Robotics & Automation News

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ABB and B&R launch ‘first fully integrated machine-centric robotics’ solution

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B&R, a unit of ABB’s robotics and discrete automation business unit, has unveiled an initiative which involves the integration of ABB robots into its automation portfolio.

B&R says the move will enable it to offer “unprecedented levels of machine flexibility and precision”, merging robotics with machine control into one unified architecture will enable manufacturers to “embrace the trend of mass customization and optimize their lot size one processes”.

Fully integrating ABB’s robots into its automation systems means that B&R will now be able to supply machine builders with machine automation and robotics from a single source. [Read more…] about ABB and B&R launch ‘first fully integrated machine-centric robotics’ solution

B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

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B&R has integrated its “industrialPhysics” simulation tool into its Automation Studio engineering environment.

The company says the 3D simulation software greatly simplifies model-based machine development, enabling easier digital twin development.

B&R says developers can import CAD data from machine components or entire machines directly into the simulation tool, and then they can quickly and easily generate a digital twin for developing and testing the machine software. [Read more…] about B&R unveils new simulation tool for digital twin development

B&R showcases technology for mass customisation

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Industrial automation company B&R has been showcasing its technology for mass customisation, or “batch of one”.

The company exhibited its SuperTrak process at the metal industry event EMO, held recently in Germany.

B&R says the metal industry is not immune to the global trend away from bulk annual orders toward small-batch customer orders with short lead times. [Read more…] about B&R showcases technology for mass customisation

ABB to showcase robotic innovations at Pack Expo

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ABB is set to showcase the company’s latest robotic innovations that help packagers manage high mix, low volume production at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

ABB will be in the Central Hall, at booth C-2051, where it will showcase several major new technological innovations.

The company says the innovations will provide the engineering and commissioning efficiency to package more products on the same lines, switch between products with minimal downtime, and quickly ramp up to full-production speed for new products.

Also, for the first time, ABB Robotics and ABB subsidiary B&R Industrial Automation will share adjacent booths, bringing together the most advanced solutions for flexible, high-performance packaging automation. [Read more…] about ABB to showcase robotic innovations at Pack Expo

B&R brings safety to delta robot kinematics

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B&R now offers SafeRobotics functions for tripods to safely monitor all types of delta kinematic systems – or delta robots.

The company says serial axes can also be included in the calculations, for example when tripods are mounted on moving platforms.

Safe robot monitoring is implemented using the safety functions Safely Limited Position, Safely Limited Orientation, Safely Limited Joint Position and Safely Limited Speed. [Read more…] about B&R brings safety to delta robot kinematics

B&R expands its library of HMI widgets

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The new Skyline widget from B&R‘s mapp View HMI software package displays a clear overview of extensive manufacturing systems.

The widget can also be linked to an alarm system. With important information about their machines available at a glance, plant operators are able to react promptly to error messages. This prevents downtime and increases the productivity of the plant.

The interactive HMI element is suitable for modular machines and plants in any industry. The developer simply drags the widget into place on the HMI screen and configures it as needed.

[Read more…] about B&R expands its library of HMI widgets

B&R launches controller and multi-touch HMI in one device

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B&R says its Power Panel C50 provides the combined advantages of a powerful controller and a modern projected capacitive touch screen in a single HMI device.

The Power Panel is equipped with a dedicated processor for the HMI application, and is therefore an optimal solution for mapp View HMI applications. It can be used at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C and does not require a fan.

The modern multi-touch HMI is available with clear or anti-reflective glass, and is ideally suited for premium machine designs.

[Read more…] about B&R launches controller and multi-touch HMI in one device

B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

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B&R Automation has added new functions to its mapp Motion software package. It is now possible to represent the structure of a complex machine intuitively in the configuration.

The various subsystems of a machine can be linked together. The movements of robots can be easily synchronised with gantry systems or workpiece tables with no additional programming.

The “Frame hierarchy” function can be used to represent the actual structure of a machine. Coordinate systems can be positioned at key points, such as the tool mounting flange.

[Read more…] about B&R software better utilises the potential of robots

B&R presents fully integrated cameras for automation

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B&R Automation‘s entry into the machine vision market is led by two camera variants: Smart Sensor and Smart Camera.

As the hardware is fully integrated in the automation system, the cameras can be synchronised to machine functions with microsecond precision.

The Smart Sensor is designed to implement a single machine vision functionality, such as QR code reading or position detection.

[Read more…] about B&R presents fully integrated cameras for automation

B&R’s moving track slows down for human workstations

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The ACOPOStrak transport system and B&R‘s human-track collaboration uses intelligent safety technology to keep  workstations reliably risk-free without the need for safety barriers.

ACOPOStrak is a track system where parts and products are transported quickly and flexibly from processing station to processing station on independently controlled shuttles.

B&R has integrated safety features in its ACOPOStrak system which limit the speed and force of ACOPOStrak shuttles as they pass manual workstations and then continue around the remainder of the track with full dynamic performance.

[Read more…] about B&R’s moving track slows down for human workstations