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Operators use the OmniCore V400XT to control large robots with Robot Studio. Source: ABB Robotics
Thanks to advances in cloud computing, cognitive technologies, and artificial intelligence, industrial robots and other robots have become smarter and more capable. ABB Robotics today launched its next-generation OmniCore platform, capable of controlling most automation lines.
“For our customers, automation is a strategic requirement to drive greater flexibility, simplicity and efficiency in response to global megatrends of labor shortages, uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics. “It is.” Discrete automation business field. “Through the development of advanced mechatronics, AI and vision systems, our robots are more accessible, capable, flexible and mobile than ever before.”
“But more and more people need to work seamlessly with us and each other to get more done in more places,” he added. “That’s why we’re launching OmniCore, a new milestone in our 50-year history of robotics. A unique single control architecture – unifies all of our major hardware and software in one platform, one language.”
ABB Robotics, which has offices in Zurich and Auburn Hills, Michigan, noted that OmniCore is the result of an investment of more than $170 million. ABB Group called it “a step toward a modular, future-proof control architecture that can create the most advanced autonomous robotics applications through full integration of AI, sensors, cloud and edge computing systems.”
Marc Segura, business unit president at ABB Robotics, explained that while ABB has been offering OmniCore since 2018, the plan was always to make it a unified control platform. “Now we are at a pivotal moment where we are bringing almost our entire robotics portfolio to the forefront,” he said. robot report.
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OmniCore delivers speed and accuracy.
ABB Robotics says OmniCore provides robot path accuracy of less than 0.6 mm and can control the motion of multiple robots running at speeds of up to 1,600 mm per second (3.5 mph). It builds on ABB’s automotive manufacturing experience. It also opens up opportunities for precision automation in areas such as arc welding, cell phone display assembly, gluing, and laser cutting.
“Our automotive customers are very talented and have helped us push the boundaries of what is possible,” Segura said. “OmniCore also meets and exceeds the most stringent cybersecurity standards and is future-proofed for AI and digitalization.”
He claimed that the updated platform allows the robot to operate up to 25% faster and consume up to 20% less energy compared to previous controllers.
The platform encompasses the hardware and software ecosystem.
OmniCore is built on a scalable, modular control architecture that delivers a variety of functions, making it ideal for new industries embracing automation, such as biotechnology and construction, ABB said. It also includes more than 1,000 hardware and software features to help customers design, operate, maintain, and optimize their operations.
Segura cited software features such as Robot Studio, OptiFact, Absolute Accuracy and PickMaster Twin, as well as hardware options ranging from external axes and vision systems to fieldbuses.
“What makes OmniCore different is its ability to manage motion, sensors and application equipment in one holistic, integrated system,” he said. “Our new next-generation platform is more than a controller. “It is the backbone of value creation that includes a complete, integrated software ecosystem.”
“For example, with OmniCore, auto manufacturers can increase production speeds and gain a tremendous competitive advantage, increasing press tending production from 12 strokes per minute to 15 strokes per minute, producing 900 parts per hour,” Segura said. . “Some of these applications are now also available in pre-integrated configurations, allowing system integrators to further reduce commissioning times.”
ABB says OmniCore offers seven benefits for robot deployment and management: Source: ABB Robotics
ABB plans for compatibility across its robots.
ABB says its history of robotics innovation began in 1974 with “the world’s first microprocessor-controlled robot.” ABB launched RobotStudio software in 1998 and acquired Sevensense in 2024, bringing industry-leading AI-based navigation technology to its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). ) was purchased with ASTI in 2021.
OmniCore replaces ABB Robotics’ IRC5 controller, which will be phased out in June 2026. The company plans to continue supporting customers with spare parts and service for the remainder of the robot’s life. Do I need new hardware to upgrade?
Existing users will need minimal re-engineering of the FlexPendant’s connections, wiring and custom user interface, Segura said. “We are still compliant with all sensors used in IRC5 and have added more opportunities to the OmniCore platform,” he said.
In addition to managing motion, sensors and application equipment, OmniCore will be able to manage ABB’s collaborative robots, Segura said. “We also plan to run all of our AMRs and mobile manipulators on OmniCore in the near future,” he said.
OmniCore is now available and ABB is taking orders. The company will host a virtual conference for its new OmniCore platform on June 4, 2024, at 10:00 CEST (4:00 a.m. EDT). This will be available to those who register after the launch event.
