New software to make programming of machine tending tasks easier, faster and more flexible than ever-saving both money and time.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (August 7, 2013) - Drawing on the experience of more than 30,000 machine tending robots installed since the 1970s, ABB has introduced an overhauled system of robotic machine tending software, delivering world class flexibility and ease-of-use for everything from die-casting to injection molding and machining. Together, the new PC-based RobotStudio Machine Tending PowerPac and the new controller-based RobotWare Machine Tending software allow for simulation, validation and optimization to be completed in the 3D virtual world and then transferred directly to the real-world. Everything from cycle times to post processing capabilities to potential risks for collisions can be simulated virtually before costly mistakes are made on the factory floor.

"As a company we put a lot of effort into creating solutions that are truly innovative and address real needs among our customers," says Terry Crunk, machine tending specialist, ABB Robotics. "With this new system of software we've hit many of the main considerations. It's easy, fast and flexible to program machine tending cells and our control software is usable by even less skilled workers. These are things our customers are always requesting."

RobotStudio Machine Tending PowerPac - an add-on for RobotStudio, ABB's powerfully simple PC-based programming tool - provides a platform for quick, easy creation and editing of machine tending robot cells in a 3D virtual environment. With a library of common grippers and station types - and built-in support for most machines and peripheral equipment - getting a cell up and running in the virtual world is easy. In addition, safety is simplified with the capability to define safe home position movements in a virtual environment

RobotWare Machine Tending is designed to be an effective, standalone, controller-based, programming, configuration and operation tool, but is also tightly integrated with the RobotStudio Machine Tending PowerPac. An intuitive and customizable graphical user interface allows for easy production monitoring and control, as well as automatic program and part selection. Although the interface has been designed so that less skilled personnel can control most common tasks, the software also provides unlimited access to powerful RAPID coding tools for more advanced users.

All ABB Robotics' products are fully supported by the ABB Robotics' global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations.