ABB Extends No-code Wizard Easy Programming to Industrial Robots
ABB was the first manufacturer to offer intuitive, block-based no-code programming for cobots and full range of 6-axis industrial robots. First-time users can program their collaborative and industrial robots within minutes for free.
Posted: December 3, 2023
ABB Robotics has extended the scope of its free Wizard Easy Programming software to include its 6-axis industrial robots powered by an OmniCore controller in addition to its collaborative robots. This makes ABB the first robot manufacturer to offer an easy-to-use, no-code programming tool for cobots and 6-axis industrial robots, lowering barriers to automation for new users and offering ecosystem partners and integrators an efficient tool to support their customers.
“Addressing industry challenges and opportunities is essential to sustain and accelerate the worldwide adoption of robotics automation,” says Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics. “By extending Wizard Easy Programming to our 6-axis industrial robots, ABB Robotics is responding to the scarcity of skilled labor and rising manufacturer demand for simple and easy-to use robot programming software for their robot fleets.”
Building robot applications with no prior training
Wizard Easy Programming uses a graphical, no-code, drag-and-drop programming approach designed to simplify the development of robot applications. The software helps first-time and expert robot users to develop applications in minutes – a task that typically requires one week of training and another for development. Since it was first released in 2020, Wizard Easy Programming has been widely adopted in a range of applications using ABBs collaborative robot portfolio, comprising the YuMi®, SWIFTITM, and GoFa™ cobot families.
The software helps operators with no prior training to develop robot applications such as arc welding or machine tending. It also increases operational flexibility, allowing users to modify existing programs and pre-programmed blocks that control various behaviors, ranging from robot movements to signal instructions and force control, through its intuitive graphical user interface.
Efficient creation of custom code for use case specific applications
Catering to novice and experienced users, Wizard Easy Programming comes with Skill Creator, a tool that helps system integrators and other expert users efficiently create customized, application-specific Wizard blocks for use with their customers. Skill Creator can simplify the creation of highly specific tasks like machine tending and welding and intricate applications including medical inspections. Meanwhile ecosystem partners developing accessories such as grippers, feeders, and cameras will gain access to a digital tool to share product-specific functionalities, regardless of the type of robot they will be deployed on.
Wizard Easy Programming comes preinstalled on all cobots and new six-axis industrial robots powered by OmniCore, ABB’s best-in-class robot controller family, which delivers an average 20 percent energy savings and futureproofs deployments by offering built-in digital connectivity and 1000+ scalable functions.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots, and machine automation solutions, designed, and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors – from automotive to electronics and logistics – become more resilient, flexible, and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries.
