New Robot Products Aimed Primarily at Medium-Sized Businesses
In an increasingly competitive global market, medium-sized businesses are often the backbone of innovation and economic growth. Understanding this critical dynamic, ABB is stepping up its game with the launch of three new robot families tailored specifically for these enterprises. With a rich 30-year history in robotics within China, ABB is now poised to address the unique automation needs of medium-sized businesses, aiming to simplify processes and enhance productivity.
The Growing Market for Robotics in Medium-Sized Businesses
China’s robotics sector has seen unparalleled growth, particularly in the mid-market segment which is projected to expand at a remarkable 24% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2021 and 2024. With expectations of sustained growth at around 8% annually through 2028, the demand for accessible and user-friendly solutions has never been greater. This is where ABB steps in, equipped with a fresh portfolio that caters to the burgeoning needs of businesses looking to automate.
Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area, emphasizes China’s significance in the global robotics ecosystem, stating, “China is the world’s largest robotics market and for ABB Robotics.” This strategic positioning signals ABB’s commitment to addressing the increasing demand from small and medium-sized businesses for efficient and effective solutions.
Meet the New Products
Lite+: Simplifying Material Handling
First on the list is Lite+, designed explicitly for essential material handling and pick-and-place operations. This compact robot aims to lower the barriers to automation, particularly for smaller operators who may be hesitant to invest in more complex systems. Its flexibility allows for seamless integration with ABB’s range of IRB robots, creating a robust solution for various industries, including electronics manufacturing.
PoWa: Speed Meets Collaboration
Next is PoWa, a cutting-edge collaborative robot or cobot that marries speed and efficiency. Capable of achieving industrial-level speeds of up to 5.8 m/s, PoWa is particularly suited for fast-paced tasks like pick-and-place, palletizing, and machine tending. What sets PoWa apart is its no-code programming, allowing operators to set it up within an hour right out of the box. This plug-and-play capability makes it a highly attractive option for medium-sized enterprises that may lack extensive technical expertise.
IRB 1200 (New Generation): High-Speed Precision
Last but certainly not least is the redesigned IRB 1200, which is more compact and about 20% lighter than its predecessor. Optimized for high-speed and high-precision applications such as assembly, polishing, and dispensing, this next-generation robot enables manufacturers to create space-efficient production cells that significantly boost throughput and operational efficiency. The IRB 1200 is aimed at a global market but reflects ABB’s commitment to local manufacturing and user needs.
AI-Powered Innovations for Seamless Integration
All three robot families operate on ABB’s OmniCore controller platform, which merges the capabilities of AI, sensors, and cloud computing. This integration provides access to ABB’s renowned software suite, including RobotStudio, which assists in optimizing robotic tasks. Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, underscores this technological synergy, stating, “By delivering flexible, modular, AI-powered technology that lowers barriers to automation, we are driving adoption of advanced manufacturing in new segments.”
One standout feature showcased at ABB’s launch event in Shanghai is a pioneering AI-driven natural language software tool, particularly useful for teaching robots. Employing ABB’s PoWa collaborative robot, this revolutionary tool simplifies the programming process into three intuitive steps: “see, speak, do.” This enables the robot to visually interpret its surroundings, process verbal commands in real-time, and execute these commands with pinpoint accuracy.
A Commitment to Local Manufacturing and Innovation
ABB’s commitment to Chinese manufacturing is evident, with over 90% of its robots for domestic customers manufactured locally. This focus not only reduces lead times but also supports China’s transformation into an advanced manufacturing hub. As Henry Han, president of robotics in China, articulates, “Today, we continue to expand our robotics leadership in China, for China and beyond.” This underscores ABB’s mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes, fostering growth and innovation in this critical region.
In conclusion, ABB’s launch of these three new robotics families signals its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of medium-sized businesses in an increasingly automated world. As companies look to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, these innovative solutions are positioned to be game-changers, paving the way for future advancements in industrial automation. The landscape of robotics in medium-sized businesses is set for a transformative evolution, one that ABB is eager to lead.