ABB robots with "iterative learning" for high precision laser cutting

Citation

(2002), "ABB robots with "iterative learning" for high precision laser cutting", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929baf.004

ABB robots with "iterative learning" for high precision laser cutting

Keywords: Robots, Lasers, Cutting

ABB, has launched a high-precision robot- based system for laser cutting which offers up to ten times more precision than other robots on the market today.

The New ABB system offers manufacturers cutting precision own to 0.1 mm using a standard medium-sized robot. Under normal circumstances a small, specialised robot (or more likely an expensive and inflexible numerical-controlled machine) would be needed to achieve that level of precision.

ABB's system integrates an updated version of S4C computerised control system – the S4Cplus – with a standard medium-sized robot. The S4Cplus Robot Control System incorporates a highly advanced dynamic model of the mechanical characteristics of the robot arm which allows the controller to work ahead of the arm anticipating the next move that the arm must make to complete the task – and this guarantees a more precise outcome.

ABB researchers have worked in close cooperation with control experts at the University of Linkoping in Sweden to develop "iterative learning" algorithms that are combined with the dynamic robot models. These tackle two main problems that have previously hindered the effectiveness of robot cutting machines – that laser cutting robots tend to be accurate only in a small part of their operating envelope and that although they may be good at cutting at a fixed point it is difficult to ensure that they continue to cut accurately as they move.

The system is iterative which means that as the robot controller goes about its work it is gathering more information and making more measurements so that it continually improves its performance and remains on precise track. The system comes with IndustrialIT software packages for cutting called CutWare, and for 3D components, called ShapeWare. It can also be coupled with ABB's IndustrialIT simulation software, RobotStudio which allows users to simulate a robot's actions onscreen without taking it offline.

ABB believes that the system will offer cost savings to industry of up to 50 per cent simply by giving manufacturers the choice of a more flexible and less expensive cutting machine. The new controller will be of particular interest to manufacturers and the automotive, metal fabrication and plastic parts industries.

For further information please contact: David Marshall, ABB, Auriga House, Precendent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8PQ UK. Tel. +44 (0) 1908 350300; Fax. +44 (0) 1908 350301; E-mail: david.marshall@gb.abb.com