Building on the success of YuMi (said to be the world’s first truly collaborative dual-arm industrial robot), ABB (
www.abb.com) recently unveiled a single-arm model at the
International Robotics Exhibition 2017 in Tokyo.
As their name suggests, collaborative robots are designed to work alongside people on the factory floor “to raise productivity and support the transition to mass customisation”.
The new robot will be officially launched in 2018. Like YuMi (a small-parts assembly robot introduced in 2015), it has a payload of 500gm and can be integrated into existing assembly lines. It also features lead-through programming, eliminating the need for specialised operator training.
Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics and Motion division, said: “The success of YuMi has exceeded expectations. It was originally designed for small-parts assembly, but it has turned out to be exceptionally versatile; it can solve a Rubik’s Cube, make sushi, wrap gifts and conduct an orchestra.
"Based on YuMi’s enormous success, we fully expect our new single-arm robot to be equally well-received, especially since it was developed at the request of customers.”
Per Vegard Nerseth, managing director of ABB Robotics, said: “We continue to build our collaborative robotics portfolio. The newest robot is a much anticipated addition to the ‘factory of the future,’ enabling our customers to grow and thrive in the age of mass customisation.
“Combining this robot with our ABB Ability digital solutions will allow our customers to take efficiency and reliability in their factories to the next level.”