ABB Introduces Two New GoFa Collaborative Robot Arms to Boost Productivity
Introduction:
ABB has recently introduced two new additions to its GoFa collaborative robot lineup – the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12. These innovative cobots have the capability to handle payloads up to 10 and 12 kg respectively, allowing companies to enhance their productivity and efficiency through automation. By working closely with factory workers, these cobots address the issues of labor shortages and skills gaps while improving safety in the workplace. The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 also boast impressive tool center point speeds and repeatability, making them ideal for a range of industrial applications, including machine tending, welding, parts handling, and assembly. With their easy programming and deployment, these cobots lower barriers to automation for first-time users and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). ABB’s commitment to safety is also evident in the integration of the SafeMove robot safety monitoring app, which enables close collaboration between humans and robots without the need for bulky protective barriers. Additionally, ABB has expanded its large robot range, offering even more choice and performance. Tune in to the Robot Report Podcast to hear Marc Segura, President of the ABB Robotics Division, discuss the new GoFa products and the future of robotics.
Full Article: ABB Introduces Two New GoFa Collaborative Robot Arms to Boost Productivity
ABB Launches GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 Collaborative Robots to Boost Automation
ABB, a leading robotics and automation technology company, has recently introduced two new variants of its popular GoFa collaborative robot. The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 are designed to provide companies with increased efficiency and new opportunities for leveraging cobot automation. With the ability to handle payloads of up to 10 and 12 kg (approximately 22 and 26 lbs) respectively, these cobots offer expanded capabilities in close collaboration with factory workers, addressing labor shortages while improving safety and productivity.
Enhanced Payloads and Improved Performance
The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 cobots not only boast impressive payload capacities, but they also offer class-leading tool center point (TCP) speeds of up to 2 meters per second (around 6.5 feet per second) with exceptional 0.02-millimeter repeatability. This represents a twofold improvement compared to similar solutions available in the market. Additionally, these cobots are IP67-certified against moisture and dust ingress, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications such as machine tending, welding, parts handling, polishing, and assembly.
Extended Reach and User-Friendly Programming
Featuring a 1.62-meter reach (approximately 5.3 feet), the GoFa 10 is particularly well-suited for palletizing applications. Both the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 cobots are designed to be user-friendly, allowing for easy programming, deployment, and operation. ABB’s lead-through programming and Wizard easy programming software simplify the setup process, enabling first-time users and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to quickly automate their applications without the need for specialized programming skills. The software allows users to manipulate simple graphical command blocks instead of writing complex programming code.
Enhanced Safety Features
Equipped with ABB’s FlexPendant robot controller, the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 cobots come pre-installed with the ABB SafeMove robot safety monitoring app. This app incorporates advanced safety features such as safe speed limits, standstill monitoring, and orientation supervision. These features facilitate close collaboration between robots and factory workers without the need for bulky protective barriers or fencing, ensuring a safe working environment.
Expansion of ABB’s Industrial Robot Range
Alongside the introduction of the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 cobots, ABB has expanded its range of large robots by adding four new industrial robot arms and introducing 22 variants. This expansion provides customers with increased choice, improved coverage, and enhanced performance options to meet their specific automation needs.
Insights from ABB Robotics Division President
Marc Segura, President of the ABB Robotics Division, recently discussed the new GoFa products and more on The Robot Report Podcast. With over 25 years of industry experience at ABB, Segura shared his perspective on the current state of the robotics market, ABB product roadmap, and the future of mobile robots. He also introduced the new lineup of ABB industrial robots with changeable link sizes, which enables 22 variants of four base models.
The launch of the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 collaborative robots reinforces ABB’s commitment to driving automation and robotics innovation. With their enhanced payloads, improved performance, user-friendly programming, and advanced safety features, these cobots empower companies to optimize their operations, improve productivity, and navigate the evolving landscape of industrial automation.
Summary: ABB Introduces Two New GoFa Collaborative Robot Arms to Boost Productivity
ABB has introduced two new variants of its GoFa collaborative robot, the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12. These cobots can handle payloads of up to 10 and 12 kg respectively and offer improved tool center point (TCP) speeds and repeatability. With IP67 certification against moisture and dust ingress, they can automate tasks such as machine tending, welding, parts handling, and assembly. The GoFa 10 also has a 1.62-meter reach, making it ideal for palletizing applications. These cobots are easy to program and deploy, making them suitable for first-time users and SMEs. ABB has also expanded its large robot range, offering more choice and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is robotics?
A1: Robotics is a multidisciplinary field that combines various branches of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, and computer science, to design, build, and program machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention. These machines, called robots, are programmed to manipulate objects, interact with their environment, and carry out specific tasks efficiently.
Q2: What are the different types of robots?
A2: There are several types of robots based on their design and functionality. Some common types include:
1. Industrial Robots: These robots are used in manufacturing industries for tasks such as assembly, welding, and packing.
2. Service Robots: These robots are designed to perform tasks outside of the manufacturing environment, such as in healthcare, agriculture, or home automation.
3. Autonomous Robots: These robots can operate independently, making decisions based on their environment and sensors.
4. Humanoid Robots: These robots are designed to mimic human actions and movements, often used in research, entertainment, or assistance roles.
Q3: What are the benefits of using robots?
A3: Incorporating robots into various industries and fields offers several benefits, including:
1. Increased productivity and efficiency: Robots can perform tasks with greater speed and precision than humans, leading to improved productivity levels.
2. Improved safety: Robots can work in hazardous or challenging environments, reducing the risk of injuries to human workers.
3. Cost savings: By automating certain processes, companies can reduce labor costs and achieve higher profitability.
4. Enhanced precision and accuracy: Robots are capable of performing repetitive tasks with consistent precision, eliminating human errors.
5. Time savings: Robots can work continuously without the need for breaks or rest, thus saving time and increasing output.
Q4: What skills are essential for a career in robotics?
A4: A career in robotics requires a combination of technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Some essential skills include:
1. Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, or Java is crucial for coding the behavior and functionalities of robots.
2. Electronics and Electrical Engineering: A strong foundation in electronics and electrical engineering is necessary to understand the components and circuits used in robotics.
3. Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering: Knowledge of mechanical systems, materials, and design principles is essential for building and manipulating robotic structures.
4. Mathematics and Algorithm Design: Strong mathematical skills are necessary to develop algorithms for robot control, navigation, and machine learning.
5. Problem-solving and Critical Thinking: Robotics often involves solving complex problems, so having the ability to think critically and find innovative solutions is highly valuable.
Q5: What are the ethical considerations associated with robotics?
A5: Robotics raises several ethical concerns that need to be addressed. Some common considerations include:
1. Job displacement: The increased adoption of robots in industries may lead to job losses for human workers, requiring strategies to mitigate unemployment.
2. Privacy and security: As robots become more sophisticated and capable of collecting data, ensuring the privacy and security of that data becomes a concern.
3. Autonomous decision-making: Robots with high levels of autonomy may raise ethical questions regarding their decision-making capabilities and accountability for their actions.
4. Human-robot interaction: Establishing guidelines and standards for interactions between humans and robots, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare or caregiving, is crucial.
5. Bias and discrimination: The algorithms and data used to train robots can perpetuate biases or discrimination if not carefully managed, requiring ethical frameworks to address these issues.
Remember to always review and update these answers based on the latest advancements and information in the field of robotics.
