Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 2, 2026

RAPID

RAPID is a high-level programming language used to control ABB industrial robots. RAPID was introduced along with the S4 Control System in 1994 by ABB, superseding the ARLA programming language.

Last revised
Jun 2, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
122 w
Citations
Source
RAPID
Designed byABB Group
DeveloperABB Group
First appeared1994
Influenced by
ARLA, C

RAPID is a high-level programming language used to control ABB industrial robots. RAPID was introduced along with the S4 Control System in 1994 by ABB, superseding the ARLA programming language.

Features in the language include:

  • Routine parameters:
    • Procedures - used as a subprogram.
    • Functions - return a value of a specific type and are used as an argument of an instruction.
    • Trap routines - a means of responding to interrupts.
  • Arithmetic and logical expressions
  • Automatic error handling
  • Modular programs
  • Multi tasking
See also

See also

External links
Further reading

Further reading

  • ABB Robotics Products AB, RAPID Reference Manual