ABB Formally Introduces Its Dual-Arm Robot
Rick Carter | April 30, 2015
ABB, the power and automation technology provider, formally introduced its YuMi collaborative dual-arm industrial robot at last month’s Hannover Messe trade show in Hannover, Germany. The robot, whose pre-unveiling presence has already attracted attention at events in the U.S. and abroad, was described as another step in ABB’s Next Level strategy, which is aimed at accelerating sustainable value creation.
“The new era of robotic coworkers is here,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer in an industry release. “YuMi makes collaboration between humans and robots a reality … and will change the way humans and robots interact.”
Designed to meet the flexible production needs of the consumer electronics industry, YuMi has equal application in any small-parts assembly process, thanks to its dual arms, flexible hands, universal parts feeding system, camera-based part location, lead-through programming and precise motion control. The unit can operate in close collaboration with humans due to an inherently safe design. Its lightweight, magnesium skeleton is covered with a floating plastic casing and soft padding that absorb impacts. If the robot senses an impact, it can quickly pause its motion, and be restarted with the push of a button.
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