Auburn Hills, Michigan– ABB Robotics, a supplier of industrial robots, has reached an agreement with A123 Systems to provide robotic automation systems for the assembly and manufacturing of lithium-ion battery modules and packs. A123 Systems, headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures and supplies high-power lithium ion batteries designed to deliver a new combination of power, safety and life. A123 Systems selected ABB to design and build the automation systems based on ABB’s overall company strength, ongoing involvement in advanced battery applications in the power industry, and widespread global presence. Additional factors include ABB’s advanced Force Control assembly technology, laser welding expertise and leadership in robotic innovation and technology.
The order will include 15 total robots, including the IRB 360 FlexPicker™ robot, the second generation of ABB’s industry pioneering, high speed pick and place delta robot, and four additional robot models (IRBs 1600, 2400, 4400 and 6640). Additional elements of the system include TrueView™, ABB's proprietary Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) System that simplifies programming and helps customers achieve new levels of manufacturing efficiency and profitability; and Force Control, which allows the robot to quickly and accurately adapt its force based on the surface contour and consistency of the materials and component parts being processed.
Ultimately the technology will reduce the United States’ dependence on foreign oil and reduce the collective carbon footprint of battery assembly and manufacturing. Design of this system will commence in February 2010, and the order should be shipped to A123 Systems by August 30, 2010.
Tom Stroin is Vice President of Robot Automation, ABB Robotics, North America.
ABB (http://www.abb.com/) is in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in approximately 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people.
ABB Robotics (www.abb.com/robotics) is a supplier of industrial robots – also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries.
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