Next Generation Safety Certified Robot Monitoring Software

ABB Robotics (Auburn Hills, MI), is pleased to announce the launch of SafeMove2, the latest generation of their safety certified robot monitoring software. It delivers greater flexibility, space savings and cutting edge commissioning tools for greater productivity at a lower total investment cost. This, combined with unsurpassed safety, enables closer collaboration between robots and factory workers.

Like the original SafeMove, first introduced in 2008, it includes a host of cutting-edge safety functions, including safe speed limits, safe standstill monitoring, safe axis ranges and position and orientation supervision.  The new generation functionality encourages the development of innovative robot applications by integrating safety features directly into the robot controller.

“To be efficient, robots must be able to move at speeds suited to the given application. At high speeds this can present a potential hazard for people working in the immediate vicinity. Historically, fences or cages have been used to separate man from machine in an effort to keep them out of harm’s way,” stated Dr. Hui Zhang, the head of product management at ABB Robotics. “SafeMove2 allows robots and operators to work more closely together by restricting robot motion to precisely what is needed for a specific application.”

The software allows for the creation of more efficient and flexible production scenarios, and provides tools that speed the commissioning workflow for faster setup and validation. It also integrates safety fieldbus connectivity into the IRC5 robot controller family, as well as the IRC5 single, compact and paint controllers.

With SafeMove2 the tools to facilitate collaboration between man and machine are a reality. For example, if an operator needs to interact with the robot system, safety sensors can be incorporated into the robot cell to detect the person’s presence. After detected, it will either supervise the robot’s speed or monitor it while it is standing still. Once the person clears the zone, the robot can resume operation. The end result is less down time and increased productivity. The efficiency and flexibility gained from these enhanced collaboration solutions contribute to the integrated ecosystem which ABB calls the Internet of Things, services and people.

ABB Robotics, is a leading supplier of industrial robots that also provides 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, metal fabrication and the machine tool industries. The company has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide.

ABB Robotics – North America, 1250 Brown Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326-1507, 248-391-9000, www.abb.com/robotics.