ABB Robotics has launched an industry-leading, pioneering software solution to transform speed and accuracy in electronics assembly. ABB’s High Speed Alignment software is the first to offer manufacturers the ability to increase the speed of 6-axis robots by 70 percent and accuracy by 50 percent. This feature significantly reduces time-to-market while increasing accuracy levels.

Liang Rui, Managing Director for ABB’s Robotics Electronics business line said, “Sales of smartphones, wearables and other high-tech devices are growing. Moreover, advances in electronics are gathering pace. As devices become smaller and more powerful, new automation solutions are required to quickly and accurately place components; thus, ensuring that production can keep pace with demand while maintaining the highest levels of product quality.”

High-Precision Visual Technology

The PC-based software includes Visual Servoing technology using one or more cameras. It is combined with a computer vision system to control the position of the robot relative to the workpiece. As the robot is moving, the cameras capture images continuously. Meanwhile, the computer vision system takes the information, cross checks and adjusts the robotic movements to deliver 0.01 to 0.02mm precision. 

Finds Perfect Balance Between Speed, Accuracy

ABB’s articulated 6-axis robots are highly flexible for handling complex tasks in tight spaces. Moreover, they can perform a variety of meticulous placement tasks. The High Speed Alignment software was developed to find the perfect balance between speed and accuracy.

Along with effortless commissioning and tuning, system integrators and manufacturers can benefit from a reduction in deployment time. This translates to just one hour down from an entire shift of eight hours.  As the software is easy-to-use and has an intuitive user interface, only minimal programming experience is required. Additionally, the software is compatible with a wide range of cameras. It can work with IRC5 and OmniCore robot controllers. This feature allows system integrators to adapt existing installations.

“The latest innovation to the RobotWare family enables electronic manufacturers to increase productivity by 70 percent while maintaining 0.01 to 0.02mm accuracy levels. This is a breakthrough technology for the electronics assembly market,” concludes Liang.

The software is compatible with ABB’s IRB 1100 and IRB 120 industrial robots.

Expands Robot Portfolio

Alongside its software portfolio, ABB robotics continues to expand its robot portfolio for electronics manufacturing. The company has also released the IRB 1300 new variant and IRB 920T SCARA new options.

The new IRB 1300 combines a high payload of 12kg and a reach of 1.4m, allowing it to handle more and heavier objects at the same time. Thus, it enables more products to be produced per hour and increase productivity. 

ABB’s IRB 920T SCARA robot includes new options with IP54 and Cleanroom. These features ensure stable production in dusty, wet, and cleanroom environments.