemens ecosystem.
Robert Bürkle’s experience shows that adopting standardized interfaces like SRCI can be a game-changer for mid-sized companies looking to automate without relying on niche programming expertise. Standardization not only reduces costs and implementation time but also opens the door to broader adoption of industrial robotics.
As more robot and PLC manufacturers embrace standards like SRCI, integrating robots into industrial environments will become increasingly accessible, efficient, and scalable—empowering companies of all sizes to embrace the future of automation.