Improving the integration of OFF-line programming and robotic simulation systems with STEP

This paper describes how the emerging ISO-10303 STEP Standard (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) improves the integration of off-line programming and robotic simulation systems into the product development process. The paper focusses on the ability of the STEP Standard to define a comprehensive product model according to the needs of the application and on the concept to allow concurrent data access to all systems involved in product development.