Buzzword demystifier: cobots

Robots that sit beside you. Is that a thing?

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_{Anthony Byatt}
External contributor

For most of their history, industrial robots have been placed behind safety barriers designed to protect humans from potential hazards. These measures impose obvious restrictions on the places robots can be used and the types of tasks for which they can be employed.

What if robots could mix freely with humans, sharing their workspace, lending a helping hand and thereby opening up a whole new world of applications across many industries?

Enter the collaborative robot, or cobot.

Cobots represent a significant advancement in automation technology. Unlike traditional, isolated industrial robots, cobots are engineered to be inherently safe, user-friendly and adaptable. This makes them suitable for working alongside humans in a shared workspace in a wide range of applications across various industries. All ABB cobots, for example, are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including force and torque sensing, speed monitoring and emergency stop capabilities.

The concept of cobots emerged in the mid-1990s. Over the years, advances in sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have significantly enhanced the capabilities and functionalities of cobots, allowing them to perform complex tasks with precision and reliability. ABB has contributed substantially to the development and popularization of cobots and they are now an integral part of ABB’s broader strategy to drive the future of automation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of industries worldwide.

Meet the ABB cobot family

ABB’s range of cobots includes the YuMi family and the GoFa™ and SWIFTI™ cobot lines. Each model addresses different industrial needs and applications, providing versatility and adaptability across various sectors.

YuMi, derived from “you and me,” embodies the robot’s collaborative nature. Launched in 2015, YuMi was the world’s first truly collaborative dual-arm robot, designed to work harmoniously with human workers. YuMi’s dual arms and advanced control algorithms enable it to perform complex assembly tasks precisely. Its compact design and integrated vision system make it ideal for small parts assembly.

Introduced in 2021, GoFa is a single-arm cobot designed for higher payloads and a more extended reach than YuMi. The newest GoFa models, the GoFa 10 and 12, can handle payloads up to 10 and 12 kg, respectively. SWIFTI, also launched in 2021, can operate at high speeds while ensuring safety through advanced sensor technology. 

The design of ABB’s cobots adheres to rigorous safety standards, allowing them to operate without extensive safety barriers.

Collegial collaboration

Ease of use is an essential aspect of ABB cobots, which often feature graphical user interfaces and drag -and-drop programming. For example, ABB’s Wizard Easy Programming software allows users to program the robots without needing extensive coding knowledge and quickly deploy them.

ABB cobots are highly adaptable and can easily be reconfigured for different tasks, essential for applications across multiple industries. Their modular design allows for easy integration with other systems and tools, enhancing their versatility.

Assembly, packaging and quality inspection are tasks typically taken on by cobots. Here, they improve precision and consisten cy while reducing the risk of errors. For instance, YuMi is widely used in the electronics industry to assemble delicate components with high accuracy. GoFa and SWIFTI assist with sorting, picking and packing tasks.

ABB cobots are also making inroads into the healthcare sector. They are used for tasks such as laboratory automation, sample handling and medication preparation, thus freeing healthcare professionals for more productive tasks.

The future of ABB cobots looks promising as advances in AI, ML and sensor technology continue to enhance cobot capabilities. As industries increasingly adopt intelligent manufacturing practices, ABB cobots will play a crucial role.

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