OPC UA

In this video, we’ll walk through how to leverage OPC UA functionality on FANUC robot controllers to streamline connectivity and data exchange. Whether you're integrating robots into a broader automation system or simply looking to enhance visibility into controller IO, this session will give you a practical overview of how it all comes together.

We’ll start by showing how easy it is to connect an OPC UA client to the server running on a FANUC controller. Using UA Expert as our client, we’ll demonstrate how to establish a connection, navigate the tag hierarchy, and access key robot data. From basic IO control to more advanced data handling, you’ll see how FANUC’s OPC UA server supports a wide range of use cases.

Throughout the video, we’ll cover:

• The difference between OPC UA (the communication protocol) and Modbus (the data model)
• How to connect an OPC UA client to a FANUC controller using a simple network setup
• What types of data are available through the OPC UA server
• How to read and write different data types to the controller
• How to pass complex data using holding registers

Requirements:

• FANUC software option R553 HMI Device (SNPX)
• Network connection between the client and controller
• OPC UA client software (e.g., UA Expert)

You’ll learn how to:

• Navigate the FANUC controller’s tag hierarchy
• Access robot model, alarms, and motion data
• Control digital IO using discrete inputs and coils
• Configure holding registers for advanced data exchange
• Understand read/write permissions across different data types

By the end of the video, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to integrate FANUC controllers into your OPC UA-based systems and how to make the most of the available IO and data structures. If you're working with industrial automation or robotic systems, this is a must-watch.