ABB announces collaborative development in handheld control for robots

ABB announces collaborative development in handheld control for robots

Keywords: Robots, Programming, ABB

Easier than ever control devices based on Microsoft .NET Compact Framework

Hand held control for robots is taking a quantum leap forward with the development of a range of next generation application software devices, based on the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework (Plate 1).

The pioneering work is being undertaken by ABB, one of the world's largest producers of industrial robots, and an organisation totally committed to making its peripheral devices easier to use for operators, programmers, integrators,and service people alike. The work is part of a larger scheme to develop hand held devices for industry, with initial development focus on adapting the .NET Compact Framework to improve communication between human and machine for robot users.

"Easy customisation of the interface is a key feature of the software," says David Marshall, Business Manager, Robotics, ABB. "The ability to harness the power of Microsoft .NET is proving extremely fruitful in bringing easy-to-use features into our next generation, robot-based products," he adds.

The work with handhelds is just one project ABB has undertaken with Microsoft. A four-way alliance has been recently announced between ABB,Accenture, Intel and Microsoft to help manufacturers bridge the gap between plant floor operations and enterprise IT systems. It also paves the way for continuing collaboration among the industry partners – as illustrated by ABB's new applications based on the .NET Compact Framework.

 Plate 1 An ABB handheld robot

For more information, please contact: David Marshall, ABB, Auriga House,Precedent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes, MK13 8PQ. Tel: +44 (0) 1908 350300;Fax: +44 (0) 1908 350301; E-mail: david.marshall@gb.abb.com