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ABB to introduce cable protection with smart devices

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The new Cable Protection System smart sensor technology, currently under development in ABB’s Research & Development facility in Switzerland, will be designed to sense such problems as condensation or rising temperatures in the conduit that protects critical electrical cables.

Using the analytical power and secure cloud-based communication of the ABB Ability platform, the system will remotely report and analyse data, allowing facility managers and engineers to keep tabs on their electrical cable protection through smart phones, laptops or other remote devices.

ABB is already producing smart sensors for motors, pumps and mounted bearings, which effectively converts them into smart, wirelessly connected devices.

[Read more…] about ABB to introduce cable protection with smart devices

ABB inaugurates advanced innovation and manufacturing hub in Xiamen

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ABB has inaugurated its new ABB Xiamen Hub in the city’s Torch Hi-Tech Industrial Park.

The new site integrates the full value chain of ABB’s activities, including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, sales and service, as well as supply chain management and corporate functions.

Constructed and equipped using the latest environmentally sound materials and systems, including ABB’s record-breaking fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, the site sets new standards in sustainability.

[Read more…] about ABB inaugurates advanced innovation and manufacturing hub in Xiamen

ABB to build ‘world’s most advanced’ robotics factory in Shanghai

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ABB has announced a major, new $150 million investment in Shanghai, China, to build what it calls “the world’s most advanced, automated and flexible robotics factory – a cutting-edge centre where robots make robots, says the company”.

The new Kangqiao manufacturing centre, near ABB’s China robotics campus, will combine the company’s connected digital technologies, including ABB Ability solutions, collaborative robotics and artificial intelligence research to create an environmentally sustainable “factory of the future.” It is expected to begin operating by the end of 2020.

Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for ABB as China’s #1 robotics manufacturer as well as a critical global growth investment for the company in the world’s largest robotics market.

[Read more…] about ABB to build ‘world’s most advanced’ robotics factory in Shanghai

ABB launches new robotic systems for food and beverage industry at PackExpo

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ABB is launching a new “Food & Beverage Assessment Portfolio” at the Pack Expo event, which is taking place now in Chicago, USA. 

The company says the robotic systems it is showcasing are aimed at helping food and beverage manufacturers improve processes and reduce production costs by giving them a better understanding of their plant, from power to automation to digital readiness.

ABB says it will highlight its “assessment services and expertise” in booth N-4930 at the event.  [Read more…] about ABB launches new robotic systems for food and beverage industry at PackExpo

ABB launches new ceiling-mountable SCARA robot

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ABB has launched its new invert-mounted IRB 910INV SCARA robot, the latest addition to its SCARA range, at the China International Industry Fair 2018 held in Shanghai.

By mounting the IRB 910INV on the ceiling, ABB says manufacturers can increase the space efficiency and flexibility of each cell and do more complex tasks even in confined spaces.

The company adds that ceiling mounting also allows the IRB 910INV to collaborate with other robots and machines simultaneously in the same footprint, further boosting productivity.  [Read more…] about ABB launches new ceiling-mountable SCARA robot

ABB completes acquisition of intrion

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ABB announced it has completed its acquisition of intrion, a privately owned company headquartered in Huizingen, close to Brussels, with approximately 120 employees and over a decade of experience in logistics automation solutions and services for the logistics, food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Distribution and fulfilment centres are increasingly turning to robotic automation solutions to improve their efficiency, workplace safety and scalability to meet soaring demand.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, the market for professional service robots is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20 – 25 percent between 2018 and 2020.

[Read more…] about ABB completes acquisition of intrion

ABB launches its ‘most compact and lightweight 6-axis robot ever’

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ABB has launched what it describes as its “most compact and lightweight 6-axis robot ever”.

The new IRB 1100 “enhances the industry’s most comprehensive offering for fast, accurate small parts assembly solutions”, claims ABB.

ABB introduced the IRB 1100 at the China International Industry Fair 2018 in Shanghai – its smallest, lightest robot to date as part of its growing offering of solutions for small parts assembly.  [Read more…] about ABB launches its ‘most compact and lightweight 6-axis robot ever’

ABB prepares for home automation boom

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With the home automation market predicted to exceed $115 billion by 2026, ABB recently showcased its innovations in digitalisation, safety and security, and interoperability.

The home automation market is set to experience a predicted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 6 percent between 2017 and 2026, driven by immense interest in energy efficiency as well as the digital control of home lighting, security and other consumer systems.

At IFA 2018, the company showcased its ABB Ability™ portfolio of connected and software-enabled solutions for the smarter home and mobility segments, which span the entire value chain, from the point-of-power generation to socket.

[Read more…] about ABB prepares for home automation boom

ABB installs solar power at its factory in Vietnam

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ABB recently inaugurated a 75 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at its high voltage and distribution solutions factory in BacNinh province in Vietnam.

The electricity generated is used to power a waste water treatment system, a canteen serving more than 200 people and part of the factory’s lighting.

Earlier this year, ABB also deployed its own smart technologies to commission the wastewater plant at the factory premises. Now the factory has an even lower impact on the surrounding environment, by running on clean energy.

[Read more…] about ABB installs solar power at its factory in Vietnam

IMTS: ABB to showcase robot solutions for ‘high-mix, low volume production’

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ABB says its robots are helping machine shops meet the challenges of high-mix, low volume production – or the “new normal”, as the company puts it.

The company will showcase solutions to increase machine tool utilization and unlock the full potential of the flexible, connected and collaborative factory at IMTS, the world’s largest industrial technology show, due to be held in Chicago next week.

With more efficient and advanced machine tools entering the market, the demand for more intelligent and flexible robotic automation for machining applications is ever increasing.  [Read more…] about IMTS: ABB to showcase robot solutions for ‘high-mix, low volume production’