ABB launches Ultra Accuracy feature for GoFa cobots

ABB Robotics recently launched Ultra Accuracy, a new feature for its GoFa collaborative robot (cobot) arm family.

The feature can deliver a path accuracy of 0.03 millimeters, which the company said can support manufacturing production in the electronics, automotive, aerospace, and metalwork fabrication industries.

The Ultra Accuracy feature is available for both new GoFa systems and as a retrofit option for existing GoFa cobots.

"As industries look to automation to enhance product quality and achieve tighter tolerances - continuously decreasing the maximum allowable deviation from the standard in quality control - there is a growing need for robots that can perform tasks with exceptional precision," said Andrea Cassoni, ABB Robotics global head of collaborative robots. "By combining ultra-accurate path performance with GoFa's inherent simplicity, safety, and flexibility, ABB’s new Ultra Accuracy feature opens a wide range of possibilities for the use of cobots in businesses including electronics, automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication."

Applications include welding, inspection, and additive manufacturing

ABB said its Ultra Accuracy feature meets the demands of applications where exact positioning is crucial for maintaining product quality and operational efficiency. Additional benefits include the combination of precision with speed and a full range of motion.

The company said manufacturing applications Ultra Accuracy can support include:

• Gluing and sealing in consumer electronics production
• Laser welding of automotive parts to tight tolerances
• Composite material layering in aerospace manufacturing
• Precision laser cutting in metalwork fabrication
• Layer positioning in additive manufacturing and 3D printing
• Performing precision quality inspection in metrology applications.

Pre-calibrated GoFa cobots, RobotStudio AR software speed up deployment

Unlike conventional two-dimensional gantry systems traditionally used in electronics manufacturing, GoFa cobots can offer full six-dimensional motion across their entire workspace upon delivery, without requiring additional calibration work. ABB said this design can provide the flexibility and mobility to handle a broader range of tasks.

GoFa’s compact and portable design allows it to be easily integrated into existing production lines without the need for expensive customization. ABB said its GoFa robot arms with the Ultra Accuracy feature can be introduced into production with minimal installation and deployment time, as the calibration is done in the factory prior to delivery.

The combination of Ultra Accuracy and RobotStudio augmented reality simulation software enables the programming of applications offline. ABB said RobotStudio can deliver a 99% match between the simulation and reality, eliminating the need for touch-ups and guaranteeing precise and efficient implementation.