A Technical visit to ABB Malaysia took place on 1st Oct 2015 (Thursday) and attended by 5 IET members and 6 non-members. The visit was organised by IET C&A TPN and IET Malaysia Network. All participants arrived at ABB Malaysia Office before 9.30 am and the visit commenced with the safety briefing and introduction about ABB Malaysia at their meeting room. During the presentation, participants learnt about ABB operation and business portfolio in Malaysia and were told that the first ABB power generator installed in Malaysia was in  1904 by MFO Oerlikon. 



After the presentation, Mr. Richard Yeoh, Senior Manager from ABB Malaysia took the team to visit their Low Voltage Motor Control Centre (MCC) fabrication plant at the back of their office. At the fabrication plant, Richard explained their various types of MCC are fabricated, most of the motor starters are withdrawable type and mainly used for oil & gas application. The MCC fabrication starts from panel designs, panel structure construction, components selection, starter wiring and finally finishes with the testing, complying with IEC61439 requirements. 



Next to the LV MCC fabrication plant is the MV Switchgear fabrication. Their Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear Panel range from 11kV to 33kV. Their switchgears are installed at the local substation as well as being exported to Asia Pacific Region. Similar to LV MCC fabrication, the MV switchgear is fabricated,  starting from control section wiring, panel structure fabrication and busbar installation. Each switchgear is finished with final testing before being shipped out to customers. 



After the factory tour, all participants were invited to  visit ABB show room with some  showcases including ABB 800xA DCS, Low Voltage Switchgear, Medium Voltage Switchgear, LV components and robots.



At the robotic showcase, ABB staff  programmed  the robot arm pick-up the boxes from the pellet and move it to the conveyor with a defined orientation. However, the conveyor was controlled by ABB AC-500 PLC and AC drive where the conveyor speed can be adjusted. 



Other than this standard industrial robot, they also showed their new launch Dual-arm Robot – YuMi. Mr. Choong, Regional Manager from Robotic Division explained and performed the demonstration on this YuMi robot. YuMi is a uniquely designed to replicate human attributes, innovation that provides complete solution for the automation of small parts assembly particularly in the electronics industry.    



The visit concluded with a question and answer session before presenting a token of appreciation to ABB. Ir. Chang representing IET Control and Automation (C&A) TPN and IET Malaysia Local Network presented the Plate to Mr. Lai from ABB. There was also lunch provided and a good networking session with ABB staff during the lunch session where participants learnt more about the latest technology development in the area of E&E and Automation industrial.    



Report by  Ir. Chang