My name is Marcel.
I build a Pick & Place machine for Sm components but the software remains to be a problem.
With machine tools one can rely on Cad-Cam and the machine control software. The problem I have for P/P is you have different locations for picking. " Like a tool change location “ Could one create a new G code that's like what you have for a drilling cycle only with extra functions?
What I need for picking is X and Y move to pickup location one, " its always the same location" then Z moves down to pick the component, " not always the same amount " it must then switch on the vacuum and lift the component. The next block will move X Y to location of placing; next Z will place it and switch the vacuum off. Is there an easy way of doing this? Could the data for picking and its functions be kept inside the machine software program or will you have to program it as part of your G code every time?

Regards