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Robots

We created and maintain Robots, an open-source library and Grasshopper plugin for programming industrial robots. It supports motion simulation and controller-code generation, and can also be used in custom .NET applications.

Used at more than 70 universities and design schools

Originally developed at UCL, Robots has been used in teaching and research across 23 countries and territories. Institutions include MIT, ETH Zurich, TU Delft and the Architectural Association.

Published work ranges from timber construction and concrete printing to sheet-metal forming, textile fabrication and robotic measurement. Other developers also build tools and integrations using the library.

Universities and design schools
  • Aalborg University Denmark
  • Aarhus School of Architecture Denmark
  • Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) Czechia
  • Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences Netherlands
  • Architectural Association United Kingdom
  • Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) Germany
  • Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Israel
  • Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg Germany
  • BURG Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle Germany
  • California College of the Arts United States
  • Carnegie Mellon University United States
  • Columbia University United States
  • Cornell University United States
  • Czech Technical University in Prague Czechia
  • Delft University of Technology Netherlands
  • École des Ponts France
  • École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Switzerland
  • École supérieure d’art et de design TALM France
  • ETH Zurich Switzerland
  • FH Münster Germany
  • Florida Atlantic University United States
  • Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences Germany
  • Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia Spain
  • Istanbul Bilgi University Turkey
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT-DDF) Germany
  • KASK & Conservatorium, School of Arts (HOGENT / Howest) Belgium
  • KU Leuven Belgium
  • Leibniz University Hannover Germany
  • London South Bank University United Kingdom
  • Louisiana State University United States
  • Lund University Sweden
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology United States
  • Monash University Australia
  • National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Taiwan
  • Newcastle University United Kingdom
  • Novosibirsk State Technical University Russia
  • Pennsylvania State University United States
  • Politecnico di Milano Italy
  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Chile
  • Pratt Institute United States
  • Princeton University United States
  • Queensland University of Technology Australia
  • RMIT University Australia
  • Royal Danish Academy Denmark
  • RWTH Aachen University Germany
  • Stanford University United States
  • Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design (ABK) Germany
  • Tamkang University Taiwan
  • Technische Universität Braunschweig Germany
  • Technische Universität Darmstadt Germany
  • Technische Universität Dresden Germany
  • Universidad Europea de Madrid Spain
  • Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María Chile
  • University College London United Kingdom
  • University of A Coruña Spain
  • University of British Columbia Canada
  • University of Calgary Canada
  • University of Camerino Italy
  • University of East London United Kingdom
  • University of Freiburg Germany
  • University of Innsbruck Austria
  • University of Kassel Germany
  • University of Melbourne Australia
  • University of Oulu Finland
  • University of Pennsylvania United States
  • University of Porto Portugal
  • University of Seville Spain
  • University of Southern Denmark Denmark
  • University of Stuttgart Germany
  • University of Sydney Australia
  • University of Technology Sydney Australia
  • University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Spain
  • Virginia Tech United States
  • Vrije Universiteit Brussel Belgium
  • Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin Germany
  • Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University China

Programming and simulation

Users define toolpaths, tools, reference frames and process commands in Grasshopper, simulate the robot's motion and generate programs for its controller. Robot cells can include multiple arms, tracks and rotary positioners.

Supported manufacturers include ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots, Stäubli, FANUC, Franka, Doosan, igus and JAKA.

A reusable software core

The C#/.NET library handles robot kinematics, program validation, motion simulation and code generation. The Grasshopper plugin exposes this functionality through visual programming components; the same library can be embedded in applications outside Rhino.

Robot and tool libraries describe the equipment. Manufacturer-specific postprocessors translate programs into controller code. This architecture supports new equipment and processes without tying the software to one robot brand or host application.

Downloads and documentation

Custom development

We develop Grasshopper tools and applications using the Robots .NET library, adapting robot programming, simulation and controller output to your manufacturing process or equipment.

Commissioned work includes robotic 3D printing and CAM integration for six-axis milling.

Custom development is quoted separately from annual support.

Discuss a robotics project

Commercial support

Annual support covers agreed setup, robot and tool libraries, onboarding, troubleshooting and compatibility updates. Coverage, workload, response arrangements and fees are agreed for each installation. Fees exclude VAT where applicable.

Community support

Ask questions and share work through GitHub Discussions. Community support is free, without private support or guaranteed response times.

Support does not certify a robot cell or replace the manufacturer's safety requirements. Programs and equipment require appropriate validation before use.

References and resources

Research, teaching material, software and projects that use or reference Robots.

123 references

Research papers

32

Theses

8

Teaching and tutorials

15

Videos

42

Software and integrations

15

Projects and exhibitions

4

Articles and reviews

4

Resource directories

3