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ABB launches Wizard Easy Programming software for industrial robots

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ABB has launched its Wizard Easy Programming software for its IRB 1100 industrial robot.

The company says this allows first time users to introduce robotic automation into their production lines without the need for specialist programming skills or any knowledge of Rapid code. Rapid is a high-level programming language used to control ABB industrial robots.

Based on simple graphical blocks, Wizard Easy Programming makes it easy for non-specialists to automate their applications, says ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches Wizard Easy Programming software for industrial robots

ABB chooses IBM for procurement digitization

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IBM has been contracted by ABB to help support its procurement digitization journey with the launch of SmartBuy, a newly designed end-to-end employee purchasing program that aims to match the ease of online shopping with the intuitiveness and speed of a search engine. 

The solution is designed to also be tasked with automating the process of finding, procuring and managing ABB’s supplier network, with services like self-registration and contract processes.

Daniel Stumm, ABB’s head of indirect procurement, says: “We wanted to transform our eProcurement processes to drive business value and create a better experience for our user community and suppliers while avoiding the need for major training and allowing for an increased level of self-service. [Read more…] about ABB chooses IBM for procurement digitization

ABB robots accelerate coronavirus testing in Singapore

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ABB robots are accelerating coronavirus testing in Singapore through a new robotics lab system which “saves time and costs and keeps lab workers safe”, according to the company.

As part of Singapore’s efforts to enhance its nation-wide COVID-19 testing capabilities, ABB’s high-precision robots have been deployed in a new automated laboratory system, known as the Rapid Automated Volume Enhancer (RAVE).

The system automates some of the manual steps usually required in sample processing. Two sets of RAVE and associated equipment can process an industry-topping throughput of close to 4,000 samples a day. RAVE also reduces test contamination and infection risks for laboratory workers. [Read more…] about ABB robots accelerate coronavirus testing in Singapore

ABB selects Google Cloud to expand its cloud coverage

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Google Cloud has been selected by ABB to further expand the cloud footprint of its ABB Information Systems (IS) services business unit.

The Swiss-headquartered global technology leader has chosen Google Cloud as part of the organization’s “Rationalizing IT Operations” – codenamed “Program RIO” – initiative, which seeks to further increase the scalability and resilience of its infrastructure services to all ABB businesses.

Google Cloud will collaborate with ABB’s hosting services team to layout an optimized cloud migration that is tailored to meet the IS needs of ABB businesses. [Read more…] about ABB selects Google Cloud to expand its cloud coverage

ABB unveils new ‘compact’ robotic interior painting system

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ABB has unveiled a new “compact” robotic interior painting system, mainly aimed at the automotive manufacturing sector.

The Compact Interior Painting station enables automotive manufacturers to reduce the size of their vehicle interior painting stations by one-third, while saving costs and making automotive paint facilities more sustainable.

ABB says its latest innovative solution for automotive manufacturing – the Compact Interior Paint station – combines 12 robots to offer a space-saving alternative to traditional robotic interior painting solutions, helping automotive original equipment manufacturers reduce the footprint of their paint booths “by up to 33 percent”, while being able to paint a variety of vehicle types, from cars and SUVs to large MPVs. [Read more…] about ABB unveils new ‘compact’ robotic interior painting system

ABB launches ‘fastest ever’ robot-based press automation solution

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ABB has launched its “fastest ever” robot-based press automation solution.

The company has extended its range of ABB IRB 760 handling robots with new press tending model, the IRB 760PT, which it says offers “fast and flexible performance for automotive press automation”.

The new IRB 760PT is aimed at press automation applications in the automotive industry, and is a “flexible” press tending solution offering 25 per cent faster cycle times compared to other robot-based press automation solutions, claims ABB. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘fastest ever’ robot-based press automation solution

Volkswagen orders staggering 800 ABB robots to build its new electric vehicles

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ABB has received a massive order for 800 industrial robots from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to support production of a new generation of electric vehicles at its plant in Hannover, Germany.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is modernizing its Hannover factory and is installing state-of-the-art facilities to build the all-electric ID.

Buzz van, which will begin production in 2022. ABB’s robots will be installed in the body shop to undertake a range of body construction tasks. [Read more…] about Volkswagen orders staggering 800 ABB robots to build its new electric vehicles

ABB enhances portfolio of high-speed industrial robots with Codian acquisition

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ABB has acquired Codian Robotics B.V., a leading provider of delta robots, which are used primarily for high-precision pick and place applications. Codian Robotics’ offering includes a hygienic design line, ideal for hygiene-sensitive industries including food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. With the transaction, ABB is accelerating its engagement in the growing field of delta robots.

Codian Robotics is located in Ede, Netherlands and employs 20 people globally. The company will continue to serve its customers directly. The acquisition was signed and closed on October 1, 2020. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any details regarding the purchase price. [Read more…] about ABB enhances portfolio of high-speed industrial robots with Codian acquisition

ABB expands range of robotic solutions for cleanroom applications

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ABB is extending its robot offering for cleanroom manufacturing environments that need high levels of flexibility and performance. Certified to ISO 14644-1, the new cleanroom IRB 1100 combines fast performance in a compact design for industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors and solar panel manufacturing.

Key features include hygienic paint and a sealed body to prevent leakage of contaminants such as grease, oil and particles, together with a mechanical design that minimizes gaps between the robot’s joints to discourage the growth of bacteria.

Two versions of the robot are available, one with a 4 kg payload and 475 mm reach, and one with a 4 kg payload and 580 mm reach. [Read more…] about ABB expands range of robotic solutions for cleanroom applications

ABB processing and packaging robots showcased in virtual exhibition stand

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With this year’s PPMA show being postponed, ABB has created a virtual exhibition stand demonstrating its latest products and solutions for processing and packaging applications. Accessible via bit.ly/ABB_PPMA2020, visitors will be taken on a panoramic tour to discover the benefits robots can bring to many industries worldwide.

The ABB FlexPicker IRB360 is featured on the stand, demonstrating its fast picking capabilities in a compact footprint. Featuring easy to rinse-off surfaces and joints and designed for picking and packing applications with high payloads up to 8kg, the FlexPicker has established a reputation for fast, flexible, and accurate performance in a wide range of food and beverage and pharmaceuticals applications. [Read more…] about ABB processing and packaging robots showcased in virtual exhibition stand