ABB Measurement and Analytics has added an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) from its parent company to its Lake Como factory.

ABB says the automation has led to a 90% improvement in overall logistics efficiency at the instrumentation factory.

The company installed the ABB OmniVance FlexBuffer robot system, which now manages all warehouse loading and offloading activities.

“We wanted to improve logistics at the Ossuccio site, while also enhancing the entire manufacturing process,” says Mariafrancesca Madrigrano, the factory’s general manager. 

Eliminating manual handling has also reduced the time required for final assembly of packages by 30%. This improvement is critical since the process handles one piece every three minutes. 

The solution consists of two ABB OmniVance FlexBuffer systems connected by a conveyor, each one equipped with ABB robots to enable efficient order handling. 

FlexBuffer allows for easy transitions between buffering, storing and sequencing tasks. 

The mixed item variant of the FlexBuffer enables the user to store a wide variety of box sizes, all being handled with the same robot gripper. Because of the dynamic racking positions all boxes are stored with minimal loss of space.

Adoption of the system has enhanced working conditions for operators, alleviating the physical strain associated with manually handling heavy boxes. 

In addition, the workforce was reallocated to other manufacturing areas that required additional manpower, giving the factory a greater flexibility during production peaks.

The ABB Ossuccio factory makes pressure transmitters that enable industrial companies around the world to measure, monitor and control applied force. 

Key for both safety and efficiency, pressure measurement is fundamental in industrial digital transformation. The factory exports 90% of its production.