A KUKA LBR iiwa DataRecorder instance can throw IllegalState with Cannot start data recorder even when the application creates the recorder, adds a force measurement, and calls enable(). The reported root cause is a missing station-level software installation: Sunrise Data Recording must be selected in StationSetup.cat and installed on the station.
Recognize the Failure
| Observed condition | Engineering interpretation |
|---|---|
| DataRecorder instance exists | Object creation alone does not confirm that the required station software is installed. |
| A force measurement is added | The configured measurement does not remove the station-software prerequisite. |
enable() throws IllegalState
|
Check the Sunrise Data Recording installation before changing application logic. |
Error text is Cannot start data recorder
|
The reported resolution is to install the recording software through StationSetup.cat. |
Install Sunrise Data Recording
- Open
StationSetup.cat. - Select the Software tab.
- Tick Sunrise Data Recording.
- Select the Installation tab.
- Connect to the KUKA station.
- Click Install.
- Allow the KUKA system to restart.
The connection is required when executing the installation. The restart completes the reported installation sequence.
Retest the DataRecorder
After the restart, run the application again using the existing sequence: create the DataRecorder instance, add the force measurement, and enable the recorder. Verification succeeds when enable() reaches its documented ready-state behavior without throwing IllegalState.
The evidence does not identify affected firmware, software versions, or alternative causes. If the exception remains after confirming the installation, preserve the exact exception and configuration details for further diagnosis rather than assuming a version-specific defect.
FAQ
Why does KUKA DataRecorder throw IllegalState?
The reported cause is that Sunrise Data Recording has not been installed on the station. Select it in StationSetup.cat, install it while connected to KUKA, and restart.
Where do I enable Sunrise Data Recording?
Open StationSetup.cat, go to the Software tab, and tick Sunrise Data Recording. Then use the Installation tab to install it.
How do I verify the KUKA DataRecorder fix?
After the KUKA system restarts, create the DataRecorder, add the force measurement, and call enable() again. The fix is verified when the recorder enters its ready state without IllegalState or Cannot start data recorder.
