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ABB Collaborates with Vention to Expand Robotics Solutions for Small and Midsize Manufacturers
Small and midsize manufacturers (SMMs) have long faced challenges in the adoption of robotics due to factors such as unclear starting points, complicated purchasing processes, and uncertainties regarding return on investment. In an effort to address these issues, do-it-yourself (DIY) robotics marketplaces have emerged in recent years, aiming to streamline automation for these businesses.
In a significant development, Vention has integrated ABB’s GoFa collaborative robot arms into its Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP). This partnership will allow Vention customers to design, program, order, and deploy these robotic solutions more seamlessly. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, the integration aims to simplify the entire process, from initial design of robotic cells to operational deployment on factory floors.
Vention describes DIY automation as “self-designing and implementing industrial automation solutions without the involvement of multiple third parties or the need for extensive expertise in automation.” With this collaboration, ABB seeks to strengthen its presence in this expanding market.
Nicolas Durand, Vice President and General Manager of ABB Robotics Canada, emphasized the alignment of efforts between both companies: “ABB has been focused on robotics, while Vention has resolved challenges regarding application and deployment. This synergy is especially beneficial for enterprises looking to venture into robotics for the first time while minimizing initial costs.”
ABB’s GoFa collection includes collaborative robots with payload capacities of 5 kg, 10 kg, and 12 kg. These robots boast a repeatability of 0.02 mm and a reach of up to 1.62 meters, making them suitable for a variety of applications such as assembly, material handling, inspection, and welding. Each GoFa cobot features integrated torque sensors in their joints, enhancing their performance through superior power and force limiting capabilities.
The GoFa robots are fully compatible with Vention’s MAP, which encompasses tools such as MachineBuilder (design), MachineLogic (robot programming), MachineAnalytics (operations monitoring), and Remote Support (on-demand assistance). Availability of the GoFa cobots on the Rapid Series application line is set for later in 2025. ABB and Vention have previously worked together on various robotics projects.
ABB also boasts a SWIFTI line of cobots that complements the GoFa portfolio. The company has a strong reputation for high-speed and heavy-duty industrial robots, recently bolstered by a $190 million acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics, expanding its offerings to autonomous mobile robots.
However, this partnership exclusively features the GoFa cobots for the time being. The offerings on Vention’s MAP mainly include collaborative arms from various manufacturers such as Doosan Robotics, FANUC, Kinova, and Universal Robots, in addition to industrial robots from FANUC and SCARA robots from Epson and FANUC. Notably, Vention’s MAP does not currently include autonomous mobile robots.
Etienne Lacroix, founder and CEO of Vention, remarked on customer demand, stating, “Our clients have specifically requested the ABB brand, and we previously could not meet that need. We select partners meticulously to ensure our commitment to providing simplicity in automation solutions. Our aim is to democratize industrial automation by collaborating with only those partners who can make a significant impact in the market.”
ABB’s influence in the robotics sector is substantial, having received recognition earlier in 2024 for its new modular industrial robot arms, which provide a range of options based on a standardized design. This modular approach allows for greater efficiency in the development and deployment of various robot models.
Additionally, ABB has introduced the next-generation OmniCore platform, capable of managing most of its automation products, thereby enhancing operational capability and flexibility.
In another strategic move, Vention announced a partnership with NVIDIA in June 2024, aiming to elevate its AI capabilities. This collaboration is expected to facilitate the creation of digital twins and accelerate generative design processes for robot cells, as well as enhance programming and simulation capabilities.
John Bubnikovich, President of ABB Robotics US, is set to join a keynote panel focused on robotics innovation at the upcoming RoboBusiness event on October 16-17 in Santa Clara, California. The panel will explore the challenges and opportunities within the industry, as well as the potential impact of emerging technologies like generative AI and humanoid robots across various sectors. The event promises a wide array of exhibitors, expert discussions, a robotics startup competition, and extensive networking opportunities for industry stakeholders.
Source
www.therobotreport.com