ABB Robotics has unveiled a new single-arm collaborative robot at the International Robotics Exhibition (iREX) 2017 in Tokyo.
The company says it is building on the success of YuMi, the dual-arm industrial robot which ABB describes as “the world’s first truly collaborative”.
ABB says the new single-arm collaborative robot “combines industry-leading capabilities with a much smaller footprint” (see video below).
As their name suggests, collaborative robots are designed to work alongside humans on the factory floor to raise productivity and support the transition to mass customization.
The new single-arm robot will be officially launched in 2018.
Like YuMi, a small-parts assembly robot introduced in 2015, the new robot has a payload of 500 grams, and ABB says its compactness enables it to “easily integrated into existing assembly lines, increasing productivity”.
The new robot also features lead-through programming, eliminating the need for specialized training for operators, adds ABB.
Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s robotics and motion division, says: “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, ABB Robotics, says: “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 customization.
“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.”
ABB is exhibiting at iREX 2017 from November 29 to December 2, in the East Hall, Booth IR3-56.
