ABB Dynamic Assembly Pack raises the bar for robotic automation

New force control sensors combined with UVT and CVG systems improve productivity in the automotive sector and make robots more precise

Designed to offer a fast, accurate and safe automated solution for installing interior and exterior trim in the automotive sector, ABB’s new Dynamic Assembly Pack for Final Trim and Assembly (FTA) combines real time vision cameras on the robot gripper and arms with integrated force control sensors to improve productivity, ergonomics and quality.

The Dynamic Assembly Pack solves all problems relating to the vibration of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and variations in the speed of the production line, factors that have made it difficult to accurately align parts with the car body without slowing down or pausing production for them to be fitted, increasing production times and reducing productivity.  

A Universal Video Tracking (UVT) camera allows the robot to precisely track the position of the car body as it enters the workstation on an AGV or conveyor. To compensate for any unexpected movements or vibrations, once the car body reaches a pre-defined position, the Compliant Vision Guidance (CVG) camera on the robot arm scans it for consistent reference points, such as door edges. By taking images at a rate of 30 to 40 frames per second (fps), the CVG camera determines whether the attachment point is where it should be and whether any adjustments are necessary to ensure exact positioning of the part being attached.

To help compensate for variations in ambient lighting that could affect image quality, both cameras incorporate LEDs to provide consistent illumination. As the robot arm moves towards the car body, feedback from ABB’s integrated force control sensor allows it to effectively find the exact position, for example cockpit positioning pins or door hinges, enabling parts to be fitted with millimetre precision.

In addition to robots and application-specific equipment, ABB offers a wide variety of production cells for the automotive industry, as well as the design, planning and implementation of complete manufacturing solutions. The ABB Ability™ platform also enables customers to benefit from various digital services such as process optimisation, fleet management and predictive maintenance.  

Image credits: new.abb.com