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ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

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Marc Segura, ABB’s new robotics division president, outlines the key 2022 robotic trends

With demand for robots growing as companies in multiple sectors look for new ways to enhance their productivity and competitiveness post-pandemic, ABB has compiled a set of growth predictions, looking at key trends driving demand for robots in the coming year.

“The pandemic accelerated far-reaching global mega trends – from labor shortages and supply chain uncertainty, to the individualized consumer and growing pressure to operate sustainably and resiliently – leading new businesses to look to robotic automation,” says Marc Segura, ABB’s newly appointed robotics division president.

“As technology opens new opportunities for meeting customer demands, new trends will continue to emerge that will further drive demand in areas where robots have traditionally not been used.” [Read more…] about ABB predicts key trends that will change robotic automation in 2022

ABB unveils new large robots for material handling in EV battery production

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ABB is adding two new robot ranges to its portfolio of large robots for complex manufacturing applications.

Delivering “enhanced speed, accuracy, flexibility, and a more robust design including integrated process cabling”, ABB’s IRB 5710 and 5720 robots deliver increased productivity and enhanced performance with higher uptime for applications including electric vehicle (EV) manufacture, foundry, forging, rubber, plastics, and metal fabrication.

Available in eight variants, the IRB 5710 and IRB 5720 present a choice of options for payloads from 70 kg to 180 kg and reaches from 2.3 m to 3 m. [Read more…] about ABB unveils new large robots for material handling in EV battery production

ABB to deliver ‘multiple’ robotic systems to large vehicle maker Scania’s highly automated battery assembly plant

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ABB has entered into an agreement with Scania, one of world’s largest truck and bus manufacturers, to provide “a comprehensive range of robotic solutions” for Scania’s new highly automated battery assembly plant in Sweden.

The new facility will be a key milestone on Scania’s journey towards the electrification of heavy vehicles. Scania will invest more than SEK 1 billion ($108 million) in the facility over several years and the new Södertälje plant is expected to be fully operational by 2023.

Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics’ automotive business line, says: “We are delighted to work with one of our longest-standing clients to help deliver their electrification roadmap. [Read more…] about ABB to deliver ‘multiple’ robotic systems to large vehicle maker Scania’s highly automated battery assembly plant

ABB to provide charging infrastructure for Lilium’s electric passenger-carrying drone

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ABB E-mobility has agreed to provide the charging infrastructure for Lilium’s high speed regional air network, using electric passenger-carrying drones, scheduled for commercial launch in 2024.

Lilium has plans to launch networks in Florida, Germany, and Brazil. As part of the agreement, ABB will develop, test and supply the MegaWatt fast charging infrastructure necessary for the quick turnaround times needed for electric aviation.

The ABB charging points are designed to be capable of fully charging batteries in approximately 30 minutes, and charging up to 80 percent in 15 minutes, enabling the 20-25 flights per aircraft per day planned across Lilium’s global vertiport network. [Read more…] about ABB to provide charging infrastructure for Lilium’s electric passenger-carrying drone

New ABB study on industrial transformation unveils ‘critical relationship between digitalization and sustainability’

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ABB has released the findings of a new global study of international business and technology leaders on industrial transformation, looking at the “critical intersection of digitalization and sustainability”.

The study, Billions of better decisions: industrial transformation’s new imperative, examines the current take-up of the Industrial Internet of Things and its potential for improving energy efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and driving change.

The goal of the new ABB research is to spur discussion within industry regarding opportunities to leverage the Industrial IoT and empower companies and workers to make better decisions that can benefit both sustainability and the bottom line. [Read more…] about New ABB study on industrial transformation unveils ‘critical relationship between digitalization and sustainability’

ABB expands robot controller range with two new OmniCore products

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ABB has expanded its OmniCore robot controller range with two new controllers – the E10 and V250XT.

The company says they provide for an even wider range of manufacturing applications and meet the demand for faster, more efficient production.

Available for a range of robots across ABB’s portfolio, the new E10 and V250XT controllers offer “20 percent energy savings”, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB expands robot controller range with two new OmniCore products

A history of advanced driver assistance systems

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In its report, Autonomous Cars, Robotaxis & Sensors 2022–2042, IDTechEx predicts that SAE Level 3 autonomous features, such as traffic jam pilot, will emerge in 2022 and become common in vehicles by 2042.

How did IDTechEx predict this time scale? The answer lies in the historical adoption trends of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technologies.

Everyone is familiar with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control; you would not have even thought to ask about them when purchasing your last car. [Read more…] about A history of advanced driver assistance systems

ABB creates joint venture with China’s largest automotive parts supplier

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Industrial automation company ABB and China’s leading automotive parts supplier, HASCO, have agreed to create a joint venture to drive the next generation of smart manufacturing in China’s automotive industry.

The joint venture will build on the existing successful relationship between the two companies, leading to the crucial development of highly flexible and sustainable auto parts manufacturing within HASCO’s China-based operations.

As the automotive industry’s transition towards electric vehicles gathers pace, parts manufacturers must increasingly invest in flexible facilities that can respond to rapidly changing demands and trends. [Read more…] about ABB creates joint venture with China’s largest automotive parts supplier

ABB unveils two new OmniCore robot controllers

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ABB has expanded its OmniCore robot controller range with two new versions – the E10 and the V250XT. The company says the new controllers provide for an even wider range of manufacturing applications.

ABB says the two new products in its OmniCore range “meet the demand for faster, more efficient production”.

Available for a range of robots across ABB’s portfolio, the new E10 and V250XT controllers offer “best-in-class motion control”, says ABB, as well as 20 percent energy savings and future-proofing through built-in digital connectivity and 1000+ additional functions to meet changing requirements. [Read more…] about ABB unveils two new OmniCore robot controllers

ABB claims 20 percent share of $14 billion distributed control systems market

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ABB claims it has “global market leadership” in the distributed control systems market, and that this claim has been confirmed “for 22nd consecutive year”. The industrial giant is making the claim after a report by the ARC Advisory Group.

ARC’s report calculates that ABB’s Distributed Control Systems (DCS) maintained a “leading share” of around 20 percent in 2020 in a market worth more than $14 billion .

During 2020, ABB saw growth across key regions, despite the impact of the pandemic on the DCS market across industry. [Read more…] about ABB claims 20 percent share of $14 billion distributed control systems market