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Cobots carry more, reach further and improve repeatability
At the Automatica exhibition in Germany, ABB has launched two new variants of its GoFa collaborative robot (cobot) with heavier payload capacities (10-12kg), “best-in-class” reach and “market-leading” repeatability. The GoFa 10 and 12 cobots can handle an expanded range of tasks in close collaboration with workers, addressing skills and labour shortages, while improving safety and productivity. They are also claimed to lower the barriers to entry for first-time users, SMEs and educators by offering easy programming and rapid integration into production environments.
ABB says the cobots offer “class-beating” tool centre point (TCP) speeds of up to 2m/s with 0.02mm of deviation for greater repeatability – a two-fold improvement over rival systems. They are IP67-protected against moisture and dust, and extend the benefits of fast and accurate collaborative robotics to applications such as machine-tending, welding, parts-handling, polishing and assembly. The GoFa 10’s 1.62m reach – 14% further than others in its class – makes it suitable for palletising applications. The cobots are Cat 3/PL d safety certified, allowing close collaboration with workers.
“Since we launched our YuMi cobot in 2015, we have built an industry-leading cobot portfolio meeting growing demand for safe and easy-to-use automation solutions to plug gaps in skilled labour,” says ABB Robotics president, Marc Segura. “Addressing the need for collaborative robots with higher payloads and longer reach, our GoFa 10 and 12 cobots extend the benefits of automation to new industrial applications, even for first-time users.”
Lead-through programming and Wizard programming software simplify set-ups, allowing even non-specialists to automate applications quickly using simple graphical command blocks rather than writing complex programming code.
ABB’s SafeMove app, installed on the cobots’ FlexPendant controllers, supports safe speed limits, standstill monitoring, and orientation supervision, allowing close collaboration between robots and factory workers without needing bulky protective barriers or fences.
The new cobots work with ABB’s OmniCore controller. The combination of ABB’s TrueMove and QuickMove motion control technologies and intelligent torque and position sensors is said to ensure smooth movements for precise surface finishing, fastening, assembly and testing tasks. Power re-generation and brake energy recovery cut power requirements by up to 20%.
At Automatica, ABB demonstrated the GoFa 12 cobot performing precision machine-tending and palletising applications. On Schunk’s stand, visitors could see one of the cobots in a polishing application using its grippers and tools.
Also at Automatica, ABB launched an “ABB Robotics Ecosystem” programme that brings together third-party accessories such as grippers, cameras and customised software that are compatible with its robots.
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