Robot Motion Control Software runs on IRC5 Compact controller.
July 8, 2010 -
RobotWare v5.13 enables precise control of robot motion and allows IRC5 Compact controller to be used with IRB 140 and IRB 1410 robots. Packaging segment in software's indexing conveyor function allows conveyor to be driven by robot as additional axis and, when combined with IRB 360 FlexPicker, supports picking and packing of up to 450 products/min. Integrated Torque Slave software enables multiple motors to be driven as single logical axis to allow robot to control heavy-duty equipment.
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Original Press release
ABB Robotics, Inc.
1250 Brown Rd.
Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
USA
ABB Introduces RobotWare 5.13, New Software Delivering Improved Programming and Control for Industrial Robots
Software enables leaner robotic cell design - provides greater performance and enhanced safety - compatible with the new IRC5 Compact controller
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - ABB Robotics, a leading supplier of industrial robots, has launched the latest version of its robot controller software, RobotWare 5.13. The updated software provides manufacturers with improved programming and control of robotic equipment, and enhanced functionality, safety and motion control. For manufacturers this will facilitate smarter, leaner robot cell concepts and superior control of production lines.
A leaner, less-restrictive safety system is a major advancement provided by RobotWare 5.13 through powerful new features added to SafeMove, ABB's market leading robot safety system. With the new features, even more precise control of robot motion can be achieved, allowing integrators to more efficiently optimize robotic cell design and production flow.
RobotWare 5.13 software is also 100% compatible with ABB's new IRC5 Compact controller which combines the powerful performance of the standard IRC5 controller, including superior motion control and flexible RAPID language, with a significantly reduced footprint.
"What should interest many robot users is that we are rolling out the recently introduced Compact version of the IRC5 controller on a wide range of robot types," noted Joe Campbell, vice president sales and marketing for ABB Robotics, North America. "In addition to the small IRB 120 robot, the new version of RobotWare 5.13 allows the IRC5 Compact controller to be used with the IRB 140 and IRB 1410 robots. And this range will further expand during 2010."
In the packaging segment RobotWare 5.13's new "indexing conveyor" function allows a conveyor to be driven by the robot as an additional axis. When combined with ABB's IRB 360 FlexPicker, this feature increases picking and packing cycle times up to 450 products per minute. This function eliminates the need for expensive racetrack installations and helps to significantly reduce the overall cost of a packaging line installation.
Another new feature integrated into RobotWare 5.13 is ABB's new Torque Slave software, which enables multiple motors to be driven as a single logical axis. Using this function the robot is able to control heavy-duty equipment, such as large workpiece positioners.
To extend the savings associated with the low cost DeviceNet(TM) Lean bus to more end-users, ABB has extended it to support up to 20 units (previously 6) and to allow the control of third party I/O units. In addition, the lean version of DeviceNet protocol offers new auto configuration and bus scan tools for seamless communications with all connected devices.
"We have also introduced a wide range of other improvements delivering added efficiency and ease of use in very many robot applications," added Campbell. "What remains unchanged is ABB's advanced motion technology which still provides the most accurate path following and shortest cycle times on the market."
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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