rbb,
And another question though I think it is dumb, do robots have plc's in them, if not what do they have as the controller. I think we will be using RANGER robots.
Most robotic applications have plc like capabilities. They have a main processing unit just like plc's do and I/O's for you to hook up field devices to. The "logic" or instructions are either in the programming steps or are running in the background in a macro. A macro is nothing more than a plc like program that gets scanned and performs various functions. Although, a macro or also called a sequencer file, is not near as advanced as a plc. Your usually limited to what you can do and it becomes a little difficult to troubleshoot a macro.
If you’re looking to open up a robot controller and find a "normal" looking plc you will not find it. What you will see is usually a main or motherboard, servo drivers or amplifiers,I/O cards or sequencer boards, servo power supplies, position control boards and some other things. I think we have debated the issue on the differences between a robot and a plc before. Some here might go into more detail then I have about the makeup of both the plc and the robot. I'll just stick with the basics, as it seems you’re early on in your robot training.
I've never heard of Ranger robots, so I cannot tell you anything about them. What I can tell you is that when you get your grasp on one particular brand, you usually don't have a problem on other brands. I'm no help to you on where you can get literature on robots.
I've seen some in the past, but were usually outdated or did not go into industrial applications. Robot companies will give you plenty of information if you'll only buy a robot off them. The manuals and some schooling is where I learned. Sometimes you will have to threaten your robot supplier to get any advanced literature on there robots. They want you to have to call them, so they can charge you big bucks.
Call Ranger and tell them you would like to have some literature on there robots. If they refuse to give it up then go with another supplier. BTW, they will not release all their information, so don't expect too much, and this tatic will not work if you've only got one or two Ranger's.
Good luck,
Tim