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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2021: Global technology company ABB today unveils its expanding collaborative robot (cobot) portfolio, with the introduction of the new GoFa™ and SWIFTI™ cobots. The new cobots build on the success of YuMi – the world’s first truly collaborative robot – which was launched in 2015.
ABB believes cobots will help transform workplaces. Easy to use and install, cobots are designed to safely operate alongside humans without fences and are a cost effective and space efficient way for even small organisations to introduce automation.
GoFa™ and SWIFTI™ are designed so customers need not rely on in-house programming skills. This will unlock industries that have low levels of automation, with users able to operate their cobots within minutes of installation, straight out of the box, with no specialized training. If you can use a tablet or smartphone, you can use a cobot.
The launch is supported by the release of new research which shows that businesses globally are struggling to recruit and retain staff for a wide range of repetitive and challenging tasks that people increasingly do not want to do.
In a global survey1 conducted by ABB of large and small businesses across Europe, the US and China, 78% of company owners say recruiting staff for repetitive and ergonomically challenging jobs is a challenge - and companies are looking to robotic automation to help offset these labour shortages. The survey suggests as many as 8 out of 10 workplaces could feature a robot by 2030, with 84% of businesses saying they are likely to introduce, or increase the use of, robotics and automation in the next decade.
With 85% saying the pandemic had been “game changing” for their business and industry, COVID-19 has been a catalyst for many companies to accelerate investments in automation. 43% said they were looking to robotics to help them improve workplace health and safety, and over half (51%) said robotics could enhance social distancing. More than one-third (36%) are considering using robotic automation to improve the quality of work for their employees.
In 2019, more than 22,000 new collaborative robots were deployed globally, up 19% compared to the previous year2. The demand for cobots is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17% between 2020 and 20253; with the value of global sales
expected to increase from an estimated USD 0.7 billion in 2019 to USD 1.4 bn by 20254.
1ABB INDUSTRY SURVEY JANUARY 2020
· Conducted by 3Gem Global Market Research & Insights, the ABB industry survey of 1650 CEO or Managing Director decision-makers in large and small businesses in the US, China, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Sweden, included technology, retail, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, automotive, food & beverage, leisure, FMCG, and transportation & logistics executives. Conducted December 26, 2020 - January 19, 2021, 3Gem Research & Insights utilize industry-standard panel management systems and adhere to stringent quality control procedures; delivering double opt-in, GDPR-compliant consumer and B2B panels. 2Source: Interact Analysis The Collaborative Robot Market 3rd Edition (click here) 3 and 4Source: Interact Analysis The Collaborative Robot Market 3rd Edition (click here) and ABB internal analyses
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – GOFA & SWIFTI COBOTS
· The CRB 15000 GoFa cobot offers class-leading speed for payloads up to 5kg, and class-leading reach of 950mm. To support close human and robot collaboration without the need for safety barriers, GoFa features intelligent sensors in each joint to bring it to a complete stop in milliseconds if it comes into contact with a human, to eliminate the risk of injury.
· The CRB 1100 SWIFTI is a collaborative industrial robot capable of speeds of 5 meters per second with a payload up to 4 kg, which is 50% faster than other cobots in its class. Designed for intermittent collaboration between human and robot without fences, a laser scanner creates an active safety system, which slows the cobot and brings it to a stop when it detects a human worker approaching, for example to load, unload or reposition parts. As the person exits the safety zone, the cobot will return to full speed, so the production line doesn’t have to come to a complete stop.
· GoFa and SWIFTI will help businesses automate processes to assist workers with tasks including material handling, machine tending, component assembly and packaging in manufacturing, laboratories, logistics hubs and warehouses, workshops, and small production facilities. Every installation includes a start-up package that provides access to a support hotline and ABB Ability™ condition monitoring & diagnostics for the first six months. Customers will also benefit from ABB’s expert technical assistance, which is offering support across all industry segments.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION - ABB
· ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
· ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation is a pioneer in robotics, machine automation and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a diverse range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. As one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we have shipped more than 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to increase productivity, flexibility and simplicity and to improve output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs more than 10,000 people at over 100 locations in more than 53 countries. www.abb.com/robotics
23 February 2021
