Faster SRCI Implementation: SRCI Robot Interface Software Development Kit Now Available

Karlsruhe, Germany – June 23, 2025: The standardized SRCI data interface (Standard Robot Command Interface), whose development, expansion, and maintenance are handled by PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International), forms the basis for easier robot use and thus for more flexible production. Users require significantly less detailed knowledge of the respective robot manufacturer, operation, and the functionality of the manual robot controller.

The implementation process for robot manufacturers has become even easier thanks to the SRCI SDK (Software Development Kit). This is a toolbox for robot manufacturers that simplifies—and thus significantly accelerates—the development of an SRCI interpreter. Developers can select the functions they need from this kit, just like in a modular system, and then assemble and test them based on the desired interpreter functionality.

"The goal is to make implementing the SRCI interpreter as simple as possible," explains Markus Leopold, a member of the SRCI working group at PI. "With the new development kit, the development effort is more than halved, as the SRCI functions only need to be linked to the firmware functions." The latest version of the SRCI SDK has been further developed, optimized, and already field-tested in collaboration with robot manufacturers Kuka and Stäubli. Version 1.0 is ready for use and is already being deployed by other robot manufacturers. Development of the SRCI SDK will continue so that all SRCI functions can be supported in the future.

Several innovations have also been implemented within the interface itself. The current version incorporates new features, incorporates market feedback, and incorporates further optimizations. For example, the logging and diagnostic tools have been significantly improved and further developed in the current valid version (V1.5). Since several cobot manufacturers have joined in the past year, several cobot-specific improvements have also been implemented. Other changes are based on feedback from users who required specific features, for example, to enable manufacturer-specific safety applications. The SRCI now offers more than 126 robot functions, ranging from simple motion commands (e.g., linear movements) to more complex commands such as force control.

Currently, approximately 30 members (PLC and robot manufacturers) are collaborating in the working group, and eight manufacturers have already launched products with the SRCI data interface. More products from other manufacturers are expected.

ImageThanks to the standardized SRCI data interface (Standard Robot Command Interface), users require significantly less detailed knowledge of the robot manufacturer, its operation, and its functionality. A new version of the specification with a larger, improved functionality range is now available for download from the PI website.

Original article: https://www.profibus.com/newsroom/press-news/faster-srci-implementation