TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
WWW.MADEIN.IE « JUNE 2020 « 15
ABB simplifi es use of SCARA robots
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RobotStudio’s new Robot Control Mate add-on allows
users to easily commission and control SCARA robots
direct from their laptop and computers
ABB has simplifi ed the use of its popular SCARA
robots by giving users the ability to commission and
control the robots from their PC through RobotStudio,
ABB’s simulation and offl ine programming software.
Robot Control Mate is an add-on to RobotStudio,
enabling users to jog, teach and calibrate robots from
their computer, making it easier than ever to control
a SCARA robot’s movements. For the fi rst time, ABB’s
offl ine programming software can be used to control
the physical movements of a robot in real-time.Robot
Control Mate also makes robot programming possible
when a FlexPendant is not in place.
Robot Control Mate will fi rst be available on the IRB
910INV ceiling-mounted robot and will be expanded to
other robots in ABB’s portfolio later this year.
RobotStudio is the industry’s leading PC-based
solution for programming, confi guration and virtual
commissioning before installation. ABB’s off ers a
complete digital twin of physical assets or systems
on a production line. The offl ine programming tool
enables users to create, simulate and test a complete
robot installation in a virtual 3D environment without
disturbing their actual production line. This means that
new production lines can be installed faster and ramped
New valves used in ventilators
up to full speed without surprises during commissioning
– a critical competency for manufacturers given the
shift to mass customisation and shorter product life
cycles.
“Simplifying the installation, programing and
operation of robots off ers our customers so many
benefi ts, including off setting talent shortages and
helping SMEs become new robot users,” said Darren
Hung, ABB’s global product manager for small robots.
“Adding our new Robot Control Mate functionality to
RobotStudio will make it even more straightforward to
set-up robotic automation solutions, while users can
enjoy the increased fl exibility of operating their robots
from their laptops.”
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A new generation of versatile and innovative three-port
solenoid valves which off er the combination of high
fl ow rates, low leakage and low power consumption in
a miniature 10mm package and are suitable for use in
ventilators has been introduced by miniature component
specialist The Lee Company.
The novel genvi solenoid valve has been designed and
manufactured using innovative techniques and represents
a range of valves which provide outstanding application
versatility and unmatched reliability at an economical price
point.
One of the key objectives in developing the genvi
solenoid valve was to challenge the limitations of current
fl uidic technologies by allowing designers to use a
miniature, low power solenoid valve, without compromising
system-level fl ow rate requirements.
As a result the valve is capable of
achieving minimum fl ow rates of 30 to 40
SLPM at 15 psid and its spike and hold profi le
results in ultra-low power consumption
(318mW) during continuous duty operation
on air and compatible gas applications.
Crucially, this reduces system-level heating
and improves battery life making it ideal
for applications with challenging power
budgets.
In addition to high fl ow, low power consumption,
minimal leakage and extended life of at least 25 million
cycles, genvi valves are designed to provide response
times of less than 10 ms in applications with an operating
temperature range from 40ºF to 120ºF.
Typical applications for the valves include molecular
diagnostics, oxygen delivery, environmental monitors,
compression therapy, breath analysers
or wherever high fl ow and low power cannot be sacrifi ced
for size and reliability.
In addition to the genvi valve, the company’s HDi
solenoid valves are being used for the auto zero function of
pressure transducers in ventilators and its IMH relief valves
are also suitable for use in some ventilators.
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