ABB Robotics Consumer Industries Division has announced significant growth within its Partner Network

There is a trend among end users and integrators to call on the services of specialists with expertise in the food, beverage, packaging and pharmaceuticals sectors. Recognising that few plant engineers within manufacturing companies have the prerequisite skills to integrate robots into existing and new plant, ABB Robotics has established its Partner Network of experienced experts in robotics and automation integration. While modern robot systems are now easy to program and operate, the specification, installation and optimisation remain areas of specialist expertise.

Factors such as product handling (gripper technology), packaging technology, hygiene and machine vision all play key roles within the overall electromechanical, electronic and software solution.

There has been a growth in the number of packaging system integrators, but these businesses must have strong partnerships with both end users and robotics suppliers if their systems are to be efficient and cost effective.

ABB Robotics believes that the way forward is the establishment of formal alliances, since this enables information, technology and experience to be shared in a mutually secure manner to the benefit of the end user.

The ABB Robotics Partner Network not only enables system integrators, machine builders and consultant companies to gain access to project opportunities, but also provides a forum for regular exchange of information and know-how.

'The partnership concept is a growing trend in automation for consumer industries where the services of system integrators are now used in all sorts of installations,' commented Frank-Peter Kirgis of ABB Robotics Consumer Industries Division.

'Robotic technology demands a similar approach, and the ABB Partner Network is helping to create a broader knowledge base in the marketplace'.