The Collaboration, Simplicity and Digitalization unique to ABB allow manufacturers to efficiently and safely handle multiple product and package variations

ABB will feature a broad range of robotic and motion technologies for packaging and warehouse distribution applications at Pack Expo East 2018, April 16-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia (Booth # 406).

The exhibit highlights the advanced level of collaboration, digitalization and simplification unique to ABB, which provides manufacturers the flexibility to efficiently adapt production and packaging as evolving consumer preferences require a shift from mass production to mass customization.
Collaboration comes in the form of YuMi®, the industrys first truly collaborative robot, providing a new level of human-robot interaction that enhances both productivity and workplace safety. Simplification is exhibited by the breadth of ABBs portfolio as a single-source automation supplier for food and beverage and packaging applications. Digitalization ties it all together, with ABB Ability™ delivering timely and actionable information to drive better decisions that help manufacturers increase productivity, flexibility and efficiency along the manufacturing value chain.
Further detail of the ABB Pack Expo East 2018 exhibit:
Food & Beverage Solutions Cell with FlexPicker and SCARA Robots: The demo features an IRB 360 FlexPicker® with PickMaster™ software and an IRB 910SC SCARA robot working together to pick and place apples from a randomized infeed flow. Both the FlexPicker and the SCARA robots feature Soft Robotics grippers, an innovative technology that can manipulate items of varying size, shape and weight with a single device. Ideal in food processing environments to handle delicate and diverse products that were previously cumbersome for automation solutions.
The infeed and outfeed conveyors are driven by ABB washdown electric motors, washdown gearboxes and ACS380 drives. The entire cell is controlled with an ABB AC500 PLC with a CP600 HMI, and features a complete ABB safety system.
Flexible Robotic Palletizing: ABBs fully equipped palletizing cells are available in an array of flexible and versatile configurations, allowing customers to select a system thats meet their specific requirements. The cells are delivered ready-to-interface with existing product and pallet conveyors, with all major components mounted on a common base, eliminating the need for on-site engineering.
Revolutionary new software from ABB makes programming robotic palletizing systems easier than ever before. Rather than writing code, operators use the robot FlexPendant HMI to select simple parameters such as package sizes, pallet size, placement patterns and number of layers. The system then creates a complete palletizing program. Important parameters such as pick-place time, and robot acceleration and speed can be fine-tuned during production to optimize the process.
The demo features the ABB IRB 460, the fastest palletizing robot in its class, specifically designed to meet the high throughput requirements of end-of-line applications.
YuMi Collaborative Robot: Packaging applications for YuMi are widespread, including kitting of multiple components into packages, component assembly and packing of fragile materials. YuMi can operate in very close collaboration with humans due to its inherently safe design and human-like dimensions and movements, and is very easy to program. At the booth YuMi is tending a single serving coffee machine, placing cups and coffee capsules into the machine, pressing the brew button and presenting fresh coffee to booth visitors. YuMi is utilizing integrated vision to select the chosen coffee flavor.
ABB Ability: A wide range of optimization and automation solutions that bring increased quality and precision to even the most complex manufacturing processes. From software that streamlines production to predictive maintenance that lowers operating costs, ABB Ability enables manufacturers to know more, do more, do better, together. A key feature is the myABB Portal, a single online entry point where ABB customers can access information and services for their entire base of ABB equipment.
Further information for editors:
ABB (NYSE: ABB) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 136,000 employees. www.abb.com
ABB Robotics is a pioneer in industrial and collaborative robots and advanced digital services. As one of the worlds leading robotics suppliers, we are active in 53 countries and over 100 locations and have shipped over 300,000 robot solutions in a diverse range of industries and applications. We help our customers to improve flexibility, efficiency, safety and reliability, while moving towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. www.abb.com/robotics