ABB introduces the Universal Small Cell, a pre-engineered building block to develop low cost, application specific robotic cells

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:

• An IRB 1410, 1600 or 2400 robot with an IRC 5 controller and graphical HMI teach pendant
• A 180” manual index two station positioner
• Fully compliant cell safety equipment and perimeter guarding
• A metal mounting base
• Dual cell doors with interlock device
• A small cell foot print to reduce floor space requirements

Universal Small Cell - Press Release July 14, 2009 (Press release, pdf, 0,02 MB)