TPT January 2023

T E CHNOLOG Y

Autonomous mobile robot and machine technologies launched to increase efficiency

AMR business at ABB Robotics. “The integration of the ASTI AMR range and the creation of our global manufacturing and support network means we are well placed to address this growth, providing our customers with new ways to tackle their supply chain challenges and meet demands for greater flexibility and speed created by the continued rise in e-commerce.” Already supplying AMR solutions for customer projects, ABB has worked with strategic partner Expert Technology Group in the UK to deliver a complete assembly line based on AMRs for a technological start-up producing revolutionary products for EV vehicle drive train. Transporting products between robotic automation cells and manual assembly stations, ABB’s automation solution combines the use of ABB robots, vision function packages and AMRs.

of operations that the AMRs offer. The first models to be released, Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover, cover applications including towing, trolley transportation up to 2,000kg as well as lifting and transporting racks, containers and pallets of 1,500kg. Building on ASTI’s use of laser scanner-based 2D SLAM navigation, the future ABB autonomous mobile robots will also benefit from pioneering VSLAM technology of Seven sense Robotics – a Swiss start-up in ABB’s portfolio of partner companies – that enables mobile robots to navigate complex and dynamic environments. This unique technology opens new possibilities for flexible manufacturing – AI that makes ABB’s AMRs as autonomous as its robotic arms, while making work more productive and safer for people. “The market for autonomous mobile robots is set to grow significantly, with an annual growth rate of approximately 24 per cent between 2021 and 2028,” said Verónica Pascual, global head of

ABB HAS launched its first range of rebranded autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) following its acquisition of mobile robot leader ASTI Mobile Robotics in 2021. Since adding AMRs to its portfolio, ABB has a comprehensive offering of robots, AMRs and machine automation solutions. “At a time when businesses are looking for a range of robotic solutions to help make them more efficient, flexible and resilient, we are the only company supporting them with our integrated offering of AMRs, robots, and machine automation technologies,” said Marc Segura, president for ABB’s robotics division. “Our customers can work with one partner offering everything they need to adapt to the opportunities and challenges driven by individualisation, labour shortages and disrupted supply chains.” ASTI Mobile Robotics’ solutions are now rebranded and integrated into ABB’s portfolio, grouped under the Flexley™ name, indicating the flexibility

ABB amr.robotics.abb.com

High speed, precise tube straightening machines for tubes up to 300mm in diameter

that it can be useful to combine existing older feeding and discharging systems with the heart – a modern Bültmann tube straightening machine – in order to save costs and still be at the cutting edge of technology. Bültmann straightening machines are tailored exactly to the customer’s requirements and planned and commissioned as a complete unit in combination with the components provided by the customer. Ten-roll tube straighteners can be used for tube diameters from 3 to 300mm or can also be individually designed according to customer requirements. The most recently supplied Bültmann 10-roll tube straightening machines produce without exception in straightening speed ranges of 180 to 240m/min. Specially tailored feed and discharge devices in conjunction with adapted drive concepts also meet these requirements. Advanced “machine intelligence” together with Industry 4.0 features also improve availabilities and minimise downtimes. Operator independence is made possible in conjunction with intelligent recipe control, thus ensuring flexible use.

INCREASED demands on the straightening quality of precision tubes is now a requirement from manufacturers that is safely covered by Bültmann 10 roll tube straighteners. Ensuring these high qualities, even at significantly higher throughput rates of straightening speeds, is the current challenge in the precision tube sector. Integration into existing finishing lines, which is just as possible as the supply of new complete lines, demonstrates

Bültmann straightening machines are tailored exactly to the customer’s requirements

Bültmann GmbH www.bueltmann.com

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JANUARY 2023