ABB to feature a daring display of robotic programming agility, path accuracy and speed at FABTECH 2009

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (November 10, 2009) – ABB Robotics, a leading supplier of industrial robots, will feature live demos and new products at FABTECH 2009, November 15-18 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The centerpiece of the ABB exhibit (Booth # North 32047) will be a daring display of robotic programming agility, path accuracy and speed, featuring the coordinated interaction of an IRB 1600ID robot moving a large pin at varying speeds within a tightly aligned grid of light bulbs attached to the rapidly moving arm of an IRB 6600 robot.

The demo will highlight the accurate coordination of complex motion patterns enabled by the MultiMove™ function of ABB’s IRC5 controller, and the “speed-independent” motion of TrueMove™ and QuickMove™. MultiMove reduces costs and improves quality by allowing users to control multiple robots with one controller. The light bulb demonstration is similar, yet more demanding than the popular “Fanta Can Challenge” . Rather than a dented soda can, even the slightest deviation from the thin path between the bulbs will result in a mess of broken glass. Click here for the ABB Superior Motion Control MultiMove Cans v2 (Movie, wmv, 15,79 MB)

"The moving light bulb grid will, in a fun and entertaining way, demonstrate the remarkable precision and programming simplicity that are inherent to all ABB robotic systems," said Joe Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing, ABB Robotics, North America.

Additional highlights of the ABB booth at FABTECH include:

• The new IRB 120, ABB’s smallest ever multipurpose robot. The new six-axis robot has all the functionality and advanced design features of ABB’s larger robots in an economical, lightweight model that provide agility and accuracy where a smaller footprint and profile are required. The IRB 120 is available with a new compact version of the industry-leading IRC5 controller, making it easy to program and control for a variety of tasks.
• The new IRB 4600, the fastest, most accurate, low-weight, medium-size robot ever developed for general industrial applications. The new IRB 4600 features twice the working range, half the weight and a 25% better cycle time than comparable competitive models. It is ideal for arc welding and cutting.
• The new Universal Small Cell (USC) system that can be easily adapted for numerous metal fabrication applications such as welding, cutting and finishing.
• SolutionsBank™, the new on-line technical support and user community, providing a self-service option for accessing technical information, product support and user interconnectivity for ABB robot technology.
• The FlexTrainer™, a new portable, pre-engineered robotic cell specially designed for robotic training purposes. The dedicated arc welding model that will be on display is ideal for end-user training, universities and trade schools.

“The elements featured in our FABTECH display are just a sampling of the full array of products and systems that have established ABB as the leader in robotic metal fabrication technology,” said Campbell.

A number of authorized ABB Robotics integration partners will also be exhibiting ABB metal fabrication robots and systems at FABTECH 2009, including:

Gudel (Booth # North 37035)
Arc Specialties (Booth # North 36100)
Hammond Roto-Finish (Booth # South 15109)
Sulzer Metco (Booth # North 30003)
Wolf Robotics (Booth # North 35046)
Thermadyne (Booth # North 34046)
Praxair TAFA Inc.. (Booth # North 30021)
Preco Inc. (Booth # South 12003)
Burlington Automation (Booth # South 12055)