ABB Introduces Energy Efficiency Service To Optimize Robot Performance

Globally renowned industrial automation technologist ABB Robotics announced the launch of its Energy Efficiency Service. The service is intended to support businesses in their efforts to incorporate sustainable practices within robotic operations. The Energy Efficiency Service offers energy efficiency advice, analysis of energy consumption, and optimization tools to help reduce energy usage and cut associated costs.

Companies across the globe seek to improve energy efficiency in their robotic operations. Image used courtesy of ABB Robotics

ABB’s Energy Efficiency Service

ABB customers will be able to use the new Energy Efficiency Service to track and improve robot energy consumption. The service also allows customers to assess changes in energy efficiencies when upgrading existing robotic hardware to new energy-saving technologies. According to ABB, the new service could help businesses reduce energy usage by up to 30%. To do this, the service utilizes three tools: Standby Energy Optimization, Program Optimization, and Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking.

ABB’s Energy Efficiency Service offers a set of tools to help improve energy efficiency in robotic technologies. Video used courtesy of ABB Robotics

Optimizing Robot Efficiency

The Energy Efficiency Service’s Standby Energy Optimization tool calculates the energy consumption of robots and controllers. Through the collection and analysis of energy consumption data, a comprehensive report is produced that includes tailored suggestions on ways to minimize energy usage and enhance robot performance for increased efficiency.

The Program Optimization tool assesses robots’ operating software, which helps identify locations where energy can be saved. It makes recommendations for changes to increase energy efficiency based on performance data, such as changing the robot's velocity or motion patterns.

With the Energy Monitoring and Benchmarking tool, customers can also evaluate performance across comparable applications and benefit from 24/7 monitoring of energy consumption. Energy consumption data can be assessed to provide valuable insights to help guide customers in improving robot performance.

According to the Energy Efficiency Movement, 93% of businesses seek to implement energy efficiency upgrades over the next three years. Image used courtesy of ABB Robotics

Energy Consumption and Efficiency

With the climate-conscious goals set out by the Paris Agreement and the pledge for a doubling of energy efficiency improvements put forward by the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), industrial companies across the globe are actively working toward achieving greater sustainability.

According to the Energy Efficiency Investment Survey 2024, 93% of businesses seek to implement energy efficiency upgrades over the next three years, and 69% already perform energy efficiency audits. Businesses understand that customers seek companies with core sustainability practices embedded in their workflows, which helps maintain their competitive edge. Additionally, compliance with carbon footprint regulations can help make businesses eligible for tax benefits or government incentives linked to sustainability efforts.

ABB's Energy Efficiency Service was developed to help businesses optimize robotic system energy consumption and consequently, cut operating expenses. Furthermore, it encourages sustainability by reducing wasteful energy use, which lowers carbon emissions.