Luis Pacheco

Animaquina

Animaquina is a robot IDE that controls and simulates robotic arms directly inside Blender. Instead of learning a vendor’s proprietary software, you program, visualize, and move real robots from Blender’s 3D viewport — the same environment designers already model in. I built it to close the gap between digital simulation and physical execution, for designers, engineers, and students working with robots.

Animaquina Interface

Features

What it can do today:

  • IP-based Robot Connection: Connect and control robots over an IP network.
  • Real-time Manipulation: Move and adjust robots directly within Blender’s 3D viewport.
  • Digital Twin Synchronization: Keep the digital model synchronized with the physical robot.
  • Real-time Movement Visualization: Visualize robot movements in real time for immediate feedback.
  • Manual Mode: Manipulate the physical robot manually, with real-time updates in the digital twin.
  • Marker Placement: Digitize features of the working environment by placing markers in the digital model.
  • Toolpath Execution: Create and run toolpaths based on mesh object vertices, useful for complex manufacturing tasks.
  • Info Panel: Display the current joint rotation and TCP (Tool Center Point) position.
  • VR and XR Integration: Integrates with Freebird XR, allowing for immersive interaction in virtual or extended reality environments.

Animaquina Interface

Supported Robot Versions

Animaquina supports different robot models, each optimized for specific platforms:

  • Animaquina-UR: Compatible with Universal Robots, tested with models UR5e, UR10e, and UR20.
  • Animaquina-Xarm: Compatible with UFactory Xarm robots, tested with the Xarm-6.
  • Animaquina-KUKA: Compatible with KUKA robots (limited functionality), tested with KUKA Agilus KR10-1100.

For support or custom integrations, feel free to reach out at: luigi(at)neobrutal(dot)com.

Applications

Where I’ve seen it used, and where I want to take it:

  1. Hybrid Manufacturing:
    • Develop, manage, and run robotic toolpaths for 3D printing, CNC milling, and more, directly from Blender.
  2. Art Installations:
    • Create interactive art pieces that respond to environmental inputs, choreographed through Blender.
  3. Theatre and Stage Performances:
    • Control moving stage elements, enabling complex choreographies and dynamic performances.
  4. Education:
    • Teach concepts of robotics within an integrated and easy-to-use environment, making learning more interactive.
  5. Prototyping:
    • Quickly test robotic motion in the real world, with direct control from Blender for faster iteration cycles.