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ABB Partners with Vention to Enhance Robotics Accessibility for Manufacturing
Small and midsize manufacturers (SMMs) have often found it challenging to integrate robotics into their operations. Key obstacles include a lack of clear guidance on starting points, complicated purchasing and installation processes, and doubts regarding the potential return on investment. To address these issues, the emergence of do-it-yourself (DIY) robotics marketplaces has been notable in recent years.
In an important development for the robotics industry, Vention has announced the addition of ABB’s GoFa collaborative robot arms to its Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP). This platform serves as a comprehensive hub where customers can design, program, and deploy robotic systems with ease.
This new collaboration allows Vention customers to purchase ABB’s GoFa cobots directly through the MAP, ensuring seamless integration throughout the entire robotic cell design and operational phases. The partnership aims to simplify the process for manufacturers looking to adopt robotics, providing crucial support for those entering the field.
Vention describes DIY automation as a method of creating and implementing industrial automation solutions independently, without requiring extensive third-party assistance or deep expertise in the field. This aligns with ABB’s goal to penetrate the growing market of DIY robotics.
Nicolas Durand, vice president and general manager at ABB Robotics Canada, remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating, “Both ABB and Vention have been independently working on lowering that adoption barrier for robotics. We did it on the robot front, while Vention focused on the application and deployment aspects. This partnership is particularly beneficial for first-time adopters looking to reduce their initial investment.”
ABB currently offers three variants of GoFa cobots, designed to handle payload capacities of 5, 10, and 12 kg (11, 22, and 26.4 lb.), with an impressive repeatability rate of 0.02 mm and a reach of up to 1.62 m (5.3 ft.).
These collaborative robots are specifically engineered for various applications, including assembly, material handling, inspection, and welding, among others. Notably, each of the six jointed sections of the GoFa cobots includes integrated torque sensors, enhancing their ability to manage power and force-limiting performance.
The GoFa cobots will be fully integrated with Vention’s array of tools, including MachineBuilder for design, MachineLogic for programming, MachineAnalytics for monitoring operations, and Remote Support services. Availability within Vention’s Rapid Series application line is expected in late 2025.
Exploration of ABB’s Broader Offerings
In addition to the GoFa series, ABB has developed the SWIFTI line of collaborative robots, which builds on the technology of the original YuMi cobot. Known for its robust lineup of high-speed and heavy-duty industrial robots, ABB has also made significant acquisitions, such as the $190 million investment in 2021 for ASTI Mobile Robotics, now expanding into autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
However, the current partnership with Vention focuses exclusively on the GoFa cobots. The MAP offers other robotic arms from various companies, including Doosan Robotics, FANUC, Kinova, and Universal Robots, as well as industrial robots and SCARA robots from suppliers like Epson and FANUC. Notably, Vention does not market AMRs on its platform.
Etienne Lacroix, founder and CEO of Vention, emphasized the importance of quality partnerships for their business model, stating, “We had clients specifically demanding the ABB brand, and we were not able to serve them. Our mission is to simplify automation and democratize access to industrial processes. We prioritize working with select partners who can advance the market.”
Continued Innovation at ABB
ABB remains at the forefront of robotics innovation, recently awarded a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for its new range of modular industrial robot arms. These four new models encompass 22 variants, all utilizing a standard modular design that streamlines components across the lineup, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
ABB has also unveiled its next-generation OmniCore platform, designed to control its wide range of automation solutions. This technological advancement promises to enhance operational capabilities across multiple applications.
Additionally, Vention has formed a strategic partnership with NVIDIA to enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence. This collaboration aims to facilitate the creation of digital twins more efficiently and to innovate generative designs for robotic cells, co-pilot programming, physics-based simulations, and autonomous robots.
John Bubnikovich, president of ABB Robotics US, is set to speak on a keynote panel dedicated to robotics innovation during the upcoming RoboBusiness event on October 16-17 in Santa Clara, California. The discussion will cover the challenges and opportunities the industry faces and explore the impact of emerging technologies like generative AI and humanoid robots across various sectors.
The RoboBusiness event will bring together nearly 100 exhibitors, over 70 speakers, a robotics startup competition, and extensive networking opportunities, drawing thousands of stakeholders from around the globe to explore the future of robotics.
Source
www.therobotreport.com