ABB CRB 15000 SWIFTI – Education C: 2D Vision, 16/16 I/O and PLC Conveyor

Educational Aims

• Introduce students to an advanced collaborative robot system, complete with computer vision, pneumatic actuators and a motorised conveyor with PLC.
• Provide advanced practical skills in programming, managing and integrating the ABB CRB 1500 robot with sensors, cameras and safety devices.
• Simulate real Industry 4.0 applications: Pick&Place on a conveyor, 2D tracking and automatic tool change.
• Promote experiential, multidisciplinary teaching focused on solving complex problems.
• Offer a complete, certified and safe learning environment, suitable for work-based learning (PCTO), I.T.S. Academy and advanced technical training.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore collaborative robotics in depth with the ABB CRB 1500 SWIFTI™, equipped with built-in sensors and a laser scanner for safe human-machine interaction.
2. Manage complex digital signals (16 IN / 16 OUT) with I/O boards, a PROFINET bus, mimic panels and an integrated PLC to control automated conveying.
3. Use 2D computer vision systems for tracking, object recognition and robot guidance, with an industrial camera and dedicated vision software.
4. Develop applications with a two-finger electric gripper, a pen-holder tool and automatic tool change to simulate flexible production processes.
5. Integrate pneumatic actuators and PLC logic for exercises in assembly, testing, sorting and palletising in realistic scenarios.
6. Foster practical, digital and cross-disciplinary learning through hands-on, replicable projects in line with the real world of production.

Conclusion

The ABB CRB 1500 FP lab is a complete educational platform, designed for advanced training in collaborative robotics, industrial automation and computer vision.
By combining real technologies – including industrial cameras, advanced I/O systems, electric and pneumatic actuators, and a motorised conveyor with PLC – it allows Industry 4.0 and 5.0 scenarios to be simulated concretely and safely.
It is an ideal solution for ITS, technical institutes and training centres that want to prepare students for the professions of the future with practical, flexible tools in line with modern production needs.