Robot Controller features integrated PLC.August 31, 2010 -
Combining AC500 PLC with IRC5 robot controller, integrated unit provides up to 3 local I/O boards plus bus communications for remote I/Os, offering single point of control for range of production cell functions, including grippers, feeders, and ancillary machines. All main communications standards, including DeviceNet, PROFIBUS DP, CANopen, and Modbus TCP are supported, as well as wireless communications. To facilitate programming and operation, software framework is included.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
ABB Inc.
1250 West Brown Rd.
Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
USA
ABB Combines AC500 PLC and IRC5 Controller for Easier Robot Cell Integration and Enhanced Automation Possibilities
ABB Robotics - Lean Robotics for Lean Manufacturing
PLC mounted inside controller cabinet door offers cost and space savings, ease of use and powerful performance for robotic production cells.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - ABB has introduced an integrated PLC and robot controller for robot cell applications, offering powerful performance in a single unit. Combining ABB's flexible AC500 PLC with its IRC5 robot controller, the newly integrated unit eliminates the cost and space of a separate PLC cabinet and greatly reduces the time associated with the set-up and operation of robotic production cells.
With up to three local I/O boards plus bus communications for remote I/Os, the integrated controller provides users with a single point of control for a range of production cell functions, including peripheral production equipment such as grippers, feeders and ancillary machines. All of the main communications standards, including DeviceNet, PROFIBUS DP, CANopen and Modbus TCP are supported, as well as wireless communications, making the integrated controller suitable for virtually any factory site.
Since its launch in 2006 the AC500 PLC has proven popular with OEMs and plant operators looking for a system that can be easily expanded to meet changing requirements. A key benefit of the PLC is its flexibility. Using the Control Builder software, programmers are empowered by a complete, unified development environment including all six IEC61131-3 programming languages and tools for configuration, debugging and visualization.
To help simplify programming and operation, a software framework is included, removing the need to set-up a communication infrastructure between the robot controller and PLC. The framework includes user friendly interactive displays on the FlexPendant, the robot controller interface device. This will be a great benefit to system integrators and end-users, allowing them to concentrate on the higher level specifics of a system installation or reconfiguration.
Available immediately, the IRC5 controller with the integrated AC500 PLC offers a one-stop solution for truly expandable and scalable programming based on a user-friendly, high performance and low-cost automation platform.
About ABB ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.
About ABB Robotics ABB Robotics (www.abb.com/robotics) is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong customer focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 175,000 robots worldwide.
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