n TECHNOLOGY October 2024 www.drivesncontrols.com 16 ABB ROBOTICS HAS developed a technology that, it says, gives its GoFa collaborative robots (cobots) more than 10 times better path accuracy than any other cobot on the market. The Ultra Accuracy function delivers a claimed path accuracy of 0.03mm, ensuring precision in tasks such as gluing and sealing, laser welding, layering of composite materials, and precision laser-cutting. It can also be used for accurate positioning of additive layers in 3D-printed prototypes, and to perform precision quality checking. Ultra Accuracy has been developed to meet the demands of applications where precise positioning is crucial for product quality and operational efficiency. It can achieve absolute position accuracies of 0.1mm, providing the reliability needed for maintaining tight tolerances. Cobots with the function combine precision with speed and a full range of motion. Unlike 2D gantry systems, the cobots offer full 6D motion across their entire workspace, without needing additional calibration work, providing the flexibility and mobility to handle a broad range of tasks. “As industries look to automation to enhance product quality and achieve tighter tolerances – continuously decreasing the maximum allowable deviation from the standard in quality control – there is a growing need for robots that can perform tasks with exceptional precision,” explains ABB Robotics’ global head of collaborative robots, Andrea Cassoni. “By combining ultra-accurate path performance with GoFa's inherent simplicity, safety, and flexibility, ABB’s new Ultra Accuracy feature opens a wide range of possibilities for the use of cobots in businesses including electronics, automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.” The compact, portable cobots can be integrated easily into production lines without needing expensive customisation, offering an advantage over gantry-based systems. They can be added to production lines with minimal installation and deployment time, because the calibration is done in the factory before delivery. Combining the new function with ABB’s RobotStudio software allows applications to be programmed offline, with a claimed 99% match between simulation and reality, eliminating the need for touch-ups and guaranteeing precise implementation, says ABB. The Ultra Accuracy function is available for new GoFa cobots, and as a retrofit for existing GoFas. www.abb.com KOLLMORGEN HAS ANNOUNCED a programmable motion controller based on a 1.5GHz quad-core processor that, it claims, delivers industryleading cycle times. The PCMM2G controller supports applications from simple machine modules, to complex automation systems with up to 64 axes of synchronised motion, including S-curve and other complex paths. The controller is compatible with Kollmorgen’s earlier PDMM and PCMM models, offering a simple migration path, while delivering greater flexibility and fieldbus cycle rates that are 1.5 to 3.5 times faster. There is a simple upgrade path with step-by-step migration assistance. The controller has 16GB of internal flash memory, six digital inputs, two digital outputs, functional safety modules and an onboard HMI. “It’s exceptionally fast and powerful. It’s fully featured and versatile,” says Kollmorgen’s product management senior director, Chris Cooper. “And it’s an easy way to bring advanced automation capabilities to practically any industrial application.” The scalable controller offers simple integration with systems based on Kollmorgen’s Automation Suite and supports most third-party automation systems. Integrated tools simplify and speed network configuration, servo tuning and machine optimisation. 100Base-T connections support UDP, HTTP, Modbus, Ethernet/IP and Profinet for fast integration. Dual Ethernet ports allow systems to be configured while connected to a network. An uninterruptible real-time clock with battery backup, plus support for an external time-keeping server via NTP (network time protocol), ensures precise timing and synchronisation across axes. www.kollmorgen.com 64-axis controller promises ‘industry-leading cycle times’ Collaborative robots are ‘10 times more accurate’ than any rivals ABB claims that its GoFa collaborative robots equipped with the Ultra Accuracy function are at least ten times more accurate than any other cobot on the market
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