ABB launches next-generation OmniCore control

ABB Robotics has launched OmniCore, an intelligent automation platform that is faster,
more precise and more sustainable, to empower, enhance and futureproof businesses.
The company says that its OmniCore platform, the result of more than $170m 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 in 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 labour shortages,
uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably,” says 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, capable, flexible and
mobile than ever. But increasingly they must also work together seamlessly, with us and
each other, to take on more tasks in more places. That’s 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 hardware and software range.”

OmniCore’s motion performance delivers robot path accuracy at a level of less than 0.6 mm,
with multiple robots running at high speeds of up to 1600 mm per second. Thes capabilities
open 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% faster and to consume up to 20% less energy compared with the previous ABB
controller.
More information www.go.abb/robotics

RK partners with DCM

RK International Machine Tools has a new partnership with DCM Tech, a US-based grinding machine specialist. The collaboration will bring DCM Tech’s surface grinding machines to the UK and Irish markets, enhancing RK International’s capabilities and offerings. DCM Tech is known for its IG series surface grinders featuring user-friendly interface, variable speed spindle and table control, automatic down feed, automatic part detection, and closed-loop coolant filtration. “RK International’s extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction align perfectly with our values,” says DCM Tech’s president Jennifer Rutz.

More information www.rk-int.com

AWI leads with £10k Guide Dogs donation

A kind-hearted Black Country manufacturer is helping visually impaired people with its biggest charity donation yet. Alloy Wire International (AWI), which supplies a range of 60 exotic alloys to over 6000 industrial customers globally, has given £10,000 to leading charity Guide Dogs. Part of its ‘Wired for Good’ campaign, the value of the gift has seen the company name its own guide dog puppy ‘Allie’, who is currently going through training prior to placement. She will be one of 200 current working guide dog partnerships across the Black Country, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

More information www.alloywire.com

Mec Com Fabrications reports record year

A precision fabricator and specialist in electromechanical assembly is on course for its best-ever 12 months to mark its 25th anniversary. Mec Com Fabrications, which employs 230 people across two manufacturing facilities in Staffordshire and Cluj-Napoca, Romania, is set to hit the £27m sales mark after winning a string of new orders. The company’s order book is nearly 20% up on the budget set in 2023, providing the perfect birthday present for the business which was formed in 1999 by a group of employees who reacted to GEC-Alstom wanting to outsource its sheet metal and mechanical parts manufacturing capabilities.

More information www.mec-com.co.uk

Mills CNC names open house dates

Mills CNC’s ‘Pushing the boundaries’ open house will take place at the company’s technology campus in Leamington Spa on 9-10 October. Featuring 16 machine tools manufactured by DN Solutions and a number of automated manufacturing cells, the event is part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Says Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s CEO: “We’ve designed the event to help manufacturers realise their true potential and transform their productivity, performance and process efficiencies.” The machine tool line-up from DN Solutions will include best-selling models from its DVF series of five-axis machining centres, its SMX multi-tasking mill-turn range and the company’s series of vertical turning lathes.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk