ABB Robotics has rolled out an Energy Efficiency Service, offering manufacturers a comprehensive package of consultation, analysis, and tools to enhance the energy efficiency of their robots. The service promises up to 30% energy savings, addressing the high energy costs that impede the competitiveness of 58% of global manufacturers, as revealed in a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.
Michael Hose, managing director of ABB Robotics Customer Service Business Line, stated, “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.”
Key Features of the Energy Efficiency Service
Traditionally, assessing the energy efficiency of industrial robots has been a complex task, involving the measurement of multiple electrical components. It has also been challenging to gauge the impact of factors such as inefficient setup, component sizing, overloading, and application changes that can alter a robot’s original performance. ABB Robotics’ Energy Efficiency Service addresses these challenges by combining ABB’s 50 years of industrial robotics experience with a suite of energy measurement tools, providing an easy way to assess and optimize robot energy efficiency.
The suite features three main tools – Standby Energy Optimization, Program Optimization, and Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking. These tools provide an external measurement of energy consumption, analyze a robot’s operating program to highlight areas for improvement, and enable continuous monitoring of robot energy consumption and comparison, respectively.
The Impact of Upgrading to New Generation Technologies
The service also offers an analysis of the impact of upgrading to new generation technologies that offer energy-saving features. For instance, ABB’s next-generation OmniCore robot controller provides best-in-class motion control and a 20% energy saving through features including power re-generation technology and brake energy recovery.
Reducing energy consumption is crucial for businesses looking to lower costs and enhance sustainability, especially within the manufacturing sector. ABB Robotics’ Energy Efficiency Service not only addresses the pressing issue of high energy costs but also provides manufacturers with the tools and expertise needed to optimize their energy usage and improve overall operational efficiency.
