Displaying items by tag: abb

ABB Robotics has launched an industry leading, pioneering software solution to transform speed and accuracy in electronics assembly. Packed with 50 years of software expertise, ABB’s High Speed Alignment software is the first to offer manufacturers the ability to increase the speed of 6-axis robots by 70 percent, and accuracy by 50 percent – significantly reducing time-to-market while increasing accuracy levels.

• High-Speed Alignment software uses vision technology to deliver breakthrough 70 percent increase in speed and 50 percent increase in accuracy
• Software adds to electronics manufacturing portfolio that includes new variant of ABB’s IRB 1300 with cleanroom option and IP54 IRB 920T SCARA robots

The PC-based software includes Visual Servoing technology using one or more cameras, combined with a computer vision system, to control the position of the robot relative to the workpiece. As the robot is moving, the cameras capture images continuously, while the computer vision system takes the information, cross checks and adjusts the robotic movements to deliver 0.01 to 0.02 millimeter precision.

Rui Liang, Managing Director for ABB’s Robotics Electronics business line said “Sales of smartphones, wearables and other high-tech devices are growing and advances in electronics are gathering pace. As devices become smaller and more powerful, new automation solutions are required to quickly and accurately place components, ensuring that production can keep pace with demand while maintaining the highest levels of product quality.”

ABB’s articulated 6-axis robots are highly flexible for handling complex tasks in tight spaces and can perform a variety of meticulous placement tasks. The High Speed Alignment software was developed to find the perfect balance between speed and accuracy.

Along with effortless commissioning and tuning, system integrators and manufacturers can benefit from a reduction in deployment time – down from an entire shift of eight to just one hour.  Minimal programming experience is required, as the software is easy-to-use and has an intuitive user interface. Additionally, the software is compatible with a wide range of cameras, and IRC5 and OmniCore robot controllers, allowing system integrators to adapt existing installations.

“Our latest innovation to the RobotWare family, the High Speed Alignment software enables electronic manufacturers to increase productivity by 70% while maintaining 0.01-0.02 mm accuracy levels. This is a breakthrough technology for the electronics assembly market,” concludes Liang.

The software is compatible with ABB’s IRB 1100 and IRB 120 industrial robots. More information and access to RobotWare High Speed Alignment can be found here https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/application-software/assembly/high-speed-alignment..

Alongside its software portfolio, ABB robotics continues to expand its robot portfolio for electronics manufacturing with its IRB 1300 new variant and the IRB 920T SCARA new options. The new IRB 1300 combines a high payload of 12 kilograms and a reach of 1.4 meters, allowing it to handle more and heavier objects at the same time, enabling more products to be produced per hour and increasing productivity.  ABB’s IRB 920T SCARA robot includes new options with IP54 and Cleanroom, ensuring stable production in dusty, wet, and cleanroom environments.  For more information, visit https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/industrial-robots/irb-1300 and https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/industrial-robots/irb-920t.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation is a pioneer in robotics, machine automation and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a diverse range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. As one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we have shipped more than 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to increase productivity, flexibility and simplicity and to improve output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs more than 11,000 people at over 100 locations in more than 53 countries. www.abb.com/robotics

ABB has just released the 2/2022 edition of ABB Review, the company’s technical journal. ABB Review has been in continuous publication since 1914, making it one of the longest-running corporate journals of any kind. A perennial source of technical inspiration and education, ABB Review presents some of the company’s most cutting-edge innovations across scientific and technological domains in a raft of commercial and industrial contexts, setting out the unique point of view of ABB researchers, engineers and technicians on key technology trends and topics. Recent editions have covered subjects like logistics, assets and connectivity and machines with intelligence.   

• New issue charts some of the most exciting innovations in the ABB Ability^TM portfolio of digital solutions 
• Articles from ABB experts examine key use cases for the industrial Internet of Things (IoT) in enabling better decision-making at scale 
• Readers are invited to provide their feedback on future editorial directions for the journal

The new issue focuses squarely on the ABB Ability portfolio of solutions, a collection of more than 170 industrial IoT offerings from ABB serving commercial and industrial customers in a wide range of settings. Combining software innovation with connectivity, ABB Ability helps the company’s customers to undertake billions of better decisions across the enterprise to drive greater productivity, enhance agility and lower emissions. Some of the stories in the new edition of the journal touch on the role of the industrial IoT in empowering improved marine navigation, water management, asset performance management and energy efficiency.

“I am pleased that this quarter’s edition of ABB Review is dedicated to all things ABB Ability,” writes ABB CEO Björn Rosengren in the issue’s opening pages. “Whether it’s enabling more autonomous operations in oceangoing vessels, tapping into the potential of digital switchgear and real-time energy management, or using machine learning and edge-based analytics to optimize performance in asset-intensive industries, ABB Ability solutions are powering new ways to work for safer, smarter and more sustainable operations.”

Though ABB Review is one of the longest-running corporate technical magazines in the world, it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its broad readership. For example, a few years ago, the Review’s editorial staff freshened the look of the journal with a more reader-friendly presentation of stories, engaging graphics and strong visuals. Now the team is again looking at how the needs and preferences of today’s readership have changed. Do they want to receive ABB Review more frequently? Do they prefer to read it online or in print form? Are there any topics in which readers are especially interested? To better understand this evolving landscape, readers are invited to complete a short survey that can help steer editorial decisions for future issues of ABB Review.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com 

Global technology company ABB has installed ABB Ability™ System 800xA®, the market-leading distributed control system (DCS) automation platform, to upgrade three grinding units at Star Super Cement in Dubai, UAE, and ensure optimized operations with the Star Cement clinkerization plant in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

• ABB installs state-of-the-art distributed control system (DCS) automation platform at Star Super Cement cement grinding plants in UAE
• Upgrade to central processing units brings uniformity across Star Cement clinkerization plant as well as Star Cement grinding plants in the Middle East to lower maintenance downtime
• ABB has also installed the latest generation automation controllers for high availability of control applications at the Ultratech Cement subsidiaries

Star Cement and Star Super Cement are subsidiaries of Ultratech Cement, India and operate a 3 million tons per annum (tpa) clinkerization unit at Ras Al Khaimah, four cement grinding units of 2.2 million tpa unit at Jabel Ali, 1.4 million tpa unit at Abu Dhabi and 1.1 million tpa unit at Ajman in UAE as well as a 1 million tpa grinding unit in Bahrain.

ABB was the electrical and automation partner for the Star Cement clinkerization plant ten years ago and had deployed ABB’s DCS for three cement grinding units when these plants were installed. Each grinding unit had a different generation of DCS depending on the plant commissioning period. All grinding units have now been upgraded to ABB Ability System 800xA which can implement advanced process control methods and is ranked by the ARC advisory group as the world’s #1 DCS platform over the last 22 years.

“Star Cement will benefit from improved operator visibility, easier maintenance and minimum downtime with the new upgraded systems and uniformity across the various clinkerization and grinding unit locations,” said Max Tschurtschenthaler, Global Cement Lead, ABB Process Industries. “We are pleased to have built on our longstanding relationship. The successful upgrade of three different systems to the latest platform will ensure overall interoperability and ease of operations.”

“It has always been a fruitful experience working with ABB PI team,” said TVS Chidambaram, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cement. “The DCS upgrade project handled by ABB ran very smoothly and barely disturbed the organization’s ongoing activities. Well planned engineering and installation works during a holiday period helped us to continue our sales without any disturbance. We’re now in a much better position for future operations.”

The scope of work undertaken by ABB included the upgrade of all previously installed central processing units (CPUs) and controllers to the latest version of ABB Ability System 800xA. The project also involved the complete erection and installation for the new panels while keeping the field wiring intact. Minerals libraries were introduced to the system. Project panels were manufactured and delivered locally.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB Process Automation is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our #1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations.

ABB has upgraded its extensive range of High Dynamic Performance (HDP) induction motors. This creates new opportunities for machine-building OEMs seeking motor and drive solutions with excellent dynamic response and high power density. The motors are typically used in plastic and rubber extrusion, injection molding, winders, lifting, conveyors, test benches and machine tools.

• High Dynamic Performance (HDP) motors have been upgraded to offer even higher power density and a broader scope for machinery applications
• Motors are offered as part of a complete package with variable speed drives (VSDs) for precise control and maneuvering capabilities

The upgraded HDP motor range enables ABB to offer machine builders frame sizes between 80 and 400, and output capacities up to 2 megawatts (MW) – as well as alternative variants such as high-speed and water-cooled motors. The motors are designed for use with a VSD and ABB can provide matching motor and VSD packages across the frame-size range.

“ABB is well known for its optimized motor and VSD packages that provide precise motor control and maneuvering capabilities in a wide variety of general industrial applications,” said Marcus Westerlund, Product Manager, Special Motors at ABB. “The HDP motors now bring the same advantages to machine builders who need the extra boost in power provided by a high-torque design and exceptional power density.”

High power density benefits both retrofits and new build machinery

Machine builders can capitalize on the high power density of HDP motors in two ways. They can retrofit an existing machine with a more powerful replacement motor to boost performance; or they could select a more compact, yet equally powerful motor when designing a new machine to reduce its footprint.

Low inertia and high overload capacity

HDP motors are designed to enable fast motion control and high maneuvering precision due to their low inertia and high overload capacity. Low-inertia motors are ideal for applications requiring fast changes in rotational direction to enable, for example, faster back-and-forth machine motion.

Easy installation

ABB has prioritized ease of installation as an integral element of the HDP design. That makes it easy to install a replacement HDP motor into an existing machine without excessive engineering work. Furthermore, ABB has considered simplicity in everything from accessible connection points to installation of accessories, such as cooling fans, encoders and brakes, whether from ABB or a third party.

Customization

The upgraded HDP motor range includes all the commonly-requested frame sizes and technology variants such as water-cooled, high-speed and megawatt-class alternatives to allow ABB to meet most machine-building requirements without extended delivery times. Should the standard design not meet a machine builder’s specific needs then it can be customized.

HDP motors are compliant with the IEC 60034 standard and suitable for unrestricted global use. Worldwide technical support is provided to OEMs and end users through ABB’s global services organization.

To learn more about ABB’s high dynamic performance motors: https://new.abb.com/motors-generators/iec-low-voltage-motors/high-dynamic-performance-motors

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com 

ABB Motion keeps the world turning - while saving energy every day. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to enable the low-carbon future for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services our customers and partners achieve better performance, safety and reliability. We offer a combination of domain expertise and technology to deliver the optimum drive and motor solution for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Through our global presence we are always close to serve our customers. Building on over 130 years of cumulative experience in electric powertrains, we learn and improve every day.

ABB has been awarded a major contract by NatureWorks, the world’s leading manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA), a low-carbon bioplastic made from renewable agricultural resources, to automate their new, greenfield plant in Thailand, converting sugar cane to the polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer, Ingeo^TM.

• ABB technology to automate NatureWorks’ new bioplastics plant in Thailand helping to meet the increasing global market demand for sustainable materials
• The new site is set to produce 75,000 tons of Ingeo™ PLA biopolymer per year – integrated process from fermentation to polymerization enhances supply chain reliability
• ABB technology will help improve energy and production efficiency of bioplastic manufacturing, expected to grow over 260 percent by 2026

The new plant in Thailand, will ferment and distill plant-based sugars – in a process similar to making beer or wine – converting the sugars first to lactic acid, then lactide and then polymerize them into Ingeo. In the new site, these three separate production processes will be fully integrated, resulting in significant improvements in energy and production efficiency. In addition, the integration of the fermentation phase will secure the supply of lactic acid. The Thailand facility will use sugarcane as feedstock and is set to produce 75,000 tons of sustainable plastic per year when fully operational. The anticipated projected startup for this greenfield facility is in the second half of 2024.

ABB’s scope of work is a two-part order including a FEED (front end engineering design) study followed by detailed automation project execution, with ABB acting as the Main Automation Contractor. ABB will deliver the hardware, software, control room design solutions, engineering, and site support to fully develop NatureWorks’ greenfield system. ABB’s market leading distributed control system Ability^TM System 800xA will maximize plant efficiency and reliability through automation. Leveraging this technology, ABB will integrate inputs from all key systems into one single user-friendly overview. As a result, operators will be able to utilize data insights from all areas of the plant, delivered in real time, to drive efficiency, reduce risk and ensure production optimization.

The project will apply State Based Controls (SBC), enabling operators to take fewer interactions to start up a unit and reduce risk by having access to the right information at the right time. In addition, ABB’s automated engineering batch application tool will be implemented for this project.

“ABB’s global presence, especially in the US and Thailand, combined with their deep expertise in the chemical industry, leading automation solutions, and design optimization approach, makes them the obvious choice for a partner to help achieve meaningful progress in our new plant,” said Steven Bray, Vice President of Operations and Project Program Manager at NatureWorks. “We also share a joint vision when it comes to resource efficiency, circular economy and sustainability.”

Part of NatureWorks’ global expansion plan, the plant will help meet the growing global demand for sustainable materials. Bioplastics today represent less than 1 percent of all plastic produced globally but production is expected to grow over 260 percent between 2020 and 2026^[1].

Ingeo, an innovative material with unique properties that all begin with greenhouse gases, is an eco-friendly, biobased material used in a wide-range of plastic and fiber products from compostable food packaging - coffee capsules, tea bags, food containers – to 3D printing filament, diapers, and even refrigerator liners. Compared to traditional fossil-based polymers, manufacturing Ingeo produces approximately 80 percent less greenhouse gases and uses 52 percent less non-renewable energy.

“We are proud to support NatureWorks in addressing the increasing demand for sustainable high-performance materials and helping maximize both energy and production efficiency in the new facility,” said Brandon Spencer, President, ABB Energy Industries. “Our project with NatureWorks is perfectly aligned with our 2030 Sustainability Strategy and driving more sustainable use of our planet’s resources through innovative solutions that help reshape industries and enable a low-carbon society.”

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. www.go.abb/processautomation 

^[1] https://www.european-bioplastics.org/market/

A new version of ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists has been launched by global technology company ABB to meet the need for increased digitalization in the mining industry. The upgraded digital service enables condition based maintenance and a higher level of performance optimization through more sophisticated predictive analytics.

• Digital service ensures effective monitoring of hoists and their performance to boost customer uptime and productivity
• User-friendly interfaces and cloud-based dashboard application enable quick analysis and greater insights into hoist operations
• KPI settings based on customer and ABB experts’ inputs will help prevent operations from unexpected, time-consuming and costly shutdowns

ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists 3.1 ensures early detection of hoist abnormality in operations and builds on previous versions to improve uptime, availability, performance and productivity of mine hoists by providing actionable information on key performance indicators (KPIs). Hosted on the ABB Ability™ Edgenius dashboard application, ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists enables quick analysis and insights into any plant operation.

The new version offers new KPI settings based on customer and ABB experts’ inputs. New KPIs can be set for service hoist availability, hoist cycle statistics, EMS statistics, brake caliper spring operation times, accumulator pre-charge pressure, deceleration variation, guide rope tension, creep distance and clutching time. Cyber security assessments and solutions for protecting customer data are included.

Predictive analysis of a mine hoist’s condition prevents operations from unexpected, time-consuming and costly shutdowns. Data is automatically collected, segregated and managed, then securely monitored and analyzed to generate actionable insights that can help increase production performance, identify safety hazards and provide optimized maintenance scheduling. ABB experts can analyze the data so that potential problems are identified before they occur, and necessary actions can be made at the right time. This improves the availability of the equipment and the overall safety of mining operations.

“ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists is a key solution and service for harnessing digitalization for optimum condition health, safety, productivity and to support the remote operation of mine hoists. This latest version creates an even more cyber secure bridge between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) for mine hoist customers. It is an improved product, offering better insights with more KPIs and enables faster response to failure detection through mail notifications,” said Bengt Hedlund, Global Service Manager Hoisting at ABB. “As the industry looks to make operations more environmentally sustainable, digital services which support remote operation, such ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists, can also play a major role in reducing CO₂ emissions and removing the need for on-site service maintenance visits.”

ABB offers safe, optimized and fit-for-purpose hoisting solutions designed by mining engineering teams, and has more than 130 years of experience in hoisting with more than 1,000 hoisting solutions installed worldwide. Digitally connected with ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists, ABB hoisting solutions provides highest availability and productivity.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our #1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations.

ABB will showcase its latest advanced automated handling and robotics solutions at MACH 2022 (NEC Birmingham, 4-8 April), including a high payload collaborative robot, machine tending systems to suit every production need and a magnetic levitation-based conveyance system.

Stand 18-310 will feature an example of one of ABB’s latest robotic machine tending solutions. The ABB FlexLoader M for AGV, is a fully automated feeder for automated guided vehicles. Handling all types of workpieces, it can pick straight from the pallet brought to it by the AGV.

ABB’s complete range of FlexLoader M automated machine tending solutions will be shown on the stand in a series of videos and displays, with solutions designed to suit every need, from simple applications to advanced tasks. Today customers are demanding greater choice and customizability with quick delivery times. ABB’s FlexLoader M range accommodates this by enhancing machine utilization, flexibility and responding fast to batch size one, high mix and low volume production. Fast to program and user friendly, no robotic expertise is required making it easy to fine-tune when business needs change over a period.  

There will also be a presentation on ABB FlexArc® robotic welding cells, complete robot systems that are available in several flexible, modular packages, offering the best combination of price and performance for custom-built welding.

ABB's FlexLoader™ M Tray

ABB’s latest high-capacity collaborative robot, GoFa will be present on the stand. Designed as a collaborative partner for a wide range of applications, GoFa offers a 5kg payload and a class-leading 950 mm reach. With a top speed of 2.2 m/s, GoFa is faster than other cobots in its class, while also offering easy programming and a high degree of built-in safety.

Visitors to the stand will see GoFa in action alongside ACOPOS 6D; a revolutionary new handling system that uses magnetically levitating shuttles to carry products and materials to processing stations, eliminating mechanical wear and speeding up transit times. ACOPOS 6D uses a variety of magnetic shuttles to carry payloads of 0.6 to 14 kilograms, reaching speeds of up to 2 m/s. They can move freely in two-dimensional space, rotate and tilt along three axes and offer precise control over the height of levitation. Offering six degrees of motion control freedom, the shuttles can be precisely positioned to within ±5 µm, making ACOPOS 6D perfectly suited for applications with strict positioning requirements.

“The ability to achieve faster, more flexible manufacturing is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to maximize their productivity and competitiveness,” explains Matthew Rollins, Business Development Manager for ABB Robotics in UK and Ireland. “The solutions on display on our stand are part of a wider portfolio of products and systems that can help companies to take advantage of the real growth opportunities presented by automation.

For more information, visit https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation is a pioneer in robotics, machine automation and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a diverse range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. As one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we have shipped more than 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to increase productivity, flexibility and simplicity and to improve output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs more than 11,000 people at over 100 locations in more than 53 countries. go.abb/robotics

ABB has just released the findings of a new global study^[1] of international business and technology leaders on industrial transformation, looking at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. The study, “Billions of better decisions: industrial transformation’s new imperative,” examines the current take-up of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential for improving energy efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and driving change. The goal of the new ABB research is to spur discussion within industry regarding opportunities to leverage the Industrial IoT and empower companies and workers to make better decisions that can benefit both sustainability and the bottom line.

“Sustainability goals more and more are a crucial driver of business value and company reputation, and Industrial IoT solutions are playing an increasingly important role in helping enterprises achieve safe, smart and sustainable operations,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Process Automation business area. “Unlocking insights hidden in operational data holds the key to enabling literally billions of better decisions throughout industry and acting upon them, with significant gains in productivity, reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact.”

The study, commissioned by ABB, found that an organization’s “future competitiveness” is the single greatest factor – cited by 46 percent of respondents – in industrial companies’ increased focus on sustainability. Yet while 96 percent of global decision-makers view digitalization as “essential to sustainability,” only 35 percent of surveyed firms have implemented Industrial IoT solutions at scale. This gap shows that while many of today’s industrial leaders recognize the important relationship between digitalization and sustainability, the adoption of relevant digital solutions to enable better decisions and achieve sustainability goals needs to accelerate in sectors like manufacturing, energy, buildings and transport.

Further key learnings from the study

• 71 percent of respondents reported greater priority given to sustainability objectives as a result of the pandemic
• 72 percent said they are “somewhat” or “significantly” increasing spending on Industrial IoT due to sustainability
• 94 percent of respondents agreed the Industrial IoT “enables better decisions, improving overall sustainability”
• 57 percent of respondents indicated the Industrial IoT has had a “significant positive effect” on operational decision-making
• Perceived cybersecurity vulnerabilities are the #1 barrier to improving sustainability through the Industrial IoT

Win-win scenarios with the Industrial IoT

With 63 percent of executives surveyed strongly agreeing that sustainability is good for their company’s bottom line, and 58 percent also strongly agreeing it delivers immediate business value, it’s clear that sustainability and traditional priorities of Industry 4.0 efforts – speed, innovation, productivity, efficiency, customer-centricity – are increasingly intertwined, opening up win-win scenarios for companies looking to drive efficiency and productivity while making strides on climate change.

“The International Energy Agency^[2] estimates that industry accounts for more than 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions today,” said Terwiesch. “If we are to reach climate objectives such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, industrial organizations need to implement digital solutions as part of their sustainability strategies. Embracing these technologies at all levels – from the boardroom to the facility floor – is key, as every member of the industrial workforce can become a better decision-maker when it comes to sustainability.”

ABB innovations for sustainability

ABB is committed to leading with technology to enable a low-carbon society and a more sustainable world. Over the past two years, ABB has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by more than 25 percent. As part of its Sustainability strategy 2030, ABB expects to be fully carbon neutral by decade’s end and to support its global customers in reducing their annual CO2 emissions by at least 100 megatons by 2030, the equivalent of removing 30 million combustion cars from the roads each year.

ABB’s investments in digital capabilities are core to this commitment. With more than 70 percent of ABB’s R&D resources dedicated to digital and software innovations, and a robust ecosystem of digital partners, including Microsoft, IBM and Ericsson, the company has established a leading presence in Industrial IoT.

The ABB Ability^TM portfolio of digital solutions enables a host of industrial use cases to power improvements in energy efficiency, resource conservation and circularity, including condition monitoring, asset health and management, predictive maintenance, energy management, simulation and virtual commissioning, remote support and collaborative operations. Examples of ABB’s more than 170 Industrial IoT solutions include ABB Ability^TM Genix industrial analytics and AI suite; ABB Ability^TM Energy and Asset Manager; ABB Ability^TM Condition Monitoring for Powertrains; and ABB Ability^TM Connected Services for industrial robots. To learn more about ABB Ability, visit: https://global.abb/topic/ability/en

To continue the conversation on this important topic, ABB will host an industry webinar on Wednesday, March 2, focused on the convergence of digitalization and sustainability, and how the Industrial IoT and related technologies can help save energy, conserve resources, and improve safety for personnel and communities. Leading technology journalist and climate investor Molly Wood will moderate this virtual panel discussion featuring senior executives, best-selling authors and other thought leaders to explore this convergence and how industrial organizations can empower better, more sustainable decision-making throughout the enterprise. 

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

Global technology company ABB has helped Atalaya Mining to optimize mill availability and performance by combining its gearless mill drive (GMD) with ongoing lifecycle management support and a digital condition monitoring solution through a long-term service agreement (LTSA).

• ABB technology has helped Atalaya Mining to optimize SAG mill availability and performance at Project Riotinto, Andalucía
• Digital solution ABB Ability™ Predictive Maintenance for grinding is part of the service for the ABB gearless mill drive (GMD) on site
• ABB is following a long-term service agreement (LTSA) with Atalaya Mining, supported by a dedicated lifecycle manager to ensure optimized operations and continuous maintenance improvements

The mining company, which produces copper concentrates and silver by-product at its Project Riotinto site in the Andalucía region of southwest Spain, uses an ABB GMD, the most powerful mill drive system on the market. It is considered as the ‘workhorse’ for grinding operations, providing reliability and availability for processing plants such as Riotinto, which has a processing capacity of up to 15 Mtpa.

After its recent expansion, Riotinto mine increased its annual copper production target to approximately 55,000 tonnes per year. The ABB long-term service agreement (LTSA) with an ABB Lifecycle Manager has supported a production record at the mine in 2020 and production was approximately the same in 2021.

Through the service program, Atalaya Mining benefits from lifecycle management to plan, coordinate and execute services, including corrective, preventive and predictive system maintenance with rapid response to emergency calls and an adaptive approach to meet modifications in production, maintenance or shutdown schedules. This means minimizing the risk of costly unscheduled downtime, extending the life of installed systems and optimizing process performance.

At the same time, ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for grinding, a digital condition monitoring solution to maintain, assess and analyze GMD systems and increase safety through continuous checks, has been deployed. It considers past and real-time data to anticipate maintenance requirements and to avoid unplanned production downtime.

Overall, the LTSA maximizes availability, optimizes asset performance and facilitates safe operation of the equipment through a single-point-of-contact, ABB’s Remote Diagnostic Services, routine maintenance and upgrades.

“The combination of ABB GMD design, the continuous monitoring and the use of ABB Ability™ Predictive Maintenance for grinding means that the system is working at its highest efficiency,” said Dimitris Fotiadis, Head of Lifecycle Care, ABB. “ABB will continue to support Atalaya Mining through machine operation and routine maintenance over the long term.”

ABB has provided more than 150 gearless mill drives to customers around the world over the last 50 years. ABB gearless mill drives draw on the ABB distributed control system, ABB Ability™ System 800xA and offer advanced mill control functions including frozen charge detection, frozen charge remover, controlled rollback, automatic positioning and advanced monitoring.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our #1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations.

Global technology company ABB has today launched its Tundish EMS solution to enable steelmakers to overcome the limited ability of the tundish vessel in controlling the flow of molten metal, and therefore steel quality and temperature.

• ABB’s new Tundish EMS (electromagnetic stirring) offering will improve quality, productivity and profitability in billet and bloom casting and metal powder production
• The new technology enables steel plant operators to overcome challenges of controlling flow, steel quality and temperature in tundish not yet solved by furniture systems
• Solution will match the industry’s higher requirements for steel cleanliness

Tundish EMS is placed on the outside of the tundish and uses non-contact electromagnetic stirring technology to generate an electromagnetic field that creates a stirring effect in the bath melt. This continuous stirring significantly increases mixing zone volume for virtually the entire tundish, with higher flow speeds, elimination of dead zones and homogenization of temperature.

Adoption of this electromagnetic stirring technology will be particularly important for steelmakers with multiple casting strands coming from one tundish. It will mean greater removal of inclusions, resulting in smoother, cleaner steel and reductions in nozzle clogging.

By creating a stirring flow throughout the entire tundish melt bath, Tundish EMS delivers rapid homogenization of temperature and chemical composition that results in better quality steel, more uniform and repeatable casting conditions across multiple strands and overall improved quality, productivity and profitability in billet and bloom casting and metal powder production.

“The new Tundish EMS is a result of ABB’s know-how in stirrer design and unrivalled process insight gained from thousands of installations as well as track record in collaborative product development,” said Zaeim Mehraban, Global Sales Manager, Metallurgy Products at ABB. “It allows steelmakers to overcome a challenge that tundish furniture has not yet been able to solve. As well as increasing quality, productivity and profitability, Tundish EMS uses non-contact electromagnetic stirring technology which extends lifespan and means almost no maintenance is required.”

Tundish EMS offers several new functionalities including flexibility in stirring force and direction and the ability to stir and control the flow field in the whole melt volume of the tundish. This means that steelmakers no longer have to rely solely on the limited ability of tundish furnishings for control of molten metal flow, where often significant dead zones lead to temperature variations and where smaller inclusions or inclusion clusters cannot be removed. A variety of Tundish EMS installation configurations are available for most tundish types.

Tundish EMS enhances quality, productivity and profitabilty in a number of ways. As well as improving non-metallic inclusion removal and overall steel cleanliness, it also provides temperature homogenization and stability throughout the entire tundish melt bath, reducing superheat and enhancing uniformity of temperature across various strands. Overall process repeatability and reliability is improved and costs are reduced by lowered consumption of tundish furniture such as dam, weir and baffle materials.

ABB offers the world's most comprehensive range of EMS for both steel and aluminium production processes, delivering metallurgical improvements that are proven to increase productivity, end-product quality and reduce operating costs for electric arc, ladle and aluminium furnaces, as well as thick and thin slab and billet and bloom casters.

A complete range of products, services and end-to-end solutions that improve productivity, quality, safety and cost-efficiency in iron, steel, aluminium and other metals production processes are available through ABB. Across the whole metals value chain, ABB demonstrates a commitment to optimize operations with high performance products and digital solutions.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation