In context
In mid-2023, collaborative robots were increasingly seen as a solution to skilled labor shortages, but many cobots were limited to lighter payloads. ABB's expansion of its GoFa line aimed to address this gap, offering higher payload options to extend automation to new applications.
What was reported
ABB introduced two new variants of its GoFa collaborative robot: the GoFa 10 and GoFa 12, capable of handling payloads up to 10 kg and 12 kg respectively. These cobots feature market-leading repeatability with a tool center point (TCP) speed of up to two meters per second and a deviation of only 0.02 mm—a two-fold improvement over comparable solutions.
The GoFa 10 offers a reach of 1.62 meters, 14 percent more than others in its class, making it suitable for palletizing applications. Both models are IP67-certified against moisture and dust, enabling use in demanding tasks such as machine tending, welding, parts handling, polishing, and assembly.
Designed for ease of use, the cobots support lead-through programming and ABB's Wizard software, allowing non-specialists to automate applications without complex code. The ABB SafeMove app, pre-installed on the FlexPendant controller, ensures safe collaboration without protective barriers. Powered by the OmniCore controller with TrueMove and QuickMove technologies, they achieve smooth movements for high-precision tasks. Energy-saving features reduce power requirements by up to 20 percent.
ABB also launched its Robotics Ecosystem program, integrating third-party accessories like grippers and cameras. The GoFa 12 debuted at Automatica 2023, demonstrating machine tending and palletizing applications.
“Addressing the need for collaborative robots with higher payloads and longer reach, our GoFa 10 and 12 cobots extend the benefits of automation to new industrial applications, even for first time users.”
Why it mattered
This expansion signaled a trend toward higher-payload cobots that can handle more industrial tasks, potentially accelerating adoption among SMEs and first-time users. The combination of ease of use, safety features, and ecosystem support made collaborative automation more accessible, addressing labor shortages and improving productivity in manufacturing.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-07-21 · “ABB expands its GoFa collaborative robot range”