ABB RobotStudio Cloud Enables Programming Collaboration in Real Time

ABB today announced that it has added cloud-enabled functionality to its RobotStudio robot programming and simulation software. The new RobotStudio Cloud enables individuals and teams to collaborate in real time on robot cell designs from anywhere in the world, on any device, it said.

The software includes new features such as automatic version control to increase transparency and productivity across teams, according to ABB. RobotStudio Cloud has simplified interfaces and intuitive navigation, allowing users of all skill levels to work on robotic projects, said the company.

“At ABB Robotics, we continue to develop innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses overcome challenges, respond to changing customer needs, and thrive in an age of increasing digitalization,” said Marc Segura, president of the ABB Robotics division.

“New Web-based tools like RobotStudio Cloud bring a new level of agility and flexibility to manufacturers in how they plan and design their robotic automation solutions," he added. "Offering a simplified user experience, RobotStudio Cloud helps to increase collaboration and reduce complexity, enabling both novices and experts to push the boundaries of robotics programming.”

RobotStudio Cloud offers to cut development time

RobotStudio was already the world’s leading robot programming software, claimed ABB Robotics. The company said the cloud-based version of RobotStudio Cloud can cut the time, cost, and disruption associated with physical testing and commissioning. Systems integrators and engineering teams can now collaborate in real time to design, develop, and enhance automated systems, it said.

The version-control feature in RobotStudio Cloud allows users to keep track of changes and have full transparency of any amendments. With complete knowledge of who edited the program and when, developers can resolve errors and performance issues in less time, said ABB.

In addition, RobotStudio’s cloud-based virtual controllers provide a robot simulation tool to test programs. By producing an exact digital twin, they can give developers complete confidence that – once installed in the real world – the robot will move as precisely as in the simulation. This allows for the fine-tuning and optimization that can help minimize waste or problems when production begins, ABB noted.

The software’s simplified interface makes it easier than ever to produce and change programs, enabling users with little engineering expertise to program robot applications rapidly and with minimum effort, said ABB. The company has also added enterprise-grade protections for security and productivity.

New version joins ABB portfolio

ABB said its RobotStudio software already offers over 500 integrated productivity-enhancing functions. For example, automatic path planning can reduce the time needed to program robots by 80%.

In addition, augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) options allow users to optimize the design of their robotic installations by enabling them to visualize and interact with them in a virtual 3D environment, the company said.

The RobotStudio Suite including RobotStudio Cloud is available in the Premium license package.

ABB Robotics is a unit of electrification and automation leader ABB with offices in Auburn Hills, Mich. It said it has shipped more than 400,000 robotic systems for a wide range of industries and applications.