The Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) is based on the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) principle and follows a client-server architecture. It allows a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to control a robot system by invoking predefined robot functions remotely.

The server, often referred to as the interpreter, is implemented on the robot controller. It receives requests from the client and processes them accordingly. The client, typically running on the PLC side, sends command messages containing the required parameters to the robot controller. Upon receiving a command, the controller executes the specified function and responds with a message that contains the result or status of the operation.

This architecture ensures a standardized and structured communication mechanism between PLCs and robots, making it possible to abstract complex robotic actions into clearly defined command messages.

SRCI is primarily designed to operate over industrial fieldbus systems commonly used in automation environments. However, since the communication is based on the exchange of simple byte arrays, it is not limited to fieldbus technologies. The same principle can be applied over other communication protocols such as TCP/IP or OPC UA.