ABB Robotics Launches Energy Efficiency Service

ABB Robotics has launched an Energy Efficiency Service providing manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis and tools to increase the energy efficiency of its robots. The service offers up to 30 percent energy savings¹, addressing the high energy costs that hinder the competitiveness of 58 percent of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report².

Gauging the energy efficiency of industrial robots has traditionally been a complex task, involving measuring multiple electrical components. It has also been difficult to gauge the impact of factors such as inefficient setup, component sizing, overloading, and application changes that can cause changes in a robot’s original performance.

ABB Robotics Energy Efficiency Service will address 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 Optimisation, Program Optimization and Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking.

The Standby Energy Optimisation tool is an external measurement tool that customers can use to assess the real energy consumption of their robot and controller. Data gathered by the tool is used to generate a report with advice on ways to save energy and recommendations for further steps for fine-tuning performance.

The Program Optimization tool analyses a robot’s operating program to highlight areas where improvements can be made to save energy. Using back up data from the robot, the tool identifies measures such as adjusting the robot’s programmed speed or motion paths that can improve performance and reduce energy.

The Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking tool enables continuous monitoring of robot energy consumption and comparison. Data on energy consumption is made available, together with recommendations for improving performance and comparisons with robots in similar applications.

The service can also provide an analysis on the impact of upgrading to new generation technologies offering energy saving features. ABB’s next generation OmniCore robot controller, for example, offers best-in-class motion control, as well as 20 percent energy saving through features including power re-generation technology and brake energy recovery.

The Energy Efficiency Service is the latest development in ABB’s strategy to help businesses to transform its sustainability by using automation to optimize processes and minimize waste.

For more information, visit https://global.abb/group/en.

References:

1. Source: ABB pilot studies, based on the condition of the installed base and optimum performance improvements following all ABB recommendations
2. Source: ABB Energy Efficiency Movement (2024) – From Insight to Implementation: Business Perspectives on Energy Efficiency Investment