ABB to demonstrate flexible robotic technology at MACH

Demonstrated with ABB's IRB140 robot, the Force Control software provides manufacturers with versatile technology that can quickly and accurately adapt to varying surfaces and consistency of materials.

At the heart of the technology are two advanced software features. The first, FC Pressure, enables the robot to grind, polish and buff castings while maintaining a constant pressure between the tool and the work surface. The second software feature, FC Speed Change, enables a robot to deburr or deflash part line surfaces of castings at a controlled speed, slowing down when encountering excessive burrs and avoiding potential damage to the equipment and products.

Vision-guided robots

Another highlight will be ABB's TrueView vision-guided robotics system. Using a robot-mounted single camera and variable lighting package, TrueView enables full six degree-of-freedom 3D vision guidance. The robot is programmed to position the camera and adjust the lighting to an optimal image capture location. The software processes the image and sends the appropriate path adjustment to the robot via Ethernet. This innovative approach to vision guidance allows for automatic calibration and part training, reducing system development and integration lead times. The technology will be demonstrated on ABB's IRB 6600 power robot, which is claimed to offer the best in its class for path accuracy and repeatability.

Also on display will be ABB's new IRB1600ID (Integrated Dressing) dedicated arc-welding robot. The integrated dressing design encloses all cables within the upper arm of the robot, helping to eliminate the problems of sharp parts damaging the cable, which can cause expensive disruptions to continuous operations. The dresspack protects all the necessary parts including power, welding wire, shielding gas and pressurised air.

Exhibition visitors will also be able to find out how they can optimise the performance of their robotic equipment by taking advantage of ABB's Remote Service Agreements. Available in three options - Response, Maintenance and Warranty - these agreements provide customers with a proactive maintenance plan for their robots aimed at extending the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), shortening the subsequent Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and, in turn, lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).

This valuable service is made possible by a small service box and system infrastructure, which is installed into the robot's control system. ABB can then monitor and collect data on the wear and tear and productivity of robotic cells, enabling problems to be identified and, if possible, prevented before they result in a potential stoppage.

ABB's presence at the show forms part of its continuing drive to promote the benefits of robotic technology to industrial users in the UK. For more information about ABB's robots or the benefits they can bring to a process, email [email protected] quoting reference '10 reasons.'