Control
Robot Controller
The controller executing motion programs for an industrial robot.
High criticalityLevel 1
What it does
Runs robot programs, coordinates with cell controllers and enforces safety-rated motion limits.
Typically locatedRobotic work cells.
At a glance
PurdueLevel 1
CategoryControl
Protocolsethernet-ip, profinet, opc-ua
Talks toCell PLC, Vision systems, Teach pendant, Programming software
Common vendorsABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa
Why should I care?
Robot Controller sits at Level 1. Compromise here is not just a data problem — it changes what the physical process does or what operators can see and control.
Common security problems
- Network services enabled for integration convenience
- Program transfer without integrity checks
- Legacy controller OS
If it is compromised
- Unsafe motion within the cell
- Production quality and downtime impact
What to monitor
- Program transfers
- Mode changes (teach/auto)
- Network service access
How to defend it
- Restrict programming interfaces
- Keep safety-rated functions independent
- Baseline programs
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