ABB launches robot alignment software to ‘increase electronics manufacturing speed and accuracy’
ABB Robotics has launched an industry leading, pioneering software solution to transform speed and accuracy in electronics assembly.
Packed with 50 years of software expertise, ABB’s High Speed Alignment software is the first to offer manufacturers the ability to increase the speed of 6-axis robots by 70 percent, and accuracy by 50 percent – significantly reducing time-to-market while increasing accuracy levels.
The PC-based software includes Visual Servoing technology using one or more cameras, combined with a computer vision system, to control the position of the robot relative to the workpiece.
As the robot is moving, the cameras continuously capture image information that the computer vision system processes to cross check and adjust the robotic movements to deliver 0.01 to 0.02 millimeter precision.
Liang Rui, managing director for ABB’s Robotics’ electronics business line, says: “Sales of smartphones, wearables and other high-tech devices are growing and advances in electronics are gathering pace.
“As devices become smaller and more powerful, new automation solutions are required to quickly and accurately place components, ensuring that production can keep pace with demand while maintaining the highest levels of product quality.”
ABB’s articulated 6-axis robots are highly flexible for handling complex tasks in tight spaces and can perform a variety of meticulous placement tasks. The High Speed Alignment software was developed to find the perfect balance between speed and accuracy.
Along with effortless commissioning and tuning, system integrators and manufacturers can benefit from a reduction in deployment time – down from an entire shift of eight to just one hour.
Minimal programming experience is required, as the software is easy-to-use and has an intuitive user interface.
Additionally, the software is compatible with a wide range of cameras, and IRC5 and OmniCore robot controllers, allowing system integrators to adapt existing installations.
Liang says: “Our latest innovation to the RobotWare family, the High Speed Alignment software enables electronic manufacturers to increase productivity by 70 percent while maintaining 0.01-0.02 mm accuracy levels. This is a breakthrough technology for the electronics assembly market.”
The software is compatible with ABB’s IRB 1100 and IRB 120 industrial robots.
Alongside its software portfolio, ABB robotics continues to expand its robot portfolio for electronics manufacturing with its IRB 1300 new variant and the IRB 920T SCARA new options.
The new IRB 1300 combines a high payload of 12 kilograms and a reach of 1.4 meters, allowing it to handle more and heavier objects at the same time, enabling more products to be produced per hour and increasing productivity.
ABB’s IRB 920T SCARA robot includes new options with IP54 and Cleanroom, ensuring stable production in dusty, wet, and cleanroom environments.
