Fully coordinated
March 1st 2006 ABB will demonstrate its latest development in fully coordinated, multiple-robot manufacturing systems at MACH 2006, with a fully operational 'MultiMove' arc welding cell.
At the heart of the system is ABB's IRC5 control software, MultiMove, which allows up to four robots, including work positioners and other devices, to work in fully co-ordinated operation. Such is its power that in a typical automotive operation, one robot can lift and hold a car door; a second picks and locates a hinge; while a third welds the hinge in to place. The IRC5 control module computer is capable of calculating MultiMove path calculations for up to 36 servo axes, while directing up to four drive modules.
Robots can also be programmed to work on a parallel assembly line, returning 'just-in-time' to carry out programmed tasks. The solution offers total freedom of motion and the optimum working position regardless of the task. It also eliminates the need for extra jigs and manual labour involved in mounting objects, while substantially cutting lead times. Traditional, sequential robot tasks can also be streamlined.
Because every robot motion is synchronised, process flow can be optimised and throughput times reduced. With every robot knowing what the other is doing, risk of collision is also minimised.
ABB will also use MACH 2006 to team up with global partners RNA Automation and Svensk Industriautomation AB (SVIA) of Sweden, to exhibit SVIA's Miniflex, a new robotic parts feeding system based around ABB's six-axis robot, the IRB 140. More articles from ABB Limited: | 
