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{{single source|date=July 2025}}
'''Variable Algorithmic Language''' ('''VAL''') is a [[computer]]-based [[control system]] and language designed specifically for use with [[Unimation|Unimation Inc.]] industrial robots.
The VAL [[robot]] language is permanently stored as a part of the VAL system. This includes the programming language used to direct the system for individual applications. The VAL language has an easy to understand syntax. It uses a clear, concise, and generally self-explanatory [[instruction set]]. All commands and communications with the robot
A convenient feature or VAL is the ability to use libraries or manipulation routines. Thus, complex operations may be easily and quickly programmed by combining predefined subtasks.
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object. Locations are used to define the positions and orientations the robot tool is to assume during program execution.
==VAL
Several conventions apply to numerical values to be supplied to VAL commands and instructions. Preceding each monitor-command description are two symbols indicating when the command can be typed by the user. A dot (.) signifies the command can be performed when VAL is in its top-level [[monitor mode]] and no user program being executed (that is, when the system prompt is a dot). An asterisk (*) indicates the command can be performed at the same time VAL is executing the program (that is, when the system prompt is an asterisk). If both symbols are present the command can be executed in either case. Most monitor commands and program instructions can be abbreviated. When entering any monitor command or program instruction, the function name can be abbreviated to as many characters as are necessary to make the name unique.
For commands and instructions, angle brackets, < >, are used to enclose an item which describes the actual argument to appear. Thus the programmer can supply the appropriate item in that position when entering the command or instruction. Note that these brackets used here are for clarification, and are never to be included as part of a command or instruction.
Many VAL commands and instructions have optional arguments. For notations, optional arguments are enclosed in square brackets, [ ]. If there is a comma following such an argument, the comma must be retained if the argument is omitted, unless nothing follows. For example, the monitor BASE command has the form:
BASE [<dx>] , [<dy>] , [<dz>] , [<rotation>]
To specify only a 300-millimeter change in the Z direction, the command
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Several types of numerical arguments can appear in commands and instructions. For each type there are restrictions on the values that are accepted by VAL. The following rules should be observed:
# Distances are entered to define locations to which the robot is to move. The unit of measure for distances is [[millimeter]], although units are never explicitly entered for any value. Values entered for distances can be positive or negative, with their magnitudes limited by a number representative of the maximum reach of the robot (for example, 1024
# Angles in degrees are entered to define and modify orientations the robot is to assume at named locations, and to describe angular positions of robot joints. Angle values can be positive or negative, with their magnitudes limited by 1800 or 3600 depending on the usage. Within the range, angle values can be specified in increments of 0.01°. Values cannot be represented internally, however they are stored as
nearest representable value.
==The VAL
The function of VAL is to regulate and control a robot system by following user commands or instructions. In addition to being a compact stand-alone system, VAL has been designed to be highly interactive to minimize programing time, and to provide as many programming aids as possible.
===External communication===
The standard VAL system uses an operator's console terminal and manual control box to input commands and data from the user. The operator console serves as the primary communication device and can be either a direct play terminal or a printing terminal. Interaction with other devices in an automated cell is typically handled by monitoring input channels and switching outputs. By this means the robot can control a modest cell without the need for other programmable devices.
===VAL Operating System===
The controller has two levels or operation:
The controller has two levels or operation. The top level is called the VAL operating system, or monitor, because it administers operations of the system, including interaction with the user. The second level is used for diagnostic work on the controller hardware. The system monitor is a computer program stored VAL programmable read-only memory ([[Programmable read-only memory|PROM]]) in the Computer/Controller. PROM memory retains its contents finitely, and thus VAL is immediately available when the controller is switched on. The monitor is responsible for control of the robot, and its commands come from the manual control unit, the system terminal, or from programs. To increase its versatility and flexibility, the VAL monitor can perform of its commands even while a user program is being executed. Commands that can be processed in this way include those for controlling the status the system, defining robot locations, storing and retrieving information the floppy disk, and creating and editing robot control programs.▼
* the top level is called the VAL operating system, or monitor, because it administers operations of the system, including interaction with the user;
* the second level is used for diagnostic work on the controller hardware. The system monitor is a computer program stored VAL programmable read-only memory ([[Programmable read-only memory|PROM]]) in the Computer/Controller.
▲
==References==
* [[Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly|PUMA]] 560 VAL Manual
[[Category:
[[Category:Robotics software]]
[[Category:Robotics at Unimation]]
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