ABB unveils range of robots, controllers and end-to-end solutions for specialist industries at iREX 2019, including a harsh environment version of compact IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore™ C90XT robot controller. In addition, 3D printing capabilities have been added to RobotStudio® software, enabling users to program ABB robots for additive manufacturing in just 30 minutes.
ABB continues to expand its portfolio to enable automation in a wider range of industries and workplace environments. Their latest digital products, solutions and services will be at this year’s iREX International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo, December 18 – 21.
The ABB booth features a number of new digital technologies designed to empower new industrial development, including a new 3D Printing feature for its RobotStudio simulation and offline programming software, which enables users to program ABB robots for additive manufacturing in just 30 minutes.
iREX visitors will also experience ABB’s news RobotStudio® Virtual Reality Meeting. For the first time, participants from different locations can meet and share the same RobotStudio virtual room using VR goggles. All participants will be able to see the same simulation and follow real-time changes with engineering and commissioning processes viewable during meetings. This will allow virtual commissioning teams to better visualize, design and run the factory offline before the production line is built, solving problems collaboratively and in real-time, no matter where participants are in the world.
ABB is launching new harsh environment versions of its IRB 1100 robot and OmniCore controller, designed with enhanced protection against water and dust. The entire body of the IRB 1100 will have an IP67 rating, with all electrical components sealed against contaminants, enabling the robot to be used in applications that generate substantial dust, water and debris including 3C polishing, wet grinding, buffing and deburring.
The new OmniCore C90XT extends the comprehensive OmniCore controller family bringing all the benefits of their best-in-class motion control and path accuracy to harsh environments. The C90XT is a rugged yet compact controller with full IP54-rated protection enabling it to be installed in close proximity to dirty, wet and dusty processes. XT stands for ‘Extra Tough’.
ABB is also demonstrating how its market-leading picking and placing technology can increase the productivity of logistics operations. With 15 per cent faster picking times, PickMaster® Twin increases productivity while improving overall line efficiency by 40 per cent. PickMaster also offers a digital twin for the first time to dramatically shorten commissioning times from days to hours and changeover times from hours to minutes.
A Singulator Cell demonstration on the ABB stand at iREX showcases a new, compact and efficient solution for handing the bulk flow of small parcels. The robot-based singulator combines 3D vision, advanced motion control and a user-friendly interface to offer unmatched performance, in the range of 25 picks per minute. This solution can be used to separate small parcels from bulk flow as well as auto induction of parcels to sorter systems, an activity that is largely performed manually today.
“From the latest digital technologies that offer unprecedented levels of visibility and transparency, to robots and controllers tough enough to handle the most challenging environments, ABB continues to enhance and develop its portfolio. While robots are at the heart of our offering, we also offer the benchmark in software, pre-engineered function packages and the industry’s broadest service offering and network. This means we can now offer our customers more innovative solutions to address their automation challenges and help manufacturers realize even greater efficiencies on their production lines,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation business.
ABB is also celebrating 50 years of innovation in paint automation at iREX, showcasing its ABB Ability™-based paint process automation system, which is the first connected, sensor-equipped robotic paint atomizing solution that allows for real-time smart diagnostics and precise paint control to optimize painting quality.
Developed and manufactured in Japan, ABB’s Connected Atomizer reduces internal atomizer waste during color changes by 75 per cent and lowers compressed air consumption by 20 per cent which can collectively save customers millions of dollars. The atomizer helps boost paint transfer efficiency by up to 10 per cent by monitoring the conditions of key atomizer components such as bell cups, air motors and the shaping air ring, as well as variables like acceleration, pressure, vibration and temperature.
The IRB 5500 FlexPainter robot brings the painting process closer to perfection by integrating the paint application equipment. Combined with its large work area and high acceleration and painting speed, the FlexPainter offers the most efficient and flexible paint robot solution for basically any application.
“Our enhanced portfolio means we can support Japanese business across even more sectors of the economy as our customers embrace automation to offset emerging labor shortages,” said Shuichiro Nakajima, Head of local RA business, Japan. “We see great opportunities in Japan for SMEs to develop automation solutions in the future. Japan continues to be an area of focus and a center of innovation for ABB globally, and we are proud to meet the needs of our customers with one-stop solutions that range from robotics to systems integration to tools that make the shift to automation as smooth as possible.”
About ABB
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees.
For more information, visit www.abb.com.
About ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is a pioneer in industrial and collaborative robots and advanced digital services. As one of the world’s leading robotics suppliers, we are active in 53 countries and over 100 locations and have shipped over 400,000 robot solutions for a diverse range of industries and applications. We help our customers to improve flexibility, efficiency, safety and reliability, while moving towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future.
For more information, visit www.abb.com/robotics.
Contact
Nicholas O’Donnell
nicholas.odonnell@gb.abb.com
P: +44 7704294085
