ABB Ltd

About: ABB Ltd is a company organization based out in Zurich, Switzerland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Voltage & Signal. The organization has 6222 authors who have published 6852 publications receiving 83994 citations.

Method and a control system for monitoring the condition of an industrial robot

Abstract: An industrial robot diagnostic method including performing a condition analysis utilizing at least two selected input signals, wherein each selected input signal indicates a condition related to a property of the industrial robot, performing an analysis of any combination of the selected input signals utilizing a signal modeling of the signals and outputting from the condition analyzer a result being at least one of: a detection of a malfunction of the robot system, an identification of a root cause failure in the robot system and prediction of a potential malfunction in the robot system. Also an industrial robot system utilizing the method.

CAD-guided automated nanoassembly using atomic force microscopy-based nonrobotics

Abstract: Nanoassembly using atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a promising technique for nanomanufacturing. Most AFM-based nanoassembly schemes are implemented either manually using haptic devices or in an interactive way between the users and the atomic force microscope images. These schemes are time consuming and inefficient. Therefore, the computer-aided design (CAD)-guided automated nanoassembly using AFM is desirable for nanomanufacturing. In this paper, a general framework for CAD-guided automated nanoassembly using AFM is developed. Based on the CAD model of a nanostructure, the manipulation paths for both nanoparticles and nanorods are generated automatically. A local scanning method is developed to compensate for the random drift that may cause the failure of the nanoassembly. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed general framework can be employed to manufacture nanostructures efficiently. The research work opens a door to the CAD-guided automated nanomanufacturing using AFM. Note to Practitioners-Atomic force microscope (AFM)-based nanoassembly will lead to potential breakthroughs in manufacturing new revolutionary industrial products because many potential nanostructures and nanodevices are asymmetric, which cannot be manufactured using self-assembly only. In order to increase the efficiency and accuracy of AFM-based nanoassembly, automated computer-aided-design (CAD)-guided nanoassembly is desirable to manufacture nanostructures and nanodevices. Based on the CAD model, the environment model and the model of the nanoobjects, collision-free paths are generated to control the AFM tip to manipulate nanoobjects. A local scanning method is developed to obtain the actual position of each nanoobject to compensate for the random drift. Since the building materials of nanostructures and nanodevices may include nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, etc., automated path planning algorithms are developed for both nanoparticles and nanorods. The experimental results show that the developed general framework can be used to manufacture nanostructures more efficiently.

Distribution Automation Strategies Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Landscape

Abstract: With the spotlight on smart grid development around the world, it is critical to recognize the key factors contributing to changing power system characteristics. This is more apparent in distribution systems with the integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and microgrid development. Utilities are also focusing on the reliability and resiliency of the grid. These activities require distribution automation (DA) strategies that take advantage of available technologies while promoting newer solutions. It is necessary to create a roadmap for holistic DA strategies in a smarter grid. Sustainable and resilient grid development is a paradigm shift requiring a new line of thinking in the engineering, operation, and maintenance of the power system. International perspectives on DA are also addressed, with the understanding that one solution will not fit all. Integrating technical, business, and policy decisions into the challenges will generate the development of technologies, standards, and implementation of the overall solution. The challenges in the development of industry standards are also discussed. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities in the changing landscape of the distribution systems. Evolution of technologies and the business case for infrastructure investment in distribution systems are covered in another paper by the same authors.

Method and system for high performance data metatagging and data indexing using coprocessors

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for hardware-accelerating the generation of metadata for a data stream using a coprocessor (450). Using these techniques, data can be richly indexed, classified, and clustered at high speeds. Reconfigurable logic (402) such a field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be used by the coprocessor for this hardware acceleration. Techniques such as exact matching, approximate matching, and regular expression pattern matching can be employed by the coprocessor to generate desired metadata for the data stream.

Robotic wash cell using recycled pure water

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a robotic wash cell including a six-axis robotic arm and end effector equipped with nozzles that spray unheated, solvent free, pure water at high-pressure to clean or debur objects by maintaining the nozzles in close proximity and substantially normal to each surface being cleaned or edge being deburred. The robotic cell wash is particularly useful for cleaning contaminants such as oil and grease from items having more complex shapes. The six-axis robotic arm positions the nozzles and their sprays substantially normal to each surface being cleaned or deburred. The nozzles produce a multi-zone spray pattern with a continuous effective cleaning zone. A water recycling and pressurizing system collects the used water, separates out the oil and grease contaminants to a level of about 5 ppm, and pressurizes the pure water to about 3,000 psi for washing operations or about 6,000 psi for deburring operations.