ABB Robotics has introduced an Energy Efficiency Service that offers manufacturers consultation, analysis, and tools to enhance the energy efficiency of their robots. The service provides potential energy savings of up to 30%, addressing the challenge of high energy costs that affect the competitiveness of 58% of global manufacturers, as highlighted in a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.
“Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93 percent surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations,” said Michael Hose, Managing Director ABB Robotics Customer Service Business Line.
He added, “Our new service will identify ways to achieve these objectives by optimising robot energy efficiency, including fine-tuning performance and using the latest robot technologies.”
Traditionally, measuring the energy efficiency of industrial robots has been a complex process, requiring the monitoring of multiple electrical components. Factors such as inefficient setups, improper component sizing, overloading, and application changes have made it difficult to evaluate how a robot’s performance deviates from its original efficiency.
ABB Robotics’ Energy Efficiency Service addresses these challenges by combining its 50 years of robotics expertise with a comprehensive suite of energy measurement tools, making it easier to assess and improve the energy efficiency of robots.
This service offers three key tools: Standby Energy Optimisation, Programme Optimisation, and Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking.
The Standby Energy Optimisation tool allows customers to measure the real energy usage of their robot and controller through external monitoring. The gathered data generates a report with recommendations for energy savings and further performance adjustments.
The Programme Optimisation tool evaluates a robot’s operational program to identify areas for energy-saving improvements. By analysing backup data, it suggests adjustments such as modifying the robot’s speed or motion paths to enhance efficiency.
The Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking tool provides ongoing monitoring of energy consumption, offering comparisons with similar robots and identifying areas for performance improvements based on consumption data.
The service also includes an analysis of the benefits of upgrading to newer technologies with energy-saving features. For instance, ABB’s next-generation OmniCore robot controller offers industry-leading motion control and up to 20% energy savings through features like power regeneration technology and brake energy recovery.
This new Energy Efficiency Service is part of ABB’s broader strategy to help businesses improve sustainability by using automation to optimise processes and reduce waste.