ABB launches next-generation Robotics control platform OmniCore

• Platform increases business productivity and flexibility through faster, more precise and more autonomous automation

• Result of $170 million strategic investment in control platform for next-generation robotics to accelerate advanced more sustainable automation

• Unique, single control architecture integrates ABB Robotics’ complete range of hardware and software

Today, ABB Robotics launched OmniCore™, an intelligent automation platform that is faster, more precise and more sustainable, to empower, enhance and futureproof businesses.

The OmniCore platform, the result of more than $170 million of investment in next generation robotics, is a step change to a modular and futureproof control architecture that will enable the full integration of AI, sensor, cloud and edge computing systems to create the most advanced and autonomous robotic applications.

“For our customers, automation is a strategic requirement as they seek greater flexibility, simplicity and efficiency in response to the global megatrends of labor shortages, uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. “Through our development of advanced mechatronics, AI and vision systems, our robots are more accessible, more capable, more flexible and more mobile than ever. But increasingly they must also work seamlessly together, with us and each other, to take on more tasks in more places. This is why we are launching OmniCore, a new milestone in our 50-year history in robotics; a unique, single control architecture – one platform, and one language that integrates our complete range of leading hardware and software.”

OmniCore’s class-leading motion performance delivers robot path accuracy at a level of less than 0.6mm, with multiple robots running at high speeds of up to 1,600mm per second. This opens new automation opportunities in precision areas such as arc welding, mobile phone display assembly, gluing and laser cutting. Overall, OmniCore enables robots to operate up to 25 percent faster and to consume up to 20 percent less energy compared to the previous ABB controller.

OmniCore is built on a scalable, modular control architecture that offers a wide array of functions to create almost any application imaginable, making it suitable for businesses embracing automation in existing and new segments, such as biotechnology and construction, amongst many others. With over 1,000 hardware and software features, customers can design, operate, maintain, and optimize operations easily. This is enabled by software features including ABB’s Absolute Accuracy, and PickMaster® Twin, as well as hardware options spanning from external axis and vision systems to fieldbuses.

“The OmniCore difference is its ability to manage motion, sensors and application equipment in a single holistic unified system,” said Marc Segura, Division President ABB Robotics. “OmniCore opens the door to the entire ABB Robotics portfolio of hardware and software, in any combination under a single control platform, offering endless possibilities and more avenues for value creation. For example, OmniCore enables automotive manufacturers to increase production speed, offering tremendous competitive advantage, increasing press tending production from 12 to 15 strokes per minute to produce 900 parts per hour. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in Robotics, we believe that OmniCore offers the potential for many more industry breakthroughs, empowering our customers across all sectors to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

OmniCore is the latest development in ABB Robotics’ 50 years of innovation, starting with the world’s first microprocessor-controlled robot in 1974, the launch of RobotStudio® software in 1998 and the acquisition of Sevensense in 2024, to bring industry-leading AI-based navigation technology to its mobile robots.

Learn more about ABB Robotics’ 50 years on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram or head to our landing page for all the latest news and updates – https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/events/50-years-of-robotic-innovation

Omnicore replaces ABB Robotics IRC5 controller which will be phased out in June 2026. ABB will continue to support its customers using IRC5 with spare parts and services through the remaining lifetime of the robot.

For more information, visit the ABB website or click here to register for a virtual conference and launch event for the new OmniCore platform at 10:00 CEST on June 4, 2024.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors – from automotive to electronics and logistics – become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics