ABB Robotics launches Energy Efficiency Service for manufacturers

Efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important to industrial automation users. ABB Robotics today launched an Energy Efficiency Service to provide manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis, and tools to increase the energy efficiency of their robots.

The service offers up to 30% energy savings, claimed the company. It noted that high energy costs hinder the competitiveness of 58% of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.

“Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93% surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations.” said Michael Hose, managing director of ABB Robotics’ customer service business line.

“Our new service will identify ways to achieve these objectives by optimizing robot energy efficiency, including fine-tuning performance and using the latest robot technologies,” he said.

Measuring energy waste has been challenging

Gauging the energy efficiency of industrial robots has traditionally been a complex task, involving measuring multiple electrical components, said ABB Robotics. It has also been difficult to gauge the impact of factors such as inefficient setup, component sizing, overloading, and application changes that can affect a robot’s performance.

ABB Robotics said its Energy Efficiency Service will address these challenges by combining its 50 years of industrial robotics experience with a suite of energy measurement tools. The company said its goal is to provide an easy way to assess and optimize robot power efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Service includes three tools

The suite features three main tools: Standby Energy Optimization, Program Optimization, and Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking.

Customers can use the external Standby Energy Optimization tool to assess the real energy consumption of their robots and controllers. ABB uses data gathered by the tool to generate a report with advice on ways to save energy and recommendations for further steps for fine-tuning performance.    

The Program Optimization tool analyzes a robot’s operating program to highlight areas where improvements can be made to save energy. Using backup data from the robot, the tool identifies measures such as adjusting the robot’s programmed speed or motion paths that can improve performance and reduce energy. 

The Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking tool enables continuous monitoring of robot energy consumption and comparison, said ABB. It provides data on energy consumption with recommendations for improving performance and comparisons with robots in similar applications.

ABB Robotics to analyze upgrades

The new Energy Efficiency Service can also provide an analysis on the effects of upgrading to new technologies offering energy-saving features.

For instance, ABB asserted that its next-generation OmniCore robot controller offers best-in-class motion control, as well as 20% energy savings through features including power re-generation technology and brake energy recovery.

“The Energy Efficiency Service is the latest development in ABB’s strategy to help businesses to transform their sustainability by using automation to optimize processes and minimize waste,” said the company.

Editor’s note: John Bubnikovich, president of ABB Robotics U.S., will participate in a keynote panel on “Driving the Future of Robotics Innovation” at RoboBusiness 2024, which will be on Oct. 16 and 17 in Santa Clara, Calif. Register now to attend.

Register now.