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Model Import

Import a multibody model into the Simscape™ Multibody™ environment

Import a multibody model into the Simscape Multibody environment. Use the smimport function for this task. You can import CAD, URDF, and Robotics System Toolbox™ models. Robotics System Toolbox models require a product license to create. The function parses the model, extracts the necessary data, and reconstructs the assembly using Simscape Multibody blocks for its bodies, constraints, and joints.

URDF models must be in URDF files and Robotics System Toolbox models in rigidBodyTree objects. CAD models must be in a suitable XML format. Use the smexportonshape function to export them as such from Onshape® software. Use the Simscape Multibody Link CAD plug-in for Autodesk® Inventor®, Creo™ Parametric, or SolidWorks® models. The plug-in is free to use. See the Simscape Multibody XML schema for an example of a custom export app for models from other sources.

Functions

smexportonshapeExport a CAD assembly model from Onshape cloud software
smimportImport a CAD, URDF, or Robotics System Toolbox model

Topics

Desktop CAD Import

Onshape CAD Import

  • Import an Onshape Humanoid Model
    Export a humanoid robot from Onshape software and import it into Simscape Multibody software.
  • Onshape Import
    Overview of CAD import from Onshape software with emphasis on import workflow, tools, and user authentication.

URDF Import

  • Import a URDF Humanoid Model
    Export a humanoid robot from Onshape software and import it into Simscape Multibody software.
  • URDF Primer
    Learn about the URDF specification popular in the robotics community and create a simple URDF model for later import into the Simscape Multibody environment.
  • Import URDF Models
    Importing a URDF model. Mapping URDF entities to Simscape Multibody blocks. A simple URDF import example.