In context
In early 2023, European manufacturers were increasingly turning to flexible automation to meet rising consumer demand for customized products. The kitchen furniture industry, traditionally reliant on manual labor, was ripe for robotic transformation. ABB's selection by Nobia for a new factory underscored a broader shift toward automated mass customization in process industries.
What was reported
ABB Robotics was chosen by Nobia, one of Europe's largest kitchen furniture producers, to supply a complete range of robots for its new factory in Jönköping, Sweden. The order includes the IRB 7600 for heavy handling, the IRB 4600 general-purpose robot, and the IRB 6700, a high-performance model in the 150–300 kg class that can offload about 2.5 tons per day per employee.
The automation is designed to enable mass production of customized cabinets with 75–80% higher time efficiency compared to non-automated processes. Nobia expects the factory to become fully operational in 2024, positioning it as one of Europe's most modern kitchen factories.
ABB will also support workforce development, training Nobia employees and students from Jönköping and Linköping universities at its newly opened training center in Jönköping.
“By taking on the dull, dirty and sometimes dangerous tasks, the range of robots will enable Nobia’s workers to take on safer, more rewarding work.”
Why it mattered
This project exemplified how robotics could transform traditional manufacturing into flexible, high-efficiency operations, demonstrating a scalable model for customized production in the furniture sector and beyond. The collaboration also highlighted the growing importance of regional automation expertise and workforce training in supporting industrial digitalization.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-04-16 · “ABB provides ‘complete range of robots’ for one of Europe’s largest kitchen makers”