ABB Robotics, a leading robotics manufacturer, and Okuma, a world leader in the development and production of machine tools, have together developed an ABB - Okuma Interface, an ABB Robot standard interface to Okuma machine tools. Providing operators with a single operating environment, the Interface saves production time and reduces operator training time.
The Interface was developed under the THINC Program (THe Intelligent Numerical Control), which brings together more than 25 companies representing different facets of the manufacturing industry in an environment where they can collaborate on manufacturing solutions to allow customers to compete in a global and changing marketplace.
Developed on the open PC platform used by Okuma, the Interface consists of two parts: the graphical interface and the extendable robot controller program libraries and configuration files. The graphical interface allows the operator to start and stop the robot and move the robot safely into its home or service position. Graphical windows provide information about part data, robot events, input and output signal status, etc. The extendable robot controller program enables the programmer to readily create the code for the robot tending various machines, without the need for complex programming.
The ABB - Okuma Interface furthers ABB’s presence in the robotic machine tending industry and offers manufacturers:
Simplicity – In production, the operator only needs to look at one control panel to learn the status of both the machine and robot.
Convenience – The signal window displays the status of input and output signals. These signals can be grouped to individual units, enabling the operator to easily keep track of the communication between the robot and machine tool, as well as any peripheral equipment connected to the robot controller.
Confidence – Using the event log, operators have access to detailed information about the causes and consequences of an event. The log advises the operator of the main steps needed to solve any problems that may arise.
For more information, visit www.abb.com/robotics.
About Partners in THINC
The THINC facility operates a full production line, giving the partners the opportunity to test products and configurations for nearly any application. The facility, located in Charlotte, N.C., is built around Okuma’s THINC control platform, and offers a non-competitive environment where the partners can work together to “test ideas and sharpen solutions in a real-world setting.”
About ABB, Inc.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.
About ABB Robotics
ABB is a leading supplier of industrial robots – also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 150,000 robots worldwide.