ZURICH, Switzerland, May 6, 2026 – ABB Robotics launched PickMaster Lite to help packaging OEMs and system integrators deploy high-speed, vision-guided robotic picking applications with less programming and shorter commissioning cycles. The software combines picking, conveyor tracking and motion control in PickMaster package for packaging applications and lower total cost of ownership.
“Manufacturers are increasingly looking for automation that can be deployed quickly and reliably to keep pace with changing demand,” said Craig McDonnell, business line managing director industries at ABB Robotics. “With more than 74 percent of manufacturers facing ongoing labor shortages1, and nearly 80 percent of consumers expecting more personalized products2, the pressure to increase production flexibility is growing. PickMaster Lite enables machine builders to bring robotic picking systems online faster, while maintaining the performance and flexibility required for high-speed applications.”
PickMaster Lite is designed for machine builders and integrators working on standard picking and packing cells. The software supports common pick-and-place tasks where robots identify items, track conveyor movement and coordinate motion during packaging operations.
The software uses a task-based interface with pre-configured templates and workflows. PickMaster Lite reduces engineering effort by 30% and commissioning time by 25% compared with conventional pick-and-place software or PLC-based systems.
PickMaster Lite can connect with ABB Robotics’ RobotStudio software before installation. Users can create digital twins, simulate layouts and verify robot paths before deploying compact robotic picking machines.
The software also integrates with existing machine control architectures through ABB’s OmniCore controller. The controller supports communication with PLC and HMI systems, allowing recipe selection, start, stop and pause functions through existing machine controls.
PickMaster Lite is suited for cost-sensitive, high-volume standard picking and packing cell applications where simplicity, speed and reliability are critical, such as consumer goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics and e-commerce.
PickMaster Lite targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications in consumer goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics and e-commerce. It sits within the PickMaster family, with PickMaster adding greater customization and higher performance for complex picking tasks, while PickMaster Twin supports simulation, testing and real-time optimization of live picking lines.
References:
[1]. Source: World Manufacturing Foundation – ‘2024 World Manufacturing Report – new perspectives for the future of manufacturing: outlook 2030’
[2]. Source: Deloitte – ‘Unlocking customer growth: Driving high value actions through personalization and retail media’
Source: ABB Robotics
About ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is a business unit of ABB Ltd. that develops industrial and collaborative robots for automation. It produces robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, controllers, and software for manufacturing and logistics operations. The division supplies systems for assembly, welding, material handling, inspection, and packaging tasks. It serves automotive, electronics, logistics, food and beverage, and general manufacturing industries. ABB Robotics traces its origins to ABB’s formation in 1988. ABB Robotics has deployed more than 500,000 robotic systems worldwide. Customers include manufacturers, system integrators, and logistics operators. ABB employs about 110,000 people globally across all business units.