ABB’s Automation Builder unifies the capabilities of all systems, based on ABB program logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, motion control, and other industry automation components, into a single development environment. This integration significantly reduces software complexity, and eliminates a multitude of interface issues, hugely decreasing the number of problems that are linked to data exchange between the controller and the varied types of automated devices. Production is considerably enhanced when all the tools needed for programming, configuring, debugging, and maintenance are presented on a single user-friendly interface. Two industry trends reflect how ABB’s Automation Builder can be used for a multitude of applications.
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1. Improving Performance with Algorithms
As businesses move toward increased automation, machine learning algorithms broadly expand their ability to separate and analyze large data sets. Many businesses consider algorithms to be strategic corporate assets, and a catalyst for bringing increased data analysis into the business process. If the information is separate, without the ability to communicate, it remains incomplete. ABB’s Automation Builder combines and analyzes a vast number of information pools, and data streams about business operations, performance, the customer base, prospective clients, and marketplace happenings. Manufacturers who integrate this machine learning analytics into their operations, gain predictive insight into production. The algorithms being created are the result of repeating rounds of analysis, that occur within milliseconds. They are designed to continuously learn, are not limited by a preset number of variables, are open to new variables, and continuously seek optimized outcomes.
2. Increasing Safety Mechanisms
ABB’s Automation Builder integrates complex functional safety products, and applications, including Safety PLCs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), robots, drives, and motions. Safety levels during day-to-day operations are dependent on accurate data analysis and dissemination. Information availability, and knowledge are vital to respond correctly to incidents which could contribute to a major accident. The management, diagnostics, remote access, and maintenance of functional safety systems throughout the plant can be controlled from the Builder platform during their complete lifecycle. A unique feature of Automation Builder is a programming and simulation tool, RobotStudio which helps businesses complete training, programming, and optimization tasks without disrupting production. Along with reducing risk, RobotStudio:
- Increases profitability of the robot system
- Increases productivity
- Allows for short change-over periods