Connecting FANUC Teach Pendant to Simulation Software ROBOGUIDE

Robotics has become one of the most transformative technologies in modern manufacturing. From automotive assembly lines to electronics production, robots are now central to achieving precision, efficiency, and flexibility. Among the most widely used industrial robots are those developed by FANUC, a global leader in automation solutions. A critical component of FANUC robots is the teach pendant—a handheld device that allows operators to program, monitor, and control robotic actions.

At the same time, simulation tools such as ROBOGUIDE, FANUC’s official offline programming software, have revolutionized the way engineers design and test robot operations. By creating a virtual environment, ROBOGUIDE enables users to build robot programs, simulate production processes, and verify cycle times without stopping production lines.

As factories move toward digital twins and virtual commissioning, the integration of physical devices like the teach pendant with simulation platforms such as ROBOGUIDE has gained significance. This essay explores how to connect a FANUC teach pendant to ROBOGUIDE, the advantages this integration offers, and the challenges and future prospects of such systems.

I. Introduction

1. What is Fanuc Teach Pendant: an Overview

Fanuc robot teach pendant serves as the primary human-machine interface (HMI) for FANUC robots. It is a portable, handheld controller equipped with a display screen, navigation keys, and emergency stop features. Operators use it to guide robots manually, write or edit programs, and diagnose issues.

Key functions of Fanuc robot pendant include:

Manual control – Moving the robot’s joints or end-effector step by step.

Program editing – Creating or adjusting robot programs line by line.

Monitoring – Displaying real-time system information, positions, and alarms.

Safety features – Including an emergency stop button and deadman switch.

For operators and engineers, the teach pendant is not just a tool but an essential part of working with FANUC robots. However, its effectiveness can be further enhanced when combined with simulation environments.

2. What is ROBOGUIDE？

ROBOGUIDE is a simulation software for developing Nachi robots. It supports offline programming and simulation functions, allowing users to design and debug robot tasks and programs in a virtual environment, thereby improving work efficiency and significantly reducing on-site debugging time and related functional costs. The features of ROBOGUIDE include analyzing the user interface and rich functions such as collision detection, load calculation, and cycle time evaluation, enabling engineers to complete program design without touching the actual robot. Additionally, ROBOGUIDE can export simulation animation videos and add custom logos to the video interface, making it convenient for users to view the simulation operation of the robot workstation or production line. In summary, ROBOGUIDE is a powerful and easy-to-use robot simulation software, widely evaluated in the field of robot programming and simulation.

3. Why Need Connecting Fanuc Robot Teach Pendant to ROBOGUIDE? 

Linking the teach pednant with ROBOGUIDE offers multiple advantages for operators, engineers, and manufacturers.

Safe training environment

Operators can practice programming and controlling robots without the risks of collisions or equipment damage.

Offline programming efficiency

Robot programs can be created and tested virtually before being uploaded to physical robots, reducing downtime.

Improved accuracy

Programs verified in simulation are less likely to encounter errors in real-world execution.

Cost reduction

By minimizing trial-and-error on the production floor, companies save on maintenance, energy, and materials.

Enhanced collaboration

Engineers can work remotely or in parallel, programming in ROBOGUIDE while others continue production with physical robots.

4. How to connect a FANUC teach pendant to ROBOGUIDE?

This might be an exciting "Wow!!" moment. A long time ago, I saw someone on a forum who had connected an actual teach pendant to RG, but when I asked the person who posted it, they needed to purchase a cable made by FANUC. However, FANUC China did not sell this cable, so I stopped researching it. But now, you can make such a cable at a low cost.

This tutorial uses an RJ-45 100MB Ethernet cable. Please ensure that the teach pendant is of the following specifications (V8 and above systems):
A05B-2518-C307#Exxx
A05B-2518-C200#Jxxx
A05B-2518-C304#Jxxx
A05B-2256-C100#Exx
A05B-2256-C101#Jxx
A05B-2255-C102#Exx
A05B-2255-C200#Exx

For teach pendants of controllers 30iA and earlier, an RS-232 full-duplex mode is required for connection. This article will not support earlier versions of the teach pendant.
The pin definition of the 30iB series controller teach pendant cable and the connection to the crystal head are shown in the figure below. Power supply uses a DC24V power supply with overcurrent and overvoltage protection functions, and the output power is around 15W-30W to power the teach pendant. After correctly connecting according to the connection diagram, plug the crystal head into the computer's network port. If there is no network port, you can use an expansion dock or Ethernet to USB.

Appearance of the teach pendant cable:

II. A step-by-step guide of connecting a FANUC teach pendant to ROBOGUIDE

1.Hardware Connection:

1. Connect the cable to the iPendant.
2. Connect the Ethernet connector side of the cable to the network hub connected to the PC or directly to the PC.
3. Connect the DC24V power supply to the power input terminal of the cable.

2.ROBOGUIDE Settings

In the opened work cell, select Tools - Options
In the teach interface, check the box for using the actual iPendant and slide the virtual robot time to the far left at 100, then click Apply. Turn on the teach pendant, set the system variable $VIRTUALTIME to 6, and after setting, reopen this work cell.

3.Teach Pendant Settings

At this time, hold down the SHIFT, i, POSN buttons on the teach pendant and turn on the 24V power. The teach pendant will enter the boot interface. (For 30iA teach pendants, hold down POSN, F3, enter 2, PREV, and press F5)

When the following interface appears, use the teach pendant cursor buttons to select RoboGuideMode and press the ENTER button.

At this point, you will enter the ROBOGUIDE connection wizard interface:

Select the second item and choose the method of specifying the iP address as using a static iP, and configure iPV4. This must be consistent with the local iPV4 subnet. This is basically the same as the configuration of iP in the FANUC 30iA 2DiRVision Vision - Connection article, only the interface is different.

Select the connected Ethernet adapter and manually assign the computer's iPV4 address.
After configuring both the computer side and the teach pendant side, click Next on the teach pendant interface, and the following interface will appear.

Select the connected robot and click Next. At this point, the teach pendant will enter the system.

5. Challenges and Limitations of Connecting Fanuc Robot Pendant to RoboGuide

Despite its advantages, connecting the teach pendant to ROBOGUIDE also presents challenges.

Compatibility issues: Not all pendants and robot models are supported across every version of ROBOGUIDE.

Communication delays: Network latency may create slight mismatches between pendant commands and simulation responses.

Learning curve: Operators familiar with physical robots may require training to adapt to simulation environments.

Cost considerations: Both ROBOGUIDE licenses and compatible hardware can represent significant investments.

Addressing these challenges requires ongoing updates from FANUC and adequate training for operators.

Conclusion

The FANUC teach pendant is a vital tool for controlling and programming industrial robots, while ROBOGUIDE provides a powerful simulation platform for offline programming and testing. By connecting the two, manufacturers gain a safe, efficient, and cost-effective method of bridging the gap between virtual environments and real-world operations.

Although challenges such as compatibility and costs exist, the benefits—ranging from operator training to reduced downtime—far outweigh the drawbacks. Looking ahead, as robotics and digital technologies converge, the integration of hardware like the teach pendant with software like ROBOGUIDE will play a central role in the future of industrial automation.