What Are ABB Collaborative Robots?
Collaborative robots (cobots) are a new generation of industrial robots designed to work directly alongside humans without the need for safety barriers. Unlike traditional robots that operate in isolated enclosures, cobots are equipped with force sensors, torque sensors, and collision detection systems that automatically stop the robot upon contact with an operator, ensuring absolute safety on the production floor.
ABB – a global technology leader headquartered in Switzerland – is one of the pioneers in collaborative robotics. With over 50 years of experience in automation and robotics, ABB has developed a diverse cobot portfolio that addresses everything from assembling ultra-small electronic components to operating heavy-duty CNC machines.
ABB Collaborative Robot Lineup
ABB currently offers three main collaborative robot families, each optimized for a specific range of applications:
| Specification | GoFa (CRB 15000) | SWIFTI (CRB 1100) | YuMi (IRB 14000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload | 5 – 12 kg | 4 kg | 0.5 kg/arm |
| Reach | Up to 1.62 m | 580 mm | 559 mm |
| TCP Speed | 2.2 m/s | 5 m/s | 1.5 m/s |
| Axes | 6 | 6 | 7 x 2 arms |
| Key Highlight | Ultra-high precision | Industrial-grade speed | World’s first dual-arm cobot |
GoFa (CRB 15000) – Versatile Cobot with Exceptional Precision
GoFa is ABB’s flagship collaborative robot, designed for applications that demand the perfect balance of payload, reach, and high accuracy. It is the most popular choice in modern manufacturing facilities thanks to its outstanding flexibility.
Key Specifications
- Payload: 5 kg, 10 kg, or 12 kg depending on the variant, covering a wide range of production requirements
- Reach: Up to 1.62 m – 14% longer than competing cobots in the same class
- TCP Speed: 2.2 m/s, delivering significantly higher throughput
- 6 degrees of freedom with integrated torque and position sensors at every joint
- Controller: OmniCore™ – ABB’s next-generation control platform
- Energy savings: Up to 20% compared to previous cobot generations
Ultra Accuracy Technology
What sets GoFa apart from the competition is its Ultra Accuracy feature – an ABB-exclusive technology that delivers:
- Path accuracy: 0.03 mm
- Absolute position accuracy: 0.1 mm
- 10 times more precise than standard cobots on the market
With this level of precision, GoFa can handle tasks previously reserved for traditional industrial robots – such as laser welding, laser cutting, precision adhesive dispensing, and quality inspection measurements – all within a safe, human-collaborative environment.
Simple Programming, No Expertise Required
GoFa supports two intuitive programming methods:
- Lead-through programming: The operator simply grasps the robot arm and guides it to the desired positions while the robot records the trajectory automatically
- Wizard Easy Programming: A drag-and-drop interface on a tablet that requires absolutely no coding. Operators simply select pre-built function blocks and arrange them in the desired sequence
As a result, even employees with no prior robot programming experience can set up and operate GoFa in just a few hours, significantly reducing training and deployment costs.
Safety That Meets International Standards
GoFa is certified to international safety standards