With the 2025.09 release, fruitcore robotics takes the horstOS operating system to a new level:
Parallel processes ensure shorter cycle times, a new project concept with ready-to-use templates minimizes setup effort, and automated start-up and initialization routines make daily work with HORST even more efficient.
In addition, the update delivers numerous improvements to the user interface and enhances clarity in program structures. New palletizing features open up new possibilities in robot programming, while the integrated email notification service detects downtimes early, increasing overall system availability.
With the new “Parallel Processes” feature, multiple operations can now be executed simultaneously within a robot program. This significantly reduces cycle times.
The setup of parallel program branches is done through an intuitive graphical interface — no PLC knowledge or extensive training is required.
A practical example that highlights the value of this feature is part separation: The robot can already query the camera for the position of the next part during movement. As a result, motion and image processing no longer need to occur sequentially, which significantly shortens the overall process time.
A project includes all relevant configurations, programs, tools, coordinate systems, and the 3D world of a setup.
This makes it easy to manage, export, and reuse different work environments.
Users who employ one robot for multiple applications or who manage several applications in horstOS simulation will especially benefit.
Projects can be shared as a whole between robots and PCs.
A library of project templates for various robotic applications greatly reduces software setup effort.
Each component comes with a 3D model and documentation. Depending on the component, TCP data, interface information, and predefined functions are also included — enabling immediate use with minimal setup effort.
This allows individual setups to be created and simulated quickly and easily.
All robot axes can now be initialized simultaneously, or the initialization can be performed during any movement. For example, the robot can be initialized via a stored program that moves it to a defined home position. This greatly accelerates the initialization process and makes it easier to adapt to the spatial constraints of the system.
Additionally, the robot can now move linearly during initialization — particularly useful after a crash, as it enables careful movement out of confined spaces without having to initialize each axis individually.
The start-up routine enables a fully automated system start after switching on the robot via the main power switch. Initialization, program loading, and automatic program start all run independently.
This means the operator can immediately attend to other tasks after powering on the robot instead of waiting several minutes at the machine.
This allows complex palletizing tasks to be implemented much faster — no text-based programming required.
This feature is especially useful for handling stacked trays, boxes, containers, or workpieces.
The following optimizations lead to better usability in horstOS:
Speed slider in free drive mode / waypoint creation: Waypoints can now be approached at any speed (1–100%) during programming.
Direct waypoint editing in GUI: Waypoints can now be adjusted directly in the interface without moving the robot first.
Email notifications: horstOS can now send emails to defined recipients when specific events occur — for instance, when a system stops due to an error or when all parts have been processed.
Variable pallet points: Pallet positions can now be dynamically controlled via variables and registers, allowing external control systems to define the pallet sequence.
Academy integration: The new Academy app enables direct access to training content from within horstOS.
Programme calling: Programs can now call other programs, allowing greater flexibility in structuring production workflows.
Delete function for tools and 3D objects: This new feature improves long-term clarity and project management.
AI Copilot: AI Copilot now uses the latest GPT model in the background for even more accurate responses. In addition, the new chat function allows for natural, dialogue-based interaction.
Additional languages available: In addition to German, English, and French, horstOS now also supports Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Croatian, Polish, Czech, and Korean.
With Release 2025.09, fruitcore robotics takes horstOS — the software for controlling automation applications — to the next level.
Users now benefit from even more functionality to control entire automation processes centrally without the need for an external PLC.
At the same time, extended programming capabilities and an optimized user interface provide more flexibility, convenience, and efficiency in robot setup and programming.