ABB, a pioneering technology leader is now previewing its newest collaborative robot, with a single arm, at the International Robotics Exhibition (iREX) 2017 in Tokyo. As their name suggests, collaborative robots are designed to work alongside humans on the factory floor to raise productivity and support the transition to mass customization. The robot will be officially launched in 2018. Like YuMi, a small-parts assembly robot introduced in 2015, the new robot has a payload of 500 grams and, thanks to its compactness, is easily integrated into existing assembly lines, increasing productivity. The new robot also features lead-through programming, eliminating the need for specialized training for operators.
