ABB's YuMi robot arrives in Australia

ABB has announced that following the global launch of YuMi, to a huge fanfare at the Hannover Messe in April of this year, the world’s first truly collaborative robot is now available in Australia.

The robot has the ability to work side by side on the same tasks as humans while still ensuring the safety of those around it — thereby eliminating the need for protective barriers or safety zones. Its lightweight yet rigid magnesium skeleton features a floating plastic casing wrapped in soft padding in order to absorb impacts.

While YuMi is particularly suited to small parts assembly and pick-and-place applications within the electronics industry, its ability to work alongside humans is expected to enable it to drive efficiencies across a wide variety of innovative applications — particularly due to its inherently safe design.

“We have received strong levels of interest in YuMi across a variety of industries, including the education sector. The first robot for Australian delivery was sold recently, even before it hit our shores,” said Peter Katsos, business unit manager, ABB Robotics.