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ABB's Next Generation Of Industrial Power Robot Grabs Wind River "Cool Customer Design" Award
The IRB 6600 is equipped with a unique “bending-backwards” flexible arm that enables it to complete multiple tasks in real-time, including upper arm extension and a selection of wrist movements to precise detail. Because the IRB 6600 can be swung over backwards, it can handle the toughest applications in spot welding, material handling and machine tending and makes the unit more compact and less costly. With this extended working range, manufacturers can build more compact production cells and have the freedom to modify their production environments without having to reorganize the entire production line.
“Since the mid-90’s, ABB relied on Wind River’s technology as an operational foundation to accomplish our design goals. In the case of the IRB 6600, we were able to get a head start on the project and focus on the complex programming that makes this new robot more humanoid and flexible that any of its predecessors or competitors in its class,” said Kent Vasberg, manager of base software development at ABB Robotics. “Wind River’s technology allowed us to focus on innovation and competitive differentiation, so ABB can offer manufacturers creative solutions to bring greater automation, control and efficiency to their production lines.”
“Time and time again ABB has trusted Wind River technology to speed product development in order to deliver robots that increase efficiencies and have a profound impact on production lines worldwide,” said Tom St. Dennis, CEO for Wind River. “Because this new design illustrates a new way of solving production line challenges, Wind River is pleased to honor ABB with Wind River’s Cool Customer Design Award for the IRB 6600. With its ground-breaking range and accuracy of motion, the IRB 6600 can enable many industrial applications where automation was not possible before.”
Wind River Technology and the IRB 6600
ABB used a combination of Wind River Technology in the development of the IRB 6600. The control system for the IRB 6600, which was built on Wind River’s VxWorksÒ real time operating system (RTOS), allows users to customize the robot to control different tasks and build on additional applications simply and on an as needed basis.
With Wind River’s networking technology, ABB also built into the IRB 6600 a Service Information System (SIS), which allows users to monitor the motion and load of the robot remotely through an Ethernet connection to a handheld device or a PC. The system can anticipate service levels, making it easy for plant controllers to plan the service and maintenance requirements of either a single robot or an entire line.
Wind River met with ABB’s internal safety critical standard “Active Safety” allowing Wind River technology to be used by ABB engineers.
About Wind River Systems, Inc.
Wind River is the worldwide leader in embedded software and services. It is the only company to provide market-specific embedded platforms that integrate real-time operating systems, development tools and technologies. Wind River’s products and professional services are used in multiple markets including aerospace and defense, automotive, digital consumer, industrial, and network infrastructure. Wind River provides high-integrity technology and expertise that enables its customers to create superior products more efficiently. Companies from around the world are standardising on Wind River, creating the most reliable products while also accelerating their time to market. For further details, check: www.windriver.com.
Wind River Systems, the Wind River Systems logo, VxWorks, and Tornado are registered trademarks. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective companies.
Contact Information
Jessica Miller
Global Corporate Communications
