ABB regional robotics hub opens in Singapore

ABB has opened its Regional Robotics Packaging Application Hub in Singapore. The hub will be a platform to develop novel robotics manufacturing solutions in hardware and software to benefit growing industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, consumer electronics and solar photovoltaics.

The new centre will also serve as a live learning and collaborative environment through research and problem-solving from real industrial cases. Through training industry partners and educational institutions, ABB will help to develop highly competent engineering talents to serve the Southeast Asia region, accelerating the growth of technical competencies locally and regionally.

Haider Rashid, head of ABB in Singapore and the South Asia region, said, “These are exciting times where robotics automation is revolutionising the face of manufacturing. We are looking forward to sharing our know-how and helping companies to become even more cost competitive while meeting the highest standards of productivity and quality, and we are excited about making a difference to industries in the region.”

Lim Kok Kiang, assistant managing director at the Singapore Economic Development Board, said, “Singapore is embarking on the Future of Manufacturing initiative to position ourselves as the leading advanced manufacturing hub in the region.

“As part of the initiative, we are encouraging the manufacturing sector to co-create and implement future manufacturing solutions in Singapore, leveraging technologies such as advanced robotics and automation, additive manufacturing and ICT solutions.”

An extension of ABB’s Robotics Application Centre that was established in 2010, the new 600 m² workshop features demo units for picking, packing and palletising processes. The facility will allow end customers, channel partners and ABB to run trials with actual products, assemble robotics systems and conduct factory acceptance tests before delivery.

Through contactless robotics technology, manufacturers can expect a high degree of hygiene, accuracy and consistency in their production. The speed and flexibility of robots allow fast changeover in products to meet customisation demands, and installation in hazardous environments without lighting, heating or air conditioning enables businesses to be more efficient in their energy usage, while lowering employee exposure to potential hazards.