Making The Most Of Robotic Automation By Keeping It Simple
ABB is using new technology – including its new Robot Control mate software – to simplify robot programming and operation
From manufacturing through to logistics, plus an expanding range of niche applications, the flexibility, speed and reliability of modern robots are helping users to transform their efficiency, competitiveness and productivity in countless installations worldwide.
Despite this, lingering concerns over complexity of programming and operation – a hangover from the early days of robotic automation – continue to deter many companies from taking the plunge and introducing robots into their operations.
A survey of manufacturing SMEs carried out by ABB in the UK in 2017 identified perceived complexity and concerns over lack of skilled robot operators as two major hurdles preventing companies from investing in robots.
In many cases, these same companies also acknowledged that robots would be beneficial for their operations, but felt they could not dedicate the time, effort or resources to support an investment.
As a manufacturer of robots with extensive experience of building, supplying and supporting robots for a broad range of industrial applications, ABB has focused on making robots as easy to use as possible.
Its RobotStudio® offline programming and simulation software, for example, is widely recognised as a quick and easy way of creating, testing and refining a multitude of robot set-ups without the cost and disruption associated with building a real installation on the factory floor.
RobotStudio offers a complete digital twin of physical assets or systems on a production line. As an offline programming tool, it enables users to create, simulate and test a complete robot installation in a virtual 3D environment.
This allows new production lines to be installed faster and ramped up to full speed without surprises during commissioning – a critical competency for manufacturers with today’s mass customisation and shorter product life cycles.
ABB’s FlexPendant is another key technology, providing operators with a convenient handheld solution for programming and reconfiguring their robots.
Using the FlexPendant, operators have been able to teach their robot the moves needed to carry out a particular task or series of tasks. This includes the ability to ‘jog’ the robot to further refine a particular action.
Building on the power and utility of these tools is ABB’s newest development, Robot Control Mate, which builds on the power of RobotStudio to allow users to commission and control the robots from their PC or laptop.
Initially available for ABB’s ceiling-mounted IRB910INV SCARA robot, Robot Control Mate further reduces the need for users to have specialist knowledge or undergo additional training to set up and operate a robot.
Robot Control Mate is an add-on to RobotStudio. With Robot Control Mate, programming can be performed via a PC or laptop, with the option of being able to use a mouse to jog, teach and calibrate robots.
Its simplified user interface includes buttons that can be used to teach and jog the robots, making it easier than ever to control a SCARA robot’s movements. Where more information is needed, they can easily locate and download manuals with instructions about functions and features.
“While FlexPendant has been – and continues to be – a powerful tool for programming our robots, Robot Control Mate helps to fill the gap for those with little or no experience of setting up or using robots, or for situations where the robotic application doesn’t require the sophisticated functions offered by FlexPendant,” explains Darren Hung, ABB’s Global Product Manager for small robots.
“By providing a familiar PC-based interface that can be mastered quickly, Robot Control Mate will enable new users to get their robots up and running quickly and acquire the skills and confidence needed for programming more complex applications.”
Convenient – and cost saving
With the growing range of portable devices available for operators to carry around a plant, the availability of PC-enabled tools such as Robot Control Mate help to open new possibilities for interacting with robots.
It also helps to address the requirement of companies in sectors such as the electronics industry, where users prefer to use PC-based devices to carry out programming and configuration tasks.
Another benefit is cost. As a PC-based tool, Robot Control Mate eliminates the need to purchase additional devices, reducing the cost of a robotic installation and making it an attractive proposition for cost-sensitive industries and new beginner companies that may wish to test the waters before committing to a more sophisticated robot solution.
Broadening the appeal of robotic automation
With many companies worldwide – especially in the small to medium (SME) bracket – yet to experience the potential transformations that robots can bring, Robot Control Mate can help to provide a useful first step into the world of robotic automation.
“Simplifying the installation, programming and operation of robots is a key part of our strategy to win new users over to robotic automation, as it offers so many benefits, including offsetting talent shortages and providing users with the confidence and capabilities to further automate their processes,” concludes Darren Hung.
For more information please contact:
ABB Robotics UK & Ireland
Auriga House
Precedent Drive
Rooksley
Milton Keynes
MK13 8PQ
Tel. 01908 350300
Email: robotics@gb.abb.com
ABB Measurement & Analytics
- 08706006122
- enquiries.mp.uk@gb.abb.com
- http://www.abb.com
- Howard Road Eaton Socon Saint Neots PE19 8EU GB
Where we supply to
UK Ireland, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America
Industries we supply to
Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Water and Wastewater
-
Water for life: ABB’s measurement technology trailblazes water solution
-
My Measurement Assistant’s latest features 2022
-
Discover the advantages digital diaphragm seal solutions have over traditional remote seal solutions
