Standardized Platform helps develop specific robotic cells.
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Press Release Summary:
As building block used to develop specialized robotic cells that perform one or more industrial operation, Universal Small Cell (USC) reduces mechanical and electrical engineering design efforts as well as labor and assembly. Pre-engineered features provide elements common to all robotic applications, including IRB 1410/1600/2400 robot with IRC 5 controller and graphical HMI teach pendant, 180 manual index 2-station positioner, as well as cell safety equipment and perimeter guarding.
Original Press Release:
ABB Introduces the Universal Small Cell, a Pre-Engineered Building Block to Develop Low Cost, Application Specific Robotic Cells
Platform will simplify installation and provide maximum production flexibility
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (July 14, 2009) - ABB Robotics, a leading supplier of industrial robots, has developed the Universal Small Cell (USC), a standard robotic cell platform that can be integrated with the necessary process equipment to build specialized robotic cells to perform one or more industrial operations. The pre-engineered features of the USC provide a building block of elements common to all robotic applications, greatly simplifying the subsequent installation of the wiring and components needed to equip the cell for the specific application. The USC provides several levels of cost savings to the end-user: 1) the common platform reduces the mechanical and electrical engineering design costs, and 2) the volume production of a common unit reduces the labor, assembly and material costs. The result is a sophisticated robotic cell, delivered at a fraction of the cost and delivery time than previously available.
"The pre-engineered USC package will allow integrators and end-users to focus on finishing the robotic cells with the only the components and equipment needed for their specific application," said Ted Wodoslawsky, vice president of marketing, ABB Robotics, North America. "The USC has the robotic foundation already in place, providing a cost effective cell that needs only the final pieces to perform a variety of functions."
The USC is built entirely with modular equipment, allowing the cells to be used independently or as part of a multi-cell assembly zone, an assembly line or a complete workshop. Some of the standard features of the USC include:
These building blocks provide a foundation of elements common to all robotic applications. Elements such as determining the cell layout and floor space requirements; designing the cell, fencing and equipment bases; developing the safety requirements; developing the operator interface and loading, unloading and cycle initiation are all pre-engineered. With these standard elements in place the USC can be efficiently finished by installing the robotic process equipment. Tooling and part fixtures are required for the specific application.
The main applications for the USC include assembly, arc welding, cutting, de-burring, grinding, trimming and polishing. The USC's modularity allows for fixtures to be easily changed for maximum flexibility when production parts are modified, added, or the production specifications are changed.
About ABB, Inc.
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 approximately 100 countries and employs about 120,000 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 solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 160,000 robots worldwide.
Alex Miller
Tel: (262) 236-3710
AE Miller Group, Inc.
alexm@aem-mg.com
