ABB Robotics recently launched the third generation of PickMaster. The PickMaster line is ABB’s vision-guided robotic software for random flow picking and packing applications. The latest offering, the PickMaster Twin software, introduces digital twin technology capabilities. The new technology is intended to significantly reduce commissioning times from days to mere hours and cut changeover periods from hours down to minutes. According to ABB, the PickMaster Twin has 15 percent faster picking time, resulting in increased output and total line efficiency by 40 percent.
The digital twin technology actually allows manufacturers to test out robotic configurations on virtual production lines before even building physical lines. Offline programming of picking and programming tasks allows the user to create, simulate and test a complete robot installation in a virtual environment. A simulated twin can be directly connected to production operations, virtually optimizing the picking process while the process itself is being integrated simultaneously. This means the user can easily visualize complex robotic maneuvers for flow-wrapping, tray loading, case and carton packing, and application handling.
Product lines can then be installed much quicker without encountering unexpected hitches during commissioning, while also allowing for continuous optimization according to what is needed.
The PickMaster Twin also offers new intuitive interfaces to enhance the advanced application experience. The vibrant and colorful dashboards are built on ABB’s Ability Zenon Operations Data Management. Additionally, PickMaster Twin complies with the OMAC PackML (packaging machine language) standard, making it easy to assimilate to modern packing machines. The software also features online visual tuning in both X and Y directions.
According to the company, the new software is ideal for manufacturers that can benefit from mass customization and shorter product life cycles.
The PickMaster Twin is currently available in numerous configurations and seamlessly integrates with all ABB robots, as well as other virtual and physical machines.
“ABB’s PickMaster software is already the market leader for easy configuration of advanced robotic actions, and has set the industry benchmark for simplifying the robotic integration in picking, packing, and material handling for more than 18 years,” Head of Portfolio and Digital for ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation, Steven Wyatt, says. “These upgrades to ABB’s PickMaster technology will help our customers take high speed picking and rapid applications to the next level, whether it’s to boost picking and packing efficiency to reduce the cost of integrating robotics into production lines.”
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